John C. Vander Haag, owner of Vander Haag’s, Inc. has been a successful auto recycler for over 50 years. Before retiring in 2006, John C. participated in state and national associations, increased the business from one location to five, and appeared in many industry publications. He changed the scope of the business from a scrap yard to a true automotive parts recycling operation. He improved and expanded the business through the era of squawk boxes and into the computer age. Then he trained and groomed his son John M. to take over.

John M. said, “My father shifted the focus of our business to a late model salvage operation. During the late-‘60s, he saw an opportunity in truck parts and repair. His vision has enabled Vander Haag’s to become a leader in the used truck industry.”