John M. Rasenberg (Electrical Engineering Technician, 1975)
President/Founder – J.M.R. Electric Ltd. (Electrical and Mechanical Contractors)
Since its inception in 1978, JMR Electric Ltd. has been involved in many high profile projects across Ontario, including work on the Windsor Regional Hospital, Trenton Hanger #1, London Police Headquarters, Barrie Water Pollution Control Centre, and Fanshawe’s R Residence. John is an active community leader; He was a co-manager of the Exeter Jr. D Hawks hockey team for many years and the coach of the men’s Premier division soccer team, the Exeter Centennials. John is also a valued member of both the Canadian Construction Association and the London District Construction Association.
John Rasenberg was presented with the Fanshawe College Distinguished Alumni Award in the Technology category on November 15, 2012 at a ceremony at Fanshawe College in London.
Big things can come from small beginnings. Nowhere is that more evident than in the story of John Rasenberg. John graduated from Fanshawe’s Electrical Engineering Technician program in 1975. Three years later, he founded a company in Exeter called J.M.R. Electric Ltd., doing small jobs for mostly rural customers.
Through John’s ambitious leadership and hard work, JMR Electric would eventually grow to employ over 350 people, and would tackle high profile jobs including the London Convention Centre, hospitals in Chatham and Stratford, the London Police Service headquarters, and even Fanshawe’s ‘R’ Residence.
John’s story underscores the value of a college education. Fanshawe gave him the technical skills he needed to thrive in his industry. Armed with those skills and his own ambition, he created something of tremendous value to himself, his family, his employees, and communities around Ontario.
Throughout his career, John has never lost sight of the value of giving back. He has done so in his industry through leadership positions with the London District Construction Association and the Canadian Construction Association. He has also done so in the community as a hockey and soccer coach. He has always made time to support initiatives that give other people the chance to be their best.