This article is part of a seven-part series celebrating Niagara College’s Alumni of Excellence – the highest honour bestowed upon NC alumni. The series features outstanding graduates who were also nominees for the 2025 Ontario Premier’s Awards. Aaron Jones (Electronics Engineering Technology, 2003) was recognized in the Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement category.
From co-op student to CEO, Aaron Jones (Electronics Engineering Technology, 2003) has spent more than two decades helping to transform Kraun Electric Inc. into a growing company that values its people as much as its projects. Now leading a team of more than 130 employees as CEO and co-owner, the NC graduate has been named an Alumni of Excellence nominee in recognition of his leadership, mentorship and impact in the skilled trades sector.
Jones’ journey with Kraun Electric began during his second co-op term in NC’s Electronics Engineering Technology program, when he joined the company as a labourer with little idea of where it might lead. He completed his electrical apprenticeship at Kraun, earned his commercial journeyperson status, and continuously took on new responsibilities where he moved through estimating, construction sales and marketing, and business development.
By 2011, Jones was overseeing Kraun’s entire estimating department. In 2015, he was promoted to General Manager, responsible for operations, sales and overall business strategy. Three years later, when founder John Krause retired, Jones and Krause’s daughter Kelly Braun each purchased 50 per cent of the company. Jones stepped into the CEO role, bringing his passion for business strategy, team development and client service to the forefront.
Within his first year as CEO, Jones developed a three-year strategic plan focused on significant growth. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, he saw an opportunity not just to navigate the challenges, but to reimagine the company. Under his leadership, Kraun Electric underwent a strategic rebrand and repositioning, introduced a new look and logo, and strengthened its mission.
A central part of this transformation was the development of a values framework that Jones and his leadership team call SPARK: service, potential, authenticity, relationships and knowledge. These five pillars guide both how Kraun shows up for clients and how it supports its people. Today, with offices in St. Catharines and Hamilton, the company has nearly quadrupled its revenue since Jones became co-owner, and continues to secure large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects across the region.
Jones is particularly proud of the culture that has grown within the business. He is an advocate for inclusivity and mentorship in the trades, with a focus on supporting women to enter and stay in the field. He encourages employees to look for opportunities to improve the customer experience, supports apprentices through both their professional and personal development, and leads with a “Let’s fix it” approach that teaches others that there is always something to learn.
“Because of Niagara College, quite frankly, trade school was a breeze,” Jones said. “Some of the most valuable courses I had were a couple of programming courses at NC that have been foundational to not only becoming an electrician, but I would say even more so in management.”
He credits his time in the Electronics Engineering Technology program with fostering his tendency to think ahead and design processes with the end goal in mind. Access to advanced equipment, hands-on learning and instructors with deep industry experience helped him build the critical thinking, problem-solving and technical skills that he still practices today.
“I’m glad I took this program, and I’m glad for my time at Niagara College,” said Jones. “My perspective was that the years I was here, there was a lot of good equipment, a lot of great teachers, a lot of advanced stuff… I think I realize now that getting nominated for this is a reflection of that foundation that was set, and then constantly looking forward and working towards it.”
For Jones, being named an Alumni of Excellence has given him a moment to reflect on his journey from NC to CEO.
“This has been a moment of reflection for me – something I don’t often stop to do. This recognition has reminded me to be grateful — for the people and experiences that set me on this path — and it’s an honour to represent the College in this way,” he said. “I hope my story shows current students that a humble start can grow into something meaningful. Niagara College continues to be a transformational force in this region, and I’m proud to still be a small part of that story.”
While he never set out to seek recognition, Jones hopes that his path can help current students and emerging trades professionals see what’s possible.
“It is very meaningful… if I can be some sort of inspiration for someone else, some other kid or young guy, or girl for that matter, that’s saying, ‘Hey, look what you can achieve when you put your head down and do something like this,'” said Jones.
