Pinnacle

Founded in 2013 by Tim Martin, Tim Baker, Duane Dodde, Richard Herweyer, Michael Bell, and Frank Kopasz, our school was built on years of shared experience. All six founders previously worked together in the truck driver training program at Baker College of Cadillac. Today, four of the original partners remain actively involved in our day-to-day operations. As owners, we bring a level of dedication and personal investment that goes far beyond standard management, and we genuinely enjoy the work we do. We believe that financial instability lies at the root of many challenges facing families and communities. Everyone deserves a clear, reliable path to financial security, and a career as a commercial motor vehicle operator offers exactly that. It is a proven way to gain stable, well-paying employment and provide for yourself and your loved ones. Our mission is to deliver focused, high-quality training that prepares motivated individuals for a successful career behind the wheel. Our team of experienced professionals brings a wide range of complementary skills to every classroom. For students who have the drive, a strong work ethic, and the support to succeed, we are committed to being Northern Michigan’s premier commercial driving school. Everything we do is guided by four core principles: 1. Long-term graduate employment is our top priority. Before you enroll, we ensure you and your family clearly understand the career path and day-to-day realities of the job so expectations remain realistic. 2. We work closely with every graduate to secure a position that matches their lifestyle, prioritizing your preferred routes, income goals, benefits, and home time. We welcome applicants with past criminal records or serious driving offenses, though we are transparent that these may limit certain job opportunities. 3. You should only pay for the training you actually need. If you do not require the full 160-hour program, we will customize your coursework to fit your specific career goals whenever it benefits you. 4. We treat every student like a friend, prioritizing respect, transparency, and genuine support from your first day to your last.