Truck Centers, Inc. Staff
Leadership Team
John Hopkins
Chairman
Name John Hopkins
Title Chairman
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Spouse: Michele
Children/Grandchildren: 5 children, 4 grandchildren
Educational Background:
Florissant Valley Community College - 1970-1972
US Army, Darmstadt, Germany - 1972-1974
Professional Background:
Truck Centers, Inc. - 1970-Present
Assumed role as CEO in Feb. 1976
Joined TCI: 1970
Industry Leadership Positions:
Daimler Trucks Freightliner National Dealer Council Roles
Chairman (1989, 2001, 2002), Vice-Chairman (2023-2024) and Active Member since 1982
Executive Committee Member (1989-Present)
Finance Committee Chairman (2011, 2012) and Active Member since 1989
Aftermarket/CSA Committee Chairman (2011, 2012) and Active Member since 1989
Warranty JAD Committee Chairman (2000-Present)
Cummins Engine Warranty JAD Committee Chairman (2008-Present)
Legal Committee Chairman (2001-Present)
Freightliner 20 Group, Founding Member, Chairman or Member (1985-2014)
Freightliner President's Forum, Member (1989) (multiple recognitions as 1 of Top-3 dealers in U.S.)
Young President's Organization Leadership Roles (Member, 1981-2002)
Illini Chapter, Past Chairman, Treasurer and Membership Director
International Board Member (1 of 42 individuals representing 6500 YPOers globally, 1988-1992)
American Youth Foundation, Advisory Board (I Dare You Award & Nat'l Leadership Conference, 1989)
Nat'l Institute of Automotive Excellence (ASE), Nat'l Technician Certification Director (1980-1982)
Landmark Bank Holding Company of Illinois, Advisory Board of Directors (1987-1991)
Mark Twain Bank, Advisory Board of Directors (1979-1987)
Michael F. Yates
Vice Chairman
Name Michael F. Yates
Title Vice Chairman
Hometown: Marine, IL
Spouse: Linda
Children/Grandchildren: 2 children, 2 grandchildren
Educational Background:
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville - B.A.
Professional Background:
Truck Centers, Inc. - 1977-Present
Started as Body Shop Technician and advanced to manage various departments and serve as Troy GM prior to current role
Joined TCI: 1977
Community Leadership Positions:
Young Presidents Organization
Troy Chamber of Commerce
Tri-township Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Marine Lions Club
Triad Educational Foundation
Triad Booster Club President
SIUE Educations Foundation
SIUE Alumni Association
Gene Slay's Boy's Club of St. Louis
Katie Hopkins
President/CEO
Name Katie Hopkins
Title President/CEO
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Spouse: David
Children/Grandchildren: 2 children
Educational Background:
Truman State University - B.A.
ATD Dealer Academy
Babson Dealer Executive Academy
Professional Background:
Truck Centers, Inc. - 1992-Present
Worked at TCI learning various departments of the family business. Formally started in 1992 as an Accounts Receivable Clerk before holding positions as Assistant GM, GM of St. Louis and Troy.
Joined TCI: 1992
Industry Leadership Positions:
ATD NextGen Inaugural President - 2011
Missouri Auto Dealers Association Board - 2004-Present
ATD Board Member - 2011-2013
Aspire Freightliner Dealer Award - 2008
Justin Hopkins
Exec. Vice President
Name Justin Hopkins
Title Exec. Vice President
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Spouse: Sarah
Children/Grandchildren: 1 child
Educational Background:
Missouri Valley College - B.A.
ATD Dealer Academy
NADA Dealer Executive Academy
Professional Background:
Truck Centers, Inc. - 2004-Present
Worked at TCI since 1993 learning all departments of the family business. Formally started in 2004 and previously was GM of Springfield and Morton locations.
Joined TCI: 2004
Leadership Positions:
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity
Aspire Freightliner Dealer Award - 2008