Jay Johnston, longtime leader of Harman Heavy Vehicle Specialists, was named the winner of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) President’s Award Friday during the 2026 Summit in Montreal.
Johnston was nominated for the award by his friends and peers across the industry, all of whom highlighted his intelligence, thoughtfulness, cooperative nature and desire to make the independent aftermarket stronger. CVSN President Edward Kuo and outgoing CVSN Chairman Ian Johnston, Jay’s son, presented him with the award.
In accepting the award, Johnston was humbled, thankful to all who recognized him and reiterating that everything he did in his career, for his business and the industry, was done for the success of others and not driven by personal glory.
“It’s been a very emotional evening to say the least,” he said. “This is a unique community within an industry and I’m proud that it is continuing in that way and continuing to serve not just the individual but everyone that’s in it.”
Johnston also was encouraged by the enthusiasm for the CVSN John Bzeta Charity Auction, which later raised $63,925 for JumpStart. “It’s all about giving, and giving back selflessly.”
Thueson named a 'Driving Force'
CVSN also named Bryan Thueson, COO at JNPSoft OptiCat, as the winner of its Driving Force Award. Like Johnston, Thueson was recognized for his selflessness and kindness as a great mentor and advocate for the industry.
Unaware he was about to be recognized, Thueson said afterward he was overwhelmed by the honor.
“Thank you wouldn’t be good enough,” he said. “I never expected anything like that. I just love this industry. This organization is by far the best association that I’ve had any contact with in the 47 years I’ve been in the business. They truly care, the people here are incredibly kind and i’m just a byproduct of what they’ve created.”
Thueson also urged the other attendees at the Summit and the aftermarket at large to commit to the market like he has.
“It will elevate them and their career, and the companies that they work for,” he said. “But what they really get out of it will be the value that happens in the lives of the people they meet.”
