At its 2026 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), part of the American Trucking Associations, presented its prestigious Silver Spark Plug award to four individuals whose work continues to influence fleet performance across the country.

Recognizing Excellence Behind the Scenes

The Silver Spark Plug is considered TMC’s highest individual honor, awarded to professionals who have made lasting contributions to commercial vehicle maintenance and technology.

“The Silver Spark Plug is given to individuals who demonstrate professional excellence in commercial vehicle maintenance as our industry’s highest honor,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Our winners this year represent the highest level of expertise and ability in our industry. We are pleased to recognize them with this award.”

2026 Silver Spark Plug Recipients

This year’s award winners represent a cross-section of the industry, from fleet management to diagnostics and association leadership:

• Scott Bartlein, Truck Fleet Management
• Taki Darakos, PITT OHIO
• Mark Zachos, DG Technologies
• Jack Legler, TMC/ATA

For drivers and fleet operators, these are the kinds of professionals working behind the curtain to keep equipment reliable, compliant, and moving efficiently.

Why This Matters to Drivers and Fleets

While drivers are the face of the industry, maintenance teams, engineers, and technical leaders are what keep trucks on the road. The work recognized by TMC directly impacts uptime, safety, and operating costs across fleets of all sizes.

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear highlighted how critical these roles are to the broader supply chain:

“TMC’s members keep our industry moving, and these four individuals represent the highest level of professional excellence the council strives for,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.

“More than half of the 8.4 million people employed by the trucking industry do something other than drive a truck, and without them, our nation’s goods would not be delivered to our stores, hospitals, and factories,” Spear continued. “These individuals are examples to all of us in this industry, and we are proud to honor them with this award.”

A Standard for the Industry

Leadership within TMC also emphasized that the award reflects more than just technical skill. It represents a long-term commitment to improving how the industry operates.

Radu Mihai, TMC’s 2025–26 general chairman, praised the recipients for their continued impact:

“The Silver Spark Plug honors TMC members who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving our industry,” Mihai said. “I congratulate all these winners for their achievement and commitment to the ideals of TMC.”

Looking Ahead

As trucking continues to evolve with new technology, tighter regulations, and increased demand for efficiency, the role of maintenance and technical expertise is only becoming more important.

Awards like the Silver Spark Plug highlight the individuals pushing those standards forward—ensuring fleets stay safe, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next on the road.

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This award, regarded as the council’s highest honor, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to professional excellence, innovation, and leadership in the field of commercial vehicle maintenance.

Source: TMC General Chairman Amanda Schuier honors Jack Vander Giessen of Cummins-Meritor. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

“Now we come to a very special moment during our town hall meeting, our Silver Spark Plug presentations,” said TMC General Chairman Amanda Schuier. “TMC veterans know that the Silver Spark Plug is the council’s highest honor, and it is not bestowed lightly.”

To qualify for this notable recognition, recipients must be current or associate members of TMC, exhibit at least five years of distinguished service, and display exemplary leadership, peer recognition, and innovation within the industry. Here are the 2025 recipients.

Jack Vander Giessen – Cummins-Meritor

“Our first Silver Spark Plug joined TMC as a member in 1985,” shared Schuier. “I heard from the Silver Spark Plug Committee that they couldn’t believe that he didn’t have this award already. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Jack Vander Giessen of Cummins-Meritor.”

Vander Giessen has been deeply involved with the S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Group, where he chaired multiple task forces on electric vehicle towing, chassis, and brake innovations. Alongside serving as second vice chairman of the group, he has also contributed as a task force secretary and technical session moderator.

Andrew Krum – Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

“Our next Silver Spark Plug recipient has been a TMC member since 2017,” Schuier noted, adding, “It is said of him [that] he brings a dedication and passion to his role that is unmatched by any other study group secretary in my personal experience. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Andrew Krum, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.”

Krum has been the secretary of the S.4 Cab and Controls Study Group since 2017, during which time he also earned the Study Group Secretary Award in 2020. Krum’s contributions include organizing sessions on emerging technologies, such as next-generation collision avoidance systems, further solidifying his role as a key industry leader.

Bryan Lewis – ASE

“Our next Silver Spark Plug recipient has been a member of the Technology and Maintenance Council since 2005,” said Schuier. “It is said of him [that] he has been a great diplomat for the industry. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Bryan Lewis, ASE.”

A prominent advocate for TMC activities, Lewis has played a pivotal role as judge chairman for the TMCSuperTech National Technician Skills Competition, where he also earned the title of Grand Champion twice, in 2007 and 2008. Over the years, his commitment to advancing technician engagement has been evident through his speaking engagements, meetings, and panel discussions.

Joey Young – Publix Supermarkets

“Our next Silver Spark Plug winner has been with TMC since 2015,” continued Schuier. “He is a longtime supporter of the TMCSuperTech competition, including providing equipment, personnel and contestants. And in my opinion, his company makes the best key lime pie in Florida. It is said of him [that] he is willing to contribute his time and expertise anywhere it is needed. He is a pleasure to work with and is a great ambassador for TMC. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Joey Young, with Publix Supermarkets.”

Young’s contributions stand out through his involvement with the S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Group, where he served as chairman from 2019 to 2024. He also extended his expertise to other areas, such as the S.3 Study Group, as second vice chairman from 2013 to 2016.

Mark Kennedy – Knight-Swift Transportation

“Our final Silver Spark Plug winner has been with TMC since 2017,” said Schuier. “He is a graduate of the inaugural class of the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program, class of 2019, along with the OGs. It is said of him [that] he always shares his vast knowledge with TMC. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, and my friend, Mark Kennedy, with Knight-Swift Transportation.”

Kennedy led the S.4 Cab and Controls Study Group as chairman from 2017 to 2024, organizing a series of educational and technical sessions. His areas of focus include the evolution of auxiliary power units, as well as chairing the TMC RP 430 update task force, demonstrating his dedication to advancing the industry.

Recognizing Excellence in Maintenance Leadership

The Silver Spark Plug Award not only acknowledges the outstanding achievements of these recipients but also underscores the critical importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in ensuring the success of commercial vehicle maintenance.

Source: Transport Topics

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