Meet The Staff At Sparks Tire &
Auto
"Family Owned, isn't just some
marketing gimmick!"
Ron Tinner, Owner
Personal Information:
Ron grew up working on cars in his Grandfather’s garage in St. Paul, Mo. He knew from a very young age
that this is what he wanted to do when he grew up. He currently lives in Wentzville Missouri with his
wife Sonja. They have a grown daughter, Jessica. When not at Sparks, Ron likes to work on projects
around the house, and loves playing around with his granddaughter Lana.
Employment Information: Ron began his career at Sparks as a general service
technician in 1986. At this time Sparks was a tune-up facility. Ron made a commitment to learn
everything he could about the changing automotive repair industry. This paid off, as not only did he
become a top level technician, but was able to become a business owner as well. In 2001, after co-owning
Sparks for a couple years, Ron bought out the previous owner. He embraces the challenges that this
ever-changing industry brings. He can honestly say he loves to come to work each and every day.
Certifications: ASE Master Auto Technician, Missouri State Recognized
Emissions Repair Technician, Undercar Specialist, Advanced Level Engine Performance Specialist,
Certified Service Consultant, State of Missouri Inspector Mechanic ASE Certifications: (A1) Auto: Engine
Repair (A2) Auto: Automatic Trans/Transaxles (A3) Auto: Manual Drive Train and Axles (A4) Auto:
Suspension and Steering (A5) Auto: Brakes (A6) Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems (A7) Auto: Heating
and Air Conditioning (A8) Auto: Engine Performance (A9) Diesel Certified (X1) Spec: Exhaust Systems (L1)
Adv. Level: Engine Performance Specialist (C1) Auto: Service Consultant Other Leadership: -BDG Chairman
2007-2009 -NAPA AutoCare National Council 2011-2012
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Sonja Tinner, Office
Manager
Personal
Information: Sonja grew up in St. Peters with three brothers, so it’s no surprise she goes to
work every day as one of the only women in the building. She has been happily married to Ron since 1985.
Their daughter Jessica graduated from Western Kentucky University and now works full time at the shop as
well. In her spare time Sonja likes to find new recipes to cook in her outdoor kitchen, travel, and
enjoy all that comes with being a grandma!
Employment Information: Sonja worked in retail management for 20 years
before coming to Sparks in 2001. She worked at various mall-based companies as both a Store Manager and
District Manager.
ASE Certifications: (C1) Auto: Service Consultant
Jessica Carrino, Marketing Manager
Personal
Information: Jessica grew up in the St Charles area as the only child to Ron and Sonja. She
graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Geography and
Architecture. She decided to come into the family business and has now taken on the role of marketing
manager for Sparks. When she is not working, she likes to spend time with her husband Mike and daughter
Lana. She loves watching Lana grow and learn new things. She hopes to one day design and build her own
home.
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Greg Damon, Service Advisor |
Personal
Information: Greg resides in Cottleville with
his wife, Susan, and two children, Nicholas and
Daniel. He enjoys coaching his sons youth football
team and spending time with his family. Greg is also
entering his 20th year as the host of the KMOX Auto
Show.
Employment Information: Greg started his
automotive career sweeping floors at Gulley Truck
Leasing. Since then, he has moved his way up the
ladder, starting as a general service technician, all
the way to a Master Certified Technician, and now as a
service advisor. He won the 2007 Amoco Ultimate Golden
Technician Award.
Certifications:
ASE Master Auto Technician, ASE Certifications: (A1)
Auto: Engine repair (A2) Auto: Automatic
Trans/Transaxles (A3) Auto: Manual Drive Train and
Axles (A4) Auto: Suspension and Steering (A5) Auto:
Brakes (A6) Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems (A7)
Auto: Heating and Air Conditioning (A8) Auto: Engine
Performance (A9) Diesel Certified (X1) Spec: Exhaust
Systems (L1) Adv. Level: Engine Performance Specialist
Doug Orf, Technician
Personal
Information: Doug lives in St. Charles with his wife Marcia and their three kids. He started
working on cars when his parents bought him his first car, a ’55 Chevy. When he is not at work, Doug
likes to coach his sons soccer team, and ride dirt bikes with his boys. He also loves to work on and
drive his ’55 Chevy.
Employment
Information: Doug’s first automotive job was installing pop-ups and electric moon roofs. He has
since worked for a number of repair shops in the St Charles area. In high school he attended Lewis &
Clark Career Center where he had perfect attendance and received the Outstanding Senior Award. He also
attended Ranken Technical College for their Automotive Service program. He also takes continuing
education classes each month.
Certifications:
ASE Master Auto Technician, Missouri State Recognized Emissions Repair Technician, Advanced Level Engine
Performance Specialist, State of Missouri Inspector Mechanic ASE Certifications: (A1) Auto: Engine
Repair (A2) Auto: Automatic Trans/Transaxles (A3) Auto: Manual Drive Train and Axles (A4) Auto:
Suspension and Steering (A5) Auto: Brakes (A6) Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems (A7) Auto: Heating
and Air Conditioning (A8) Auto: Engine Performance (L1) Adv. Level: Engine Performance Specialist
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Jeff Payne, Technician
Personal
Information:
Jeff remembers as a kid sitting under the hood of cars
watching his dad work on cars. While growing up in St.
Louis, he had several vehicles but his most favorite
was a ’77 Firebird. In his free time, he enjoys
hanging out with friends and family. He currently
lives in O’Fallon with his wife and 3 boys. He also
has a grown son.
Employment Information: Jeff began his career working for a rental equipment company fixing many types of equipment. Everything from chainsaws to bobcats to dump trucks. He has worked in the automotive industry since the 1980’s, working at several different shops. He has worked on both the service side and the management side.
Certifications:
ASE Master Auto Technician,
Missouri State Recognized Emissions Repair Technician,
State of Missouri Inspector Mechanic
ASE Certifications:
(A1) Auto: Engine Repair
(A2) Auto: Automatic Trans/Transaxles
(A3) Auto: Manual Drive Train and Axles
(A4) Auto: Suspension and Steering
(A5) Auto: Brakes
(A6) Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems
(A7) Auto: Heating and Air Conditioning
(A8) Auto: Engine Performance
Austin, Technician
Austin
joined our team back in February 2020 and has been an
asset to our team ever since. Austin spent time at
another shop before joining our team this year. He has
taken on the role of general service technician. He
spent a few years in the military before joining the
work force in the automotive industry. In his spare
time, Austin like to work on cars and play video
games.
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