Vander Haag’s Leadership Recognized with Board Appointments

Vander Haag’s, Inc. is proud to announce that two of its leaders have recently been appointed to influential boards within associations that play a key role in shaping the commercial vehicle and used truck industries.

John M. Vander Haag (left) and Steve Bootsma — John M. Vander Haag Steve Bootsma

John M. Vander Haag Elected to CVSN Board

This past summer, John M. Vander Haag, President and Owner of Vander Haag’s, was elected to serve a three-year term on the board of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN). CVSN is a collaborative association of suppliers and distributors that focuses on advancing the independent commercial vehicle aftermarket, particularly in the areas of parts and service through the recent addition of the Service Specialists Association.

The network operates around four key pillars:

Government Relations: Advocating for legislation such as the Right to Repair Act to benefit the independent aftermarket.
Industry Awareness: Promoting the industry as essential, innovative, and professional while attracting new talent.
Education & Training: Supporting workforce development at all levels, from future industry leaders to experienced executives.
Innovation & Technology: Driving efficiency and collaboration through standardized platforms, processes, and industry adoption.

Vander Haag’s has been an active member of CVSN for over 15 years, regularly sending employees to the DTE Distributor Training Expo and GenNext Training Seminars to ensure professional development and industry engagement. John’s leadership on the CVSN board will help further these initiatives while shaping the independent aftermarket’s future growth.

Steve Bootsma Joins UTA Board

In addition, Steve Bootsma, Whole Units Director at Vander Haag’s, has been selected to serve on the Used Truck Association (UTA) board. The UTA is a nonpartisan organization that brings together used truck professionals to promote high standards of service, ethics, and professionalism within the industry.

Steve brings extensive experience and leadership to the role, including being named the 2024 Non-OEM Dealer of the Year, co-chair leading the UTA’s monthly dealer group committee, and co-hosting the “Truck Talk” podcast. As a board member, he will collaborate with eight other board members and five officers to guide the UTA’s nearly 700-member organization. He will also contribute to a variety of committees focused on training, education, membership, marketing, convention planning, and more.

Supporting the Industry, Building the Future

These appointments reflect Vander Haag’s commitment not only to providing quality products and services but also to actively supporting the growth, innovation, and professionalism of the commercial vehicle and used truck industries. John and Steve’s leadership within CVSN and UTA will help shape policies, share knowledge, and foster the next generation of industry leaders.

Vander Haag’s congratulates John and Steve on their well-deserved appointments and looks forward to seeing the impact they will have on the industry in the years to come.