Meet the trainers

Tim Stellhorn

Tim has been around trucking most of his life. Tim attended Ranken Tech for Truck and Heavy Equipment Repair and has been working in the industry for over 35 years. Tim has been at TCI for over 30 years and held positions as a technician, service writer, shop foreman, service sales, and OPS. Tim has held certifications as an ASE Master Truck and School Bus Technician. He is currently working on certifications for the full DTNA product line.

Doug Burgess

Doug's involvement with trucks began in his teenage years. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the Marines, where he focused on heavy equipment mechanics. He subsequently worked for several years as a diesel technician for local fleets before joining TCI-St. Louis in September 1996. With comprehensive drivetrain expertise, Doug became the leading transmission and gear specialist at the St. Louis branch. Over his 27-plus years at that location, he trained and mentored the next generation of technicians, paving the way for his transition into a corporate training position.

Chris Dazell

Chris has 27 years of experience as a Heavy-Duty Truck Technician. A graduate of Northwestern College in Lima, OH, with a degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology, he began his career as a Heavy-Duty Fleet Truck Technician for Central Transport. In 1998, he joined TCI, where he held roles as a technician, service writer, service foreman, and assistant service manager. Chris has held ASE certification as a Master Truck Technician and is currently pursuing certifications for the full DTNA and FCCC product lines.

Larry King

Larry has over 21 years experience as a heavy-duty diesel technician. Larry has worked at TCI since 2011 as a service manager as well as a foreman/dispatcher. Larry has held certifications as ASE Master Truck Technician and Volvo Master Technician. He is currently completing certifications to teach Detroit engine courses.

Alex Pedigo

Alex grew up around trucks in the family business and has worked on trucks professionally for nearly 20 years. After 14 years in the family business, he came to TCI as a technician in 2020. While working as a tech, Alex graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In 2024, he moved to the training department, where he is currently working towards obtaining Detroit Diesel engine trainer certifications.

John "Buster" Lamke

Buster has a combined 43 years of experience as a heavy-duty diesel technician and then as an instructor teaching certified Freightliner/Western Star courses. Buster started working for TCI in May 2000 as a technician, following in his father’s footsteps in the industry and a legacy that he has passed down to his two sons. Buster has held ASE Master Truck Technician certifications along with the Advanced Truck certification. Buster is fully certified to teach all of the DTNA vehicle classes and the Cummins Midrange engine classes.