Council Recognizes Outstanding Contribution to Industry with Highest Award
Nashville – Today, American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council honored four professionals with its highest honor — the Silver Spark Plug —at the opening of TMC’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.
“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.”
This year’s honorees are: Scott Bartlein, Truck Fleet Management; Taki Darakos, PITT OHIO; Mark Zachos, DG Technologies; and Jack Legler, TMC/ATA.
“TMC’s members keep our industry moving, and these four individuals represent the highest level of the 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. These individuals are examples to all of us in this industry, and we are proud to honor them with this award.”
“The Silver Spark Plug honors TMC members who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving our industry,” said TMC General Chairman & Treasurer Radu Mihai, corporate fleet manager, BURNCO Rock Products. “I congratulate all these winners for their achievement and commitment to the ideals of TMC.”