Ideal Supply Announces Tim MacDonald’s Retirement and Promotes Howie Pruden

EIN Ideal Deschenes 400

May 11, 2021

After 40 years of combined service and leadership of Ideal Supply, the company has announced Tim MacDonald, President, will be retiring as of June 30, 2021

Starting his Ideal Supply career in 1981, Tim worked in several different capacities within the company in his early days and succeeded his father John, as President in 1995 and CEO in 2000. This year, Ideal Supply is celebrating its 95th year of operation. Tim has provided visionary leadership to the company throughout his many years and together with his sister Joan and brother, John (Satch), continued to grow the company into the leading distributor of electrical and auto parts serving their markets. Ideal Supply became a member of Deschênes Group in 2016 and Tim’s significant contributions within the DGI management group have been very much appreciated. Tim always points out that his success is due to the many great employees, past and present that have contributed to building Ideal Supply into the dynamic company it is today. Over the years, Tim has garnered the respect of employees, customers and suppliers because of his professional, fair and loyal approach to relationships and business.

IDEAL Supply leadership“Please join us in wishing Tim and his wife Alexandra, a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement as they transition into their new stage of life,” said Francois Deschenes, President and CEO of Deschênes Group.

Howie Pruden has been promoted to the position of Vice President and General Manager of Ideal Supply succeeding Tim MacDonald effective June 30, 2021.

Since 2010, Howie has held the position of Vice President Purchasing and Logistics within Ideal Supply and has been a senior management team member. Howie has 40+ years of experience and continues to be a significant contributor to the growth of the company.

“We are confident that with his extensive knowledge and experience in both the electrical and automotive sectors of the business, together with his passion for customer service and teamwork, he will provide strong leadership to the management team and employees of the company. Howie is a proven leader both inside the organization as well as outside as evidenced through his many years of executive level support of local community athletics,” said Francois.

Tim and Howie will work together through the next several weeks to ensure as seamless a transition as possible. Howie will report to Joe Senese, Vice president Operations, Deschênes Group.

www.idealsupply.com

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    June 19, 2026 NSAA has now launched the Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) to provide a faster, easier, and more transparent way for apprentices and employers to manage apprenticeship activity. For Apprentices, Apprenticeship Management System will allow you to:  For Employers, with Apprenticeship Management System, you will be able to:  For Tradespersons Your launch of Apprenticeship… Read More…

  • IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    By CSC LED IP ratings are among the most frequently referenced specifications in lighting, yet they are often misunderstood or oversimplified. While they may appear to be just another number on a specification sheet, IP ratings play an important role in determining where a fixture can be installed and how it will perform over time.… Read More…

  • The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The real divide is not domestic versus offshore. It is between committed, accountable partners and transactional, price‑only players. The CSA mark sits inside that story as one important signal but it is only a subset of what the market should be looking at. Read More…

  • Alberta OHS Code Review

    Alberta OHS Code Review

    June 15, 2026 Albertans are invited to provide feedback for Alberta’s ongoing review of Alberta’s OHS Code. Complete the surveys by July 8. Albertans are invited to participate in our ongoing review of the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). This is an opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and streamline… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    June 19, 2026 AEMC® Instruments, part of the Chauvin Arnoux Group® welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada.  Mark will serve as your primary point of contact for product information, technical support, and order coordination in the Eastern Canada region. With over two decades of experience in technical sales, distribution and business development, Mark brings a… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    June 19, 2026 Statement from BCCA: The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) welcomes today’s joint announcement by the federal and provincial governments to invest in housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and public transit across British Columbia, including funding to reduce Development Cost Charges (DCCs). These investments will help support the infrastructure needed to enable new housing and… Read More…

  • ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    June 15, 2026 ECAO is proud to recognize the recipients of their Recognition of Safety Achievement Award. This award honours member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety through outstanding safety performance and a strong culture of prevention. The Recognition of Safety Achievement Award celebrates organizations that maintain injury and illness statistics below the… Read More…

  • ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    June 15, 2026 ECS is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg. Jeff joined ECS with a mandate to establish the company’s presence in Manitoba. Having successfully balanced both sales and leadership responsibilities, he will now focus fully on developing his team, strengthening branch capabilities, and positioning Winnipeg for continued… Read More…