Sean Bernard of Ideal Industries Discusses Taking on YPN National Chair for EFC

LDS Bernard YPN 400

Jan 27, 2020

By Blake Marchand

Sean Bernard is the Intelligent Controls Manager, Canada for Ideal Industries. Sean resides in Whitby with his wife, Melissa and their daughter, Everleigh.

Sean joined Ideal Industries mid-2019 after 13-years in lighting, working for companies like Phillips, Franklin Empire, and Standard Products. Throughout that time, he made his way from inside sales, to outside sales and up into management.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of this industry for 13-years, having worked on both the manufacturing and distribution ends of the business,” he said, adding, “The biggest reason that I’ve enjoyed my time in the industry so far is the fact that no two days are the same. The rate of change in the industry is exciting and certainly keeps you engaged from day to day.”

Recently, the Electro Federation Canada (EFC) announced a new leadership group for its Young Professionals Network (YPN), electing a new national chair and regional chairs for the Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regions.

After two years (2017-2019) as the Ontario Region Chair, Sean will take over the National Chair position from Kim Quelch of Eglo Canada. Joanna Kwant of Gerrie Electric was named as the Ontario Region Chair, Jean-Francois Gravel from Leviton Canada was named Quebec Region Chair, and Nick Foster also from Leviton Canada was named Atlantic Region Chair.

“As the YPN took shape,” said Sean of his decision to run for National Chair, “I could see the impact that we were having. I learned so much from past chairs that I wanted to do my part to ensure that we continued their vision.”

Sean is passionate about his industry, which is evident in his commitment to the YPN as well as his enthusiasm for the industry in general. In the interview below Sean discusses his current role, his involvement with the YPN and his thoughts on relevant technologies and trends in lighting.

Can you tell me a bit about your current role – what interests you, what challenges you?

Currently, I am proudly serving as Intelligent Controls Manager – Canada for Ideal Industries (Canada) Corp.  This is a role that was created recently to bring together the lighting controls offering of Ideal Industries (Audacy Wireless Controls and the offerings of Cree Lighting Canada, acquired in March of 2019) under a cohesive market approach. 

The lighting controls market is undergoing a huge shift due to technology advancements and the wants/needs of the end user. The challenge of meeting these requirements has been rewarding as we continue achieve new solutions.

When did you first get involved with the YPN? Why did you get involved and what has your experience been like so far?

I was asked to join the Ontario Region committee at the YPN’s inception 5 years ago. It was an easy decision to participate as I firmly believe in being an active member of the industry as a whole. I am very proud of our accomplishments and the level of engagement that we’ve seen from the YPN’s. The group as a whole has really bought in to the value of networking and sharing ideas as we embark in the early stages of our careers.

What is the benefit of these types of programs, to individuals and the industry in general?

Anyone coming into a new industry or just starting their career is looking for like minded people that they can share ideas with and learn from each other. The YPN has provided that platform for a great number of people from all segments of the industry. We are now closing in on 600 members across the country and will hopefully be adding a new provincial chapter early on in 2020.   

What’s interesting to you right now in the industry/what are you focusing on with respect to trends and new products etc?

My background has been predominantly in lighting and I don’t believe any segment of the industry has seen a bigger shift in the last 10 years. The commoditization of LED felt like it happened overnight and the continued advancements in the technology changes things from one day to the next. 

Along with the LED revolution came the requirement for lighting controls to advance technology approaches. Some of the requests from end users that we are being approached with today from a controls perspective seemed far fetched just a few years ago, but with all of the R&D that has gone into these systems we are now able to turn these requests into reality. 

Where are intelligent lighting controls at right now and where do you see it going?

Lighting controls are certainly in the mainstream conversation for any retrofit or new construction project today.  The strides in technology that have been achieved and what is currently being developed are making the capabilities of these systems far more important to end users. 

The biggest trend and impact on the market will be systems focused on human centric lighting controls (dimming and white light tuning). There is also a big push on continuing advancements in the home automation segment.

Blake Marchand is an Associate Editor with Kerrwil Electrical Group

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage Announces New Partnership with Zilux

    Contact Delage: New Representation Agreement – Zilux

    Contact Delage is pleased to announce a new partnership with Zilux for the representation of their products in the regions of Montreal, Laval, Estrie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie. Specializing in the design of aluminum lighting and urban furniture, Zilux, a Quebec-based manufacturer, combines innovation and durability to enhance your outdoor design projects. Their expertise in… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies Announces Jamie Capell as the New Sales Manager for Lighting Specification

    Expanding Expertise: Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce the expansion of its lighting division with the addition of Jamie Capell as the Sales Manager for Lighting Specification. Jamie brings 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, most notably serving as the Director of Sales for a local lighting agency in British Columbia. With… Read More…


Design

  • Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Traditionally, lighting design could be a tedious process, often involving physical mockups, time-consuming calculations, and static renderings using multiple software tools. With advancing technology, these traditional methods are giving way to more sophisticated tools that enhance precision, speed, and visualization. On the downside, many of the new tools are not particularly intuitive and the learning… Read More…

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1… Read More…


New Products

  • Magic Lite: New 5-Channel High-Performance LED Amplifier

    Magic Lite: New 5-Channel High-Performance LED Amplifier

    Designed for professional-grade LED systems, the 5-Channel High-Performance Amplifier delivers precision, scalability, and reliability. Using advanced MOSFET technology and high-speed 10Mbps optical couplers, this amplifier ensures robust power output and flawless signal transmission across large-scale, synchronized LED applications. Whether expanding capacity for PWM controllers or enhancing system stability, this amplifier simplifies complex lighting designs while… Read More…

  • Eureka: Lattice – 3D Printed Ceiling Suspended Fixture

    Eureka: Lattice – 3D Printed Ceiling Suspended Fixture

    Lattice is a one-of-a-kind 3D metal printed fixture. Layer upon layer of intricately braided aluminum branches meld into one of three comprehensive shapes. The result is a stunning glowing light fixture that will add a luxurious feel to ambient environments. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON DEMAND. Read More…