This year, Dan Bonar stepped down from his role as HPBAC President, leaving behind more than a list of accomplishments. His leadership helped sharpen the association’s purpose, strengthen industry relationships, and position HPBAC for long-term growth in a rapidly changing landscape. 

From the development of the HPBAC Training Academy to navigating the growing challenge of gas bans, Dan’s presidency was defined by practicality, collaboration, and a clear focus on member value. 

Stepping Into Leadership with Industry Experience

Before becoming Chair, Dan had already served for six years on the HPBAC board. That experience gave him a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the association. 

Looking back, Dan says one issue became clear almost immediately: much of HPBAC’s work was happening quietly behind the scenes, making it difficult for members to fully see the value the association was providing. 

“Being in the background means that people don’t always know what you’re doing or how much the work directly benefits them,” Dan says, explaining that this lack of visibility created challenges not only for member engagement, but also for sponsorships, funding, and long-term growth. Rather than simply promoting the association more aggressively, he wanted to create something tangible that members could directly benefit from. 

Building the HPBAC Training Academy

That vision ultimately became the HPBAC Training Academy. Dan says the goal was ambitious but straightforward: create industry-driven education that filled gaps existing programs were not addressing. This included not only technical training, but also resources tailored to businesses and specialized areas of the industry where support was limited. 

While building the Academy has taken time, courses are now beginning to roll out, marking a significant step forward for both member value and the future sustainability of the association. 

For Dan, the Academy represents more than just education. It reflects a broader shift toward creating practical resources members can actively use and rely on. 

Strengthening Industry Relationships

Alongside the Academy, Dan points to relationship-building as one of the most meaningful accomplishments during his presidency. 

When he first joined the board, Dan recalls that collaboration between organizations across the industry was limited. In some cases, there was even tension, fueled by concerns over competing for the same funding, members, and attention. 

 “It’s a small industry, and we need to work together to be strong,” he says, explaining that today, that dynamic looks very different. 

Through consistent effort and open communication, Dan says HPBAC helped build stronger partnerships with other organizations and associations, supported by formal agreements and a more unified sense of direction. 

The result is an industry that feels more connected, collaborative, and supportive than before. 

Focusing on What Matters Most

Throughout his tenure, Dan consistently emphasized efficiency and focus. New processes were introduced to improve planning, reduce future risk, and ensure the association’s resources were being used effectively. 

Dan says that the approach reinforced an important lesson: success is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters most to members. 

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, HPBAC narrowed its focus to the areas members valued most: government affairs and education. 

“We have to be efficient. We are crazy efficient,” he emphasizes. His focus on this disciplined approach strengthened the association’s role as both an advocate for the industry and a trusted source of knowledge and support. 

Navigating a Changing Industry

At the same time, the industry itself was evolving in ways few anticipated. One of the biggest shifts during Dan’s presidency was the rapid rise of gas bans as a major policy issue. 

“No one was talking about gas bans five years ago… now they’re more prominent than wood bans,” Dan says, noting that what was once barely discussed quickly became a central concern across North America, shaping advocacy efforts and industry priorities alike. 

Responding to that shift required adaptability, continuous learning, and close communication with members navigating these changes firsthand. 

The People Behind the Industry

Despite the complexity of the role and the scale of the initiatives undertaken, what stands out most in Dan’s reflections is the people. 

“The most rewarding thing is easily the collaboration between good people and good companies that I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to work with.” 

Dan says serving as President meant stepping beyond individual businesses and working toward something larger for the industry as a whole. Along the way, professional relationships became lasting friendships – something he clearly values deeply. 

That sense of community is also what shaped his perspective on leadership. 

When asked what advice he would give future leaders, Dan’s answer was simple: “Listen to members. Always try and bring value… and finish what you start.” 

In an environment filled with new ideas and constant change, Dan believes focus and follow-through matter. Not every idea needs to become a project, but the projects worth pursuing should be carried through to completion. 

Looking Ahead

As he closes this chapter, Dan is quick to express gratitude, particularly to Laura Litchfield, whose dedication to both the industry and the people within it left a lasting impression. 

“You stay for the people. That’s why you’re there,” he emphasizes. That sentiment captures much of what defined his presidency. 

Looking ahead, he remains confident in HPBAC’s future. With incoming Chair Sean Hunt and a strong board in place, Dan believes the organization is well-positioned to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. 

“HPBAC is in great hands.” 

While he may be stepping away from the role, the impact of his leadership will continue to shape both the association and the industry for years to come. 

Watch the full interview with Dan below.

After nearly four decades in the hearth industry, Steve Haagmans is stepping into retirement, concluding his tenure on the HPBAC Board and his professional career. His departure marks the close of an era defined by thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and tireless advocacy, a legacy that will continue to influence the industry for years to come. 

A Career Rooted in Risk and Reward

Steve’s journey began in 1985, long before “home comfort” was a buzzword. He joined Miles Industries, makers of Valor fireplaces, in 1998 and helped transform its operations by taking a bold risk: closing a local satellite branch and ending a major utility partnership to focus on independent dealers. 

“It was a big risk,” he recalls. “But it allowed us to focus our attention on growing the independent dealer network, to be a genuine part of their business. That was a turning point for our company.” 

That decision exemplified Haagmans’ approach: make courageous, strategic moves that strengthen relationships and give customers, and businesses, more freedom to choose their own paths. 

Leading with Purpose at HPBAC

Steve joined the HPBAC Board in 2018, stepping into leadership with both feet. Within two years, he became Chair, helping guide the association through one of its most transformative eras. 

Rather than set rigid goals, Haagmans’ focus was on culture, building a collaborative environment where people wanted to belong. 

“My leadership style is to help individuals reach their potential,” he says. “I wanted to create a culture that others would be excited to be part of. We’re small but mighty, and we deliver what our members need.” 

That spirit paid off. Under his leadership, HPBAC grew its membership base, improved engagement, and became more respected among policymakers and other industry associations. 

Autonomy and Advocacy: The Turning Point

One of Steve’s proudest accomplishments was helping HPBAC secure greater independence from its U.S. counterpart, HPBA. The move from a traditional affiliate agreement to a Memorandum of Understanding gave HPBAC the autonomy to better serve Canadian members and adapt to unique national regulations. 

“It was like a David and Goliath situation,” he says with a laugh. “But it gave us the ability to plan for the future and strengthen our financial and operational foundation. That autonomy was worth fighting for.” 

An Industry in Transition

In his 40 years in the business, Haagmans has seen more change in the last five years than in the previous three decades combined. 

From pandemic-era supply chain crises to the rise of electric fireplaces and regulatory pressures on solid fuel, the industry has been forced to evolve. 

Many companies, he notes, have had to become leaner, more flexible, and more innovative. “It’s been a time of transformation,” he says. “But it’s also shown how resilient this industry is.” 

Freedom of Choice: The Heart of the Fight

As he reflects on his time at HPBAC, Steve’s message to the industry is clear: 

“Freedom of choice is worth fighting for.” 

That freedom, to have a fireplace, to choose wood, gas, or electric, is what the industry must continue to protect. 

“The foundational work of the association is advocacy,” he explains. “We’re in the business of preserving and growing the industry so that we have jobs, we have products we love, and we have the freedom to choose how we heat our homes and create comfort.” 

For Haagmans, that fight is personal. “A fireplace is the living part of my house. It’s where my family gathers every day in the winter. I’m willing to fight for that.” 

Looking Forward

As Steve steps away from his official role, his impact continues through the people and partnerships he’s helped build. His advice to future board members? Start small, get involved, and be part of something bigger than yourself. 

“You truly get out what you put into it,” he says. “If you want to grow personally and professionally, and help shape the future of this industry, there’s no better place to do it.” 

Closing Thought

Through decades of change, Steve Haagmans has stood for integrity, collaboration, and above all, freedom of choice. His legacy reminds us that preserving the hearth industry isn’t just about keeping fires burning. It’s about protecting the right to gather around them. 

Watch the full interview with Steve below.