NASHVILLE — During the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council’s (TMC) 2026 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held March 16-19 in Nashville, four trucking industry professionals were recognized with TMC’s highest honor — the Silver Spark Plug.
“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,” Spear continued. “These individuals are examples to all of us in this industry, and we are proud to honor them with this award.”
Radu Mihai, TMC’s 2025-26 general chairman and corporate fleet manager for BURNCO Rock Products, also congratulated the winners.
“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.”
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
