Meet the Team
Tony Dupaquier
Director of Training & The Academy
Tony has more than 25 years of experience in automotive and is considered the industry's most forward-thinking sales and F&I trainer and consultant. As director of training & The Academy, Tony leads his team of certified trainers in curriculum development, training strategy, and marketing.
Jeff Gabbert
Training & Development Specialist
Jeff has spent time in both retail and leadership positions in the dealership, ranging from parts all the way up to vice president of sales. He has also attended NADA University. As a training & development specialist for The Academy, Jeff works closely with dealership sales teams to help them realize their potential and increase dealership sales.
Cisco Linares
Training & Development Specialist
After 14 years in the retail automotive space, holding sales, F&I, and leadership roles, Cisco transitioned into the role of trainer with The Academy. He is responsible for dealership personnel training and strengthening team success through skills development. Cisco is also one of The Academy's bilingual trainers and offers courses in Spanish.
Laura Black
Training & Development Specialist
Having been hired as a dealership receptionist, Laura was promoted to sales within a month and went on to find great success in both sales and F&I. Laura’s focus as a trainer is on developing dealership employees to be successful and fulfilled. She works to understand individual needs and personalizes her approach based on their unique set of challenges and talents.
Charlton M. Shelby
Training & Development Specialist
After breaking sales and CSI records on the sales floor, Chuck transitioned first to F&I and later to leadership, holding multiple roles in that arena. He now works with dealerships on F&I development, sales, internet, and BDC strategies. Chuck supports dealership personnel growth with increased sales volume, profitability, and customer experience.
Monica Ferguson
Marketing Specialist & Academy Coordinator
As coordinator for training materials, on-site workshops, and course registration, Monica's skills are utilized in close coordination with The Academy leadership team to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently for all clients. She is the point of contact for dealer partners and staff, as well as hotel liaison and catering manager.