Truck Driving School | Class A CDL Training

Founders

Founders Michelle and Gregory Christianson moved from Iowa to Idaho in 2001. Greg has been involved in the trucking industry as a driver and Business Representative for the Teamsters Union since 1976. Upon moving to Idaho in 2001, Greg embarked on truck driver training for 2 CDL schools in Twin Falls. After several months of teaching for these CDL schools, Greg grew frustrated at the lack of proper curriculum that these 2 schools offered. Hence the founding of Top Gun Truck Driving Academy in 2004. Top Gun has been going strong since its opening, we have trained thousands of students with a 96% job placement record.

Greg always tells our students "If you have your CDL you will always have a good-paying job no matter where you live in the United States. Don't ever feel or think you are God's gift to the highway because you aren't. You will be learning new things every week for the rest of your driving career."

Current Owner

Meet Glade Peterson, a passionate family man and true Idahoan with a vision to empower individuals in obtaining their CDL. Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, Glade embarked on a journey with Top Gun Truck Driving Academy to provide aspiring CDL drivers with the necessary instruction and resources for success on the road. Driven by a strong work ethic, Glade firmly believes in the principle of reaping what you sow through hard work and dedication. With his dedicated team at Top Gun, he is committed to offering unwavering support to students, ensuring they receive the guidance and assistance needed to excel in their CDL journey. At Top Gun, Glade envisions a community where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations in the trucking industry. With his leadership and the collective effort of the Top Gun team, Glade is confident in providing the proper help and guidance for student success. Join Glade and the Top Gun family in achieving your CDL dreams!

MEET OUR STAFF

Here at Top Gun Truck Driving Academy, we have some of the best instructors and staff from the Magic Valley area.

Twin Falls Team

William "Will" Porter

Will Porter, a seasoned CDL driver with 5 years of industry experience. As both the manager and instructor, Will brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. With expertise in doubles, triples, tankers, and hazmat endorsements, he prioritizes safety and patience above all else. Will's top advice? "If you need to chain up, stay safe and take the day off." Learn from Will and hit the road with confidence.

Jesus "Jesse" Diaz

A CDL instructor at Top Gun with an impressive 28-year track record in the transportation industry. While he's been behind the wheel since the age of 17, he transitioned into teaching at the age of 60, bringing a wealth of firsthand experience to his students. Certified in Doubles, Triples, Tankers, Motorcycle, and ESP, Jesse's expertise spans various facets of commercial driving. His primary advice to new drivers? Prioritize safety above all else and avoid rushing at the expense of safety. With Jesse's guidance, students learn not only the technical skills but also the mindset necessary for a successful and secure career on the road.

RICH CHAPMAN

With 49 years of experience, Rich is a seasoned CDL instructor specializing in school buses and tractor-trailers. Certified in multiple endorsements including hazmat, Rich's passion lies in training and interacting with students. His main tip? Listen to the trainer and apply their suggestions. Join us for expert instruction and start your journey to becoming a skilled commercial driver with Rich's CDL Training.

Cynthia Martinez

Meet Cynthia, our dedicated office manager at Top Gun Truck Driving Academy! With two years of experience under her belt, Cynthia is passionate about ensuring our office runs like a well-oiled machine. She's always eager to lend a hand and ensure everything operates smoothly. When she's not optimizing our workplace, you can find her breaking a sweat at the gym, enjoying the great outdoors, or utilizing her skills as a phlebotomist.

McCoy Peterson

McCoy Peterson is the dynamic Marketing Specialist at Top Gun Truck Driving Academy. Known for his charisma, McCoy engages with potential students at events and over the phone, always bringing a touch of fun to the conversation. Outside of work, McCoy enjoys playing guitar, video games, and pizza, as well as riding his bike and spending time with family and friends. Catch him at our next event or give him a call—his lively personality is sure to brighten your day!

Burley Team

Phil Snow

Phil Snow is a seasoned instructor with 17 years of experience in CDL training, covering every endorsement except Hazmat. With an impressive 300 million miles driven, he brings both expertise and passion to every lesson. Off duty, Phil loves spending time outdoors—whether it’s camping, fishing, kayaking, heading out on trips, shooting, or just hanging out with his family. His go-to advice for students: “Don’t get discouraged. Just keep pushing forward and tell yourself, ‘I got this.’”

Monte

Monte Bean is an instructor at Top Gun Truck Driving Academy with 40 years of driving experience and over 2 million miles on the road. He holds endorsements for motorcycles, tankers, and doubles/triples. Outside of driving, Monte enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. His advice to students is simple but powerful: “This is a high-paying job because it’s high in demand.”

Monserrat "Monse" Torres

Meet Monse, our dynamic office assistant and marketing expert at Top Gun Truck Driving Academy! With a passion for her role, Monse is dedicated to helping students succeed by providing them with the necessary resources and support they need. She takes pride in being part of the Top Gun team and eagerly looks forward to assisting aspiring CDL drivers achieve their goals. Outside of work, Monse enjoys spending time with dogs and sipping on Diet Coke.