John Sears, 34
Manager, Construction Lighting Projects
C.N. Robinson Lighting Supply
John’s industry career started in 2016 when he joined a manufacturer rep firm. “I was immediately drawn to the specialized nature of the lighting industry,” he said. In 2023 he joined CNR Lighting as a project management leader and is now manager of the Construction Lighting Projects team, where he oversees sales, project quotations, and project management.
“Every day, I learn something new about lighting, controls, and the construction process in general,” John said, adding that in his time at CNR he earned his PMP and CDT certifications.
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, John pointed “the race to the bottom”: “Any distributor can sell a project for 2% profit,” he explained. “We are trying to leverage our longevity in the industry to be a trusted partner with our customers. They want to work with us not because we are the cheapest but because they know our quotes are right and our project management team won’t hang them out to dry. We also try to foster deep relationships with our suppliers and rep partners so they know that we will have their backs if something goes wrong.”
Looking ahead, John plans to continue his leadership journey. “I am working toward being part of the executive team at CNR,” he said. “I would also like to be more active in industry organizations like NAED.”
What would John tell someone just entering electrical distribution? “There are so many career pathways in this industry—it’s almost limitless,” he said. “If you show that you have the skills and the mentality to succeed, someone will recognize that and build you up. This industry has afforded me so much in my early career and I am so grateful to my team and the leadership at CNR.”
When he’s not at work, John can be found doing outside activities and spending time with his family. “I really value work/life balance. That is something that CNR really fosters,” he noted. “I currently play in a flag football league, and I completed a three-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in June. If I’m not being active, you’ll probably find me enjoying some delicious food and drinks at a local restaurant with my beautiful wife and daughter.”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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