HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO, September 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jeff VanderWal has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. VanderWal currently serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ClearShift, an automotive dealership based in south Denver that has distinguished itself through its transparent approach and dedication to high-quality service since 2016. Under his leadership, ClearShift has adopted a one-price model and built a reputation for curating reliable vehicles, prioritizing customer trust and fostering long-term relationships. The company's innovative hiring practices focus on bringing in ambitious individuals rather than traditional salespeople, providing them with comprehensive training centered on customer service at every stage of the car-buying process. ClearShift's commitment to over-delivering on promises has resulted in a loyal client base, with many customers returning for repeat business.

Mr. VanderWal founded ClearShift with a mission to redefine car buying through transparency and service orientation. The company experienced rapid growth, reaching approximately $20 million in revenue by 2018 and surging to $125 million by 2022 as it shifted away from traditional industry practices toward a customer-centric model.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ClearShift was among the few dealerships permitted to remain operational due to its established touchless buying process. This foresight positioned the company as a trailblazer in online automotive transactions. Today, approximately 70% of transactions begin online, with the remaining 30% completed sight unseen by out-of-state buyers, demonstrating both national reach and adaptability to changing consumer preferences. The recent expansion into new Ford vehicles further illustrates ClearShift's evolving business model and ongoing growth.

Mr. VanderWal's entry into the automotive field began immediately after high school, despite having no family connections to the industry. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit and leveraging longstanding family ties within Colorado's business community, he established a private buying company focused on building genuine relationships rather than following conventional dealership models. In 2008, Mr. VanderWal launched an automotive leasing company catering to professional baseball players with short-term leases, a venture he sold successfully to a venture capital group in 2014.

Mr. VanderWal graduated from Highlands Ranch High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, in 2000. He later acquired a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Charis Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2022. The values instilled through his academic journey have played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to leadership and business ethics.

Active in his professional community, Mr. VanderWal maintains membership with several organizations, including the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and the Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association. His involvement extends to serving on the Executive Dealer Council for CarGurus from 2018 to 2021 and holding several leadership and teaching roles, reflecting his commitment to industry advancement and community engagement.

As a testament to Mr. VanderWal's hard work, ClearShift has received significant industry accolades. In 2026, the company earned its ninth consecutive Top Rated Dealer award from CarGurus, a distinction that reflects exceptional customer satisfaction validated by independent third-party sources. Earlier, in 2025, ClearShift was the only automotive business on the Inc. 5000 list of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America. These honors underscore Mr. VanderWal's commitment to excellence and innovation within the automotive sector.

Mr. VanderWal attributes much of his success to strategic hiring decisions, particularly recognizing the importance of surrounding himself with talented individuals who excel in areas beyond his own expertise, and aligning them with a shared vision for organizational growth. Looking ahead from a business perspective, he aims to expand ClearShift's footprint by establishing additional stores across multiple automotive brands and deepening relationships within the original equipment manufacturer space. With a strong foundation built on teamwork, risk-taking and community engagement, Mr. VanderWal continues to guide his organization toward sustained growth while remaining grounded in his roots and values.

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