Who we are?
Coach Dave
1) Tell us in 3 sentences about you and your family.
I’m the proud dad of MacKenzie, the inspiration behind DMACK and the reason for its name! Together with my partner Anna and her son AJ, we’re a fun-loving foursome navigating the chaos of raising two six-year-olds. Let’s just say teaching new drivers is sometimes the most relaxing part of my day!
2) What made you want to become a driving instructor?
I’ve always enjoyed helping people learn, grow and build confidence. When Mark approached me about becoming a driving instructor, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to combine my love of coaching with my ability to remain calm under pressure. I jumped into the driver’s seat and haven’t looked back — except when shoulder checking, of course!
3) What is your teaching style, and what can students expect when learning with you?
My approach is pretty simple: everyone learns differently, so I adapt my coaching to the person sitting beside me. I keep things calm, positive and encouraging, with a healthy dose of humour when the moment calls for it. My goal is to build confidence, not stress levels — there’s already enough of that happening at four-way stops!
4) What is your #1 tip for becoming a confident and safe driver?
Never be afraid to ask questions or admit when something doesn’t make sense. Those little “Aha!” moments are what make teaching so rewarding, and sometimes it takes a few tries to get there. At DMACK, we believe in open communication, patience and creating an environment where students feel comfortable learning. Remember, even the best drivers were once beginners — although some still park like they are!
5) What’s something fun or interesting about you outside of driving?
Anna and I love staying active with CrossFit, and we do our best to involve the kids in our workouts and outdoor adventures. When I’m not at the gym, chasing kids or teaching someone how to parallel park, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen with some great music, good company and something delicious on the go. I like to think I’m a pretty good cook, although my toughest critics are six years old and would happily eat chicken nuggets every night!
Coach Mark F. (Senior)
I was born and raised in the Tri-Cities, where my wife, Bev, and I are proud to have raised our two sons.
Throughout my career as a firefighter, I have always maintained a passion for sports, coaching, and mentoring others. In my spare time, I enjoyed coaching my sons' hockey teams at the local rink, a passion that naturally carries over into my role as a driving instructor.
Outside of driving instruction, I enjoy spending my winters on the local ski slopes and at the curling rink. During the summer months, you can usually find me on the golf course working on my game, particularly my driver!
I also draw on my background in Ironman triathlons when teaching students. I believe that learning to drive, much like preparing for a triathlon, requires both mental and physical focus, self-confidence, dedication, and preparation. Through patience, practice, and encouragement, I help students develop the skills and confidence they need to become safe, capable, and comfortable drivers.
For me, success comes from believing in yourself, putting in the work, and building confidence one step at a time.
Coach Mark H. (Junior)
1) Tell us in 3 sentences about you and your family.
My name is Mark Hunter and I am 66 years old. I have been a resident of Coquitlam for over 30 years. I have helped raise 3 boys who were all very active in the sporting community from hockey to lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball and rugby. I have coached and aided in all aspects of these sports and played many of them myself as a younger man.
2) What made you want to become a driving instructor?
I have been a driver instructor since 2023. It was never on my bucket list to do, but since I retired in 2021 I felt I needed a hobby job and when this opportunity arose, I did some serious thinking and thought it was like coaching all over again, so I went and got my certification and love every moment of it!
3) What is your teaching style, and what can students expect when learning with you?
I believe my teaching style can be explained as very verbal. I like to explain the whole aspects of driving from my perspective and align with the best practices laid out by ICBC. I like to explain what is required of my students before we pull away from the curb and also break down the lesson at the end.
4) What is your #1 tip for becoming a confident and safe driver?
Driving is something to be taken serious and no room for errors. As easy as it may seem, you always have to be aware of ALL situations around you at ALL times. Lack of concentration for any amount of time can put you and others at high risk.
5) What’s something fun or interesting about you outside of driving?
I have 3 grandchildren, 2 girls and a boy. I love every moment I have with them and love keeping them entertained. We have so much fun and that is what I’m here for!
Coach Rockin' Ron
1) Tell us in 3 sentences about you and your family.
I have lived in Coquitlam most of my life alongside my parents and younger brother. Both my parents are now retired, travelling all over. My younger brother lives on the island working at the hospitals.
2) What made you want to become a driving instructor?
I used to coach Olympic Sport Fencing at a school and local club. I have also taught some informal music lessons. Being interested in cars and loving driving, I felt as though Driving Instruction was a natural progression of combining various passions of mine.
3) What is your teaching style, and what can students expect when learning with you?
I do my best to modify my style to what students let me know works best for them. That being said, as a baseline I think positivity is important but also with a critical lens to identify areas of improvement with giving feedback. Above all else, calmness is key because driving is stressful enough to learn as is, so my goal is for students to feel as comfortable and safe as possible - as well as having fun! I feel those have always been key to having the best learning environment. That being said, sometimes we need that little "push" to challenge ourselves. I believe facilitating that safely is also important.
4) What is your #1 tip for becoming a confident and safe driver?
The best way to improve is to go out, and do the thing. Practice is the key to improvement in so many different aspects of life, driving is no different in that regard. It takes time to get comfortable and understand the flow on roads so don't rush it, but go out and experience it - bit by bit. Each day in life is a learning opportunity. Take each learning moment and build from it. To this day, I get out on the road and still learn new things all the time.
5) What’s something fun or interesting about you outside of driving?
I am an aspiring musician and play a few instruments. I play in bands and also compose music on my own. When I play in groups I am on the bass guitar. I don't have any formal education so all my music theory, production, and technical knowledge are things I have picked up through exploration and learning through experience or self directed studies.
Coach Operating Officer - Anna
As the Coach Operating Officer of DMACK Driving School and significant other to owner Dave, I play an important role in the growth and day-to-day operations of the business.
With a background as an entrepreneur and business owner in the health and wellness industry, I bring experience in leadership, operations, customer experience, and building strong relationships. I’m passionate about creating a positive experience for DMACK’s students, instructors, and families.
For me, DMACK is more than just a business. It’s something Dave and I are building together for our little family of four, and I take a lot of pride in being part of that journey and helping bring our vision to life.
Outside of DMACK, I’m a mom to an energetic 6 year old boy, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner who loves family, friends, building meaningful connections, wellness and growing with purpose.
