The Good Stuff, Vol. 152

Welcome to “The Good Stuff,” where we highlight positive news and ways that NAED employees and member companies go above and beyond to give back to their communities! If you have some “Good Stuff” that you would like to share with tED, find out how below.

In this issue of “The Good Stuff,” IDEAL Electrical™ (IDEAL) announced a three-year partnership and a $1 million donation to Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit housing organization, to support worldwide affordable housing efforts and community impact initiatives.

The partnership, launched through IDEAL’s engagement platform, IDEAL Connections, represents the company’s commitment to building an ideal world™. By working with a trusted organization like Habitat for Humanity that works with people to build more prosperous and vibrant communities, IDEAL is helping electricians use their skills to make a real difference in the communities they serve.

“Safe, affordable housing is a challenge faced by communities around the world. As a brand serving the construction industry, we believe we have a responsibility to be part of the solution,” said Nicole Juday Rhoads, executive director and board chair of the IDEAL Industries Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are building on our legacy of creating strong connections — not only through the products we make, but through the relationships we build with electricians, partners and communities — to create meaningful, long-term impact globally.”

In 2026, IDEAL Electrical will support four global Habitat for Humanity activations across Greater Chicago, Greater Toronto, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles/Southern California. These efforts will bring together IDEAL employees, electricians & apprentices, industry partners and electrical influencers to contribute 500+ volunteer hours, $100K in materials and invaluable electrical skills to create safe, reliable, affordable homes and community facilities.

“IDEAL Electrical understands that transforming communities goes beyond a one-time donation. Their commitment to a multi-year partnership and support on build sites reflects a shared belief that creating stronger communities requires relationships and a personal investment in the change,” said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. “Together, we’re working to spread awareness of Habitat’s broader mission and commitment to building homes, communities and hope around the world.”

IDEAL’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity expands on its growing investment in community-based volunteerism. In 2025, IDEAL partnered with Rebuilding Together to provide crucial electrical upgrades for transitional shelters and youth clubs across Greater Chicago, donating $150,000 and impacting ~2,500 low-income students. IDEAL plans to continue its partnership with Rebuilding Together in 2026, supporting two projects in Baltimore and New Orleans.

“I was thrilled to be invited by IDEAL to volunteer at a Rebuilding Together activation. It was a privilege to rebuild spaces for Chicagoland students and share the work with my online platform to encourage other electricians to use their skills and give back to their local community,” said Andrea O’Connell, Journeyman Electrician from Tampa, Florida and IDEAL influencer ambassador.

In addition to the community impact initiatives, IDEAL Connections also serves the electrical industry by connecting electrical apprentices and pros with in-depth training and resources to advance their skills and encourage others to join the trade. To learn more about IDEAL Connections, IDEAL Electrical’s community impact efforts, and how to get involved, visit idealind.com/us/en/ideal-connections.html.

Find more “Good Stuff” articles here on tEDmag.com.

tED wants to know about your “Good Stuff”. If you work with someone who is helping other people, or a group of co-workers that’s creating better outcomes, we want to know about it.

Please send your “Good Stuff” to Marie at mjakle@naed.org and Nicky at nherron@naed.org. Send details, names, and photos if you have them.