Johannes Ziebarth – Skilled Trades Award 2025

President and CEO, Ziebarth Electrical Contractors (ZEC)
Electrician (Construction and Maintenance), 1994

Johannes Ziebarth: Lighting the Way in Skilled Trades and Community Leadership

Johannes Ziebarth’s journey from apprentice to CEO is a powerful example of how dedication, empathy, and visionary leadership can shape not only a successful career, but also an entire community. As the recipient of Algonquin College’s Alumni of Distinction Skilled Trades Award, Ziebarth stands as a model of excellence in the trades and a champion of values-driven business.

A proud graduate of Algonquin College’s electrical apprenticeship program in 1994, Ziebarth began his career at Ziebarth Electrical Contractors (ZEC), the company founded by his father in 1977. Rather than stepping into a leadership role from the outset, Ziebarth worked his way through every level of the organization—apprentice, journeyman, foreman, estimator, project manager, and vice president—before becoming president in 2001 and eventually CEO. This hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of the business and a rare empathy for employees at every level.

That empathy is reflected in the culture he has built at ZEC. Employees are treated like family, and many have remained with the company for decades. The workplace culture is rooted in a set of core values: integrity, excellence, respect, teamwork, flexibility, and innovation. These values are not just words on a wall—they are lived daily in the way the company operates and the way Ziebarth leads.

Respect and integrity are especially central to his leadership style. He is known for being deeply committed to his team, always prioritizing their well-being and professional growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many companies faced layoffs and closures, Ziebarth worked tirelessly to keep his staff employed and the company stable. His efforts during that time demonstrated not only business acumen but also a profound sense of responsibility and care.

Under his leadership, ZEC has become a key player in Ottawa’s infrastructure and development landscape. The company is currently involved in the Centre Block rehabilitation project on Parliament Hill—the largest and most complex heritage restoration in Canadian history. As part of a partnership with two other contractors, ZEC is a major part of a team leading the electrical work, including building automation and fire alarm systems. The project’s complexity, due to the heritage status of the building, demands precision, innovation, and deep expertise—all qualities that ZEC brings to the table.

ZEC’s portfolio also includes work on Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, where the company has contributed to the development of 11 stations on the west end. Other high-profile projects include the expansion of the Ottawa IKEA store, numerous high-rise condominiums, and the new Ottawa Hospital. These projects reflect ZEC’s reputation for handling large-scale, technically demanding work with excellence.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ziebarth is deeply committed to philanthropy and community impact. He has supported numerous charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. His recent focus on mental health and addiction support reflects a personal passion for helping vulnerable populations and addressing systemic challenges. Whether through donations of labour, materials, or financial support, Ziebarth consistently uses his business as a vehicle for positive change.

His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond ZEC. He has helped launch several companies, including Landaira, an environmental startup focused on waste-to-energy solutions. His motivation is not profit, but impact—seeking ways to make a meaningful difference in the world, especially in areas like sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Ziebarth also maintains a strong connection to Algonquin College. He holds the institution in high regard and continues to support its mission. ZEC employs many Algonquin College alumni, creating a pipeline of skilled tradespeople who share the company’s values and commitment to excellence. The college’s reputation for producing capable, community-minded graduates is reflected in the success of ZEC’s workforce.

In his personal life, Ziebarth continues to pursue new passions. Recently, he earned his pilot’s license and now owns his own plane. Flying offers him a sense of peace and freedom—a way to decompress and reflect. It’s also emblematic of his approach to life: dream big, work hard, and rise above challenges.

Johannes Ziebarth’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and vision. He has built a company that not only powers the city but also empowers its people. His leadership style, grounded in respect and integrity, has created a workplace culture that inspires loyalty and excellence. His philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, and his entrepreneurial ventures continue to push boundaries.

As Ottawa grows and evolves, Ziebarth remains a quiet force behind its transformation—lighting up the city, one project and one person at a time. His recognition as an Alumni of Distinction is not just a celebration of his career, but a tribute to the values he lives by and the legacy he continues to build.

Discover more 2025 Alumni of Distinction award recipients.