NATM Trailer Dealer Affiliate Representative Appointed to NATM Board of Directors
In line with its goal of creating a more cohesive industry, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has created a new non-voting seat on its Board of Directors for an NATM Trailer Dealer Affiliate, nominated and appointed by the Board of Directors. As the Association continues to build out the Dealer Affiliate program and unify the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, this position will increase communication and relationship-building between NATM’s manufacturer members and dealer affiliates.
The first appointed NATM Dealer Affiliate is Christopher Lago, CEO of All American Trailer Connection. Lago is particularly excited about joining the NATM Board in this capacity, saying that he understands the importance of dealers working together with manufacturers towards the common goal of elevating the industry. As the leader of a family-owned and operated company, Lago has been working in the industry for basically his entire life, starting as a sales representative and working his way up to CEO, operating four locations and just opened their fifth location in December 2023.
In addition to running his successful business, Lago also works in multiple capacities when it comes to the industry as a whole, serving on multiple dealer advisory boards over the course of his career. In addition, he has created a network of dealer owners where he provides guidance on many business operational processes with the ultimate goal of increasing the professionalism and success of the industry as a whole.
“If we really want to see this industry evolve like tractor dealerships or car dealerships, we, as trailer dealers, need to hold ourselves accountable for performing at our best and showing what a successful trailer dealership is and can be,” Lago said.
Along with his appointed role on the NATM Board of Directors, Lago is also serving as the chair of the NATM Trailer Dealer Committee, which has been charged with building out the NATM Dealer Affiliate Program. The expanded NATM Dealer Affiliate Program offers exclusive benefits for trailer dealers including education and resources, networking and community opportunities, services and solutions programs, access to news and publications, and industry data and survey products.
“Joining NATM as a Dealer Affiliate is the best way for dealers to increase not only their relationships with manufacturers, but to join forces with other dealers to work together toward elevating the entire industry. The affiliation gives dealers access and opportunity to increase their profitability and network with other like-minded professionals who understand the business,” Lago commented.
NATM is excited to be able to create these additional volunteer leadership opportunities for NATM Dealer Affiliates. This is just one way that the Association is working toward unifying and creating a more cohesive industry. For more information about the NATM Dealer Affiliate Program visit https://www.natm.com/dealer-affiliate-benefits or contact Andrea Boetticher, Dealer Programming Specialist.