Meet The Staff At Sparks Tire & Auto

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

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.

Larry Schlichting, Service Writer
Employment Information: Larry worked in the parts side of the automotive industry for 15 years before coming to Sparks. He worked parts counters, managed stores and worked in the parts department for a manufacturing company. In 2001 he joined the staff at Sparks.

Certifications: ASE Certified Automotive Technician, State of Missouri Inspector Mechanic ASE Certifications: (A4) Auto: Suspension and Steering (A5) Auto: Brakes (A7) Auto: Heating and Air Conditioning (C1) Auto: Service Consultant

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

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

Doug Ziegler, Technician
Personal Information: Doug lives in Wentzville with his wife Alicia and his twins. He enjoys fixing things, and not just on cars. He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, and he is a HUGE St. Louis Blues fan!

Employment Information: Doug’s 1st automotive job was changing tires at a Sam’s Club. He strived to do more than just that so he left Sam’s Club to become an apprentice technician at a full service Amoco Station. He joined the U.S. Army and spent his time in the service fixing Humvee’s and larger trucks. After being discharged, he worked in various shops until finding a home here at Sparks Tire & Auto.

Certifications: State of Missouri Inspector Mechanic ASE Certifications: (A4) Auto: Suspension and Steering (A5) Auto: Brakes (A6) Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems

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.