Spark Power Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Jason Sparaga was recognized by Brock University’s Goodman School of Business as the Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient 2015.
The award recognizes an outstanding graduate for excellence in their field and honours; educational, entrepreneurial, community, volunteer and leadership achievements as well as the recipient’s contribution to the University. Thankfully for Jason, proficiency in hockey was not a determining criteria for award selection.
Founder and CEO of leading mid-market investment bank, Spara Capital and Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Spark Power, a Canadian leader in the power and energy sector, Jason is an authority on entrepreneurship, finance and corporate growth in the renewable and power sectors.
After growing Spara Capital into a top player in Canadian M&A and corporate finance over 15 years, a business he launched shortly after leaving Brock, Jason’s recent focus has been the explosive of growth of Spark Power, a company he co-founded in 2009.
In just six years, Jason, his partner Andrew Clark and the Spark Power team have grown the business from concept to having become major player in the Province’s renewable energy and power sector; creating two of the largest renewable energy co-operatives in North America and developing on their behalf some 15 MW of renewable energy, acquiring a major operations and maintenance player and growing its service business from virtually zero to in excess of 400 MW making it the largest independent entity of its kind in Canada; acquired leading high voltage service company, Rondar Inc., resulting in the overall organization now employing over 120 employees with operations in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.
“Jason is a most deserving recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient,” said Anna H. Lathrop, Acting Dean, Goodman School of Business. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership as an entrepreneurial catalyst for leading-edge companies in the financial service and power and energy sectors.”.
“Jason’s community and industry outreach has made a tremendous impact—and he continues to give back to the Brock University community. The Goodman School of Business is proud to honour Jason as a Distinguished Graduate.”
As an active participant in renewable energy, power, financial services, and industry associations Jason has held board positions with a number of organizations in each. He is an advocate of entrepreneurship and education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Goodman School of Business and the Marketing Advisory Committee of Junior Achievement Canada. He is a Board Member for Unity for Autism and is the Founder of the Spark Power Play Challenge, a power industry fundraiser to support Prostate Cancer Canada. He has been a driving force in Brock University’s Monster Pitch competition, help the Brock Innovation Group (school business club) to secure celebrity judges.
“It is an honour to receive this prestigious award,” said Jason. “I’ve received some exciting awards in the past years, but there is something special about recognition from your Alma Mater and hometown,” he added.
“I identify with Brock and the Goodman School’s place in the Canadian university landscape, at both a cultural and personal level. Focused on meritocracy and a commitment to growth through innovation, perseverance and community engagement is the way I’ve learned to drive deals and build companies. My story is Brock’s story!” he added.
Jason is husband to Michelle and proud father to their four children. When he’s not working, Jason enjoys playing hockey, running and all things cottage. Jason is a graduate of the Goodman School of Business (BBA ’93) and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Jason was selected by a committee consisting of the Dean, Associate Deans, Chairs of each Department and two Goodman School of Business graduates.