MEET OUR STAFF

Our Team

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 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

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

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.

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

Josh Palmer, Master Technician

Personal Information:
Josh lives in O’Fallon with his 3 children. He became interested in this field after his father inspired him in the aviation world and suggested he go into something similar. This all stems from an early age interest in legos, bicycles, and small engines. His favorite car is
a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 and his dream car is a 2001 Lamborghini Diablo. In his free time he likes to spend time with his children, go hunting, camping, and fishing. He LOVES the outdoors.

Employment Information:
He began his first automotive job in 1997 at Steve Lasater Automotive. Since then, he has worked for a few other independent repair shops in the St. Charles area, before starting with Sparks in April 2015. He attended Lewis & Clark Technical School, Federal Mogul Technical
Education Center, and 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
(A9) Diesel Certified
(L1) Adv. Level: Engine Performance Specialist