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.
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.
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.
Kevin Quinn
Training & Development Specialist
Kevin began his automotive career on the sales floor, before moving on to F&I, management, and then training at various dealerships across the country. As a training & development specialist for The Academy, he seeks to help students maximize their results in a fun, hands-on, and semi-competitive learning atmosphere.
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.
Chase Marshall
Training & Development Specialist
With a family background in the automotive industry, Chase entered the industry himself with experience that allowed him to excel in all areas of dealership operations, including sales, finance, and leadership. As a training & development specialist, Chase helps dealership teams find success by solidifying profitable practices with The Academy's proven techniques and processes.
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.