From Electrician to Olympian: Granite Electric’s Chris Ashley on Chasing Dreams and Representing Canada

From Electrician to Olympian: Granite Electric’s Chris Ashley on Chasing Dreams and Representing Canada

At Granite Electric, excellence isn’t just a goal— it’s a guiding principle. For over 15 years, Chris Ashley has embodied this ethos as a top electrician. Now, he’s bringing that same commitment and passion to a new stage: the international bobsleigh circuit. As a proud member of Team Canada, Chris is preparing to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing not only his athletic prowess but also the resilience and dedication he honed at Granite Electric.

From Apprentice to Master Electrician: Chris’s Journey at Granite

Chris’s story with Granite Electric began when he was 18. Inspired by his mother’s connection to ENMAX, he joined Granite as a summer apprentice. It wasn’t long before his potential shone through, earning him a full-time apprenticeship and launching a career marked by hard work and precision. Over the years, Chris tackled high-stakes projects, from handling fibre optics and electrical installations in hazardous environments to training the next generation of electricians.

“At Granite, I was taught to tackle the tough jobs head-on,” Chris recalls. “Adapt and overcome—that’s something Phil [Sparrow, Granite Electric’s president] drilled into me early on.” It’s a mindset that’s carried him through both complex work challenges and the physical demands of bobsleigh.

Sliding Into Success: Chris’s Bobsleigh Breakthrough

Chris’s foray into bobsleigh began at the start of 2022, spurred by a desire for one last big athletic push. A chance invite from a gym acquaintance launched him into the world of sprint drills, powerlifting, and icehouse training. By July of that year, his effort earned him a spot with Team Canada, and by September, he was training with the nation’s top pilot.

“The sport is a high-speed, high-stakes version of tobogganing,” Chris jokes. Fortunately, his years at Granite, working around power lines and delicate fibre optics, had already sharpened his focus and discipline for high-pressure environments.

Balancing Two High-Performance Worlds

Transitioning from a full-time electrician to an Olympic athlete required sacrifices—and a big conversation with Phil Sparrow. “I was terrified he’d have to let me go when I asked to scale back my hours,” Chris admits. Instead, Phil smiled and told Chris about his own Olympic dreams. “We’ll figure it out together,” he said.

That unwavering support speaks to a core value at Lynx Equity: investing in people. Across our subsidiaries, we understand that our employees’ successes—whether on the job or on the world stage—are a reflection of the strength and spirit that drive our collective growth.

Representing Canada, From Track to Worksite

Chris may spend his winters flying down icy tracks in Europe, but he’s as Canadian as they come. “Growing up near Banff, competing in a high-speed version of tobogganing, and stopping at Tim Hortons for a double-double and a maple dip? That’s me,” he laughs.

Competing for Canada is about more than personal achievement for him. “It means everything to wear the Maple Leaf,” he says. “Whether I’m halfway around the world on a bobsleigh track or back home working with my crew, I feel immense pride knowing I’m representing my country, my community, and my team at Granite.” This dual role as a national athlete and a skilled tradesman embodies Lynx’ entrepreneurial spirit—fueled by grit, determination, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from.  

Chris’s Advice for Pursuing Excellence

One of Chris’s most rewarding moments at Granite was hearing from a former apprentice who’s now mentoring a new generation of electricians. For Chris, this full-circle moment underscored a key lesson: pursuing excellence is only meaningful if we “teach skills and good habits to the next generation.” His advice for those chasing success, whether in sports or their careers, is simple: “If you aren’t challenged, you aren’t growing.”

Chris’s journey embodies the growth mindset that Lynx values deeply. As a proudly Canadian company with a portfolio of legacy businesses, we are honoured to witness these principles at work every day—where wisdom is passed down, and excellence is a tradition built to last.

Join Us in Supporting Chris

As Chris gears up for the 2026 Olympics in Cortina, Italy, we invite you to join us in supporting his journey. Your contributions will help cover training, travel, and competition expenses, ensuring Chris can focus on bringing home the gold.

Support Chris Ashley’s Olympic journey here through a donation.

From all of us at Lynx and Granite Electric: Go, Chris, Go! Together, we’re proving that with hard work and a little Canadian spirit, anything is possible.

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