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James is a native to South Carolina. James served in the US Army for 4 years as a communication specialist and light infantry solider. He has driven large vehicles in 3 different foreign countries during his time in service.  He has driven for numerous companies over the road, hauling various products. In 2003, James left the road and begun instructing where he moved into the head of the department for South Carolina’s oldest and largest Truck Driver Training Program in 2006 to 2011. After his time instructing, he worked as a quality manager where he investigated non-conformance activities, conducted product spill and contamination and accident investigations, provided a root cause analysis, and remediation. He also assisted in developing and implementing a driver trainer program. In 2017, he came to Superior Bulk Logistics to manage the training and development center. Finally, in 2019; James was appointed the director of SBL Driving Academy, Inc. 

James holds several certifications and licenses. He is FMCSA Supervisor Certified and holds an advanced air brake system certification. James has his EDU-213 teaching certificate and is an operation lifesaver presenter. He is a certified Smith System Instructor and is certified in documentation and investigative report writing. He has also chaired some industry associations. James served on the South Carolina Trucking Association Safety and Technology Council from 2014 to 2016. He served as 2nd chair, 1st chair, and chairman. James is currently taking classes to earn his Bachelors degree in theology. 

James will tell you his greatest accomplishment is being a husband, and Dad to three grown children and Grandfather to 11 Grandchildren.

James is a real go-getter and will not stop until he reaches his goals. James may be the director of the school, but you will often find him in the classroom, out on the range, and with potential students. He has a great knack at identifying peoples strengths and building from those. James is fun to be around and brings a very positive energy to the academy. One of his favorite sayings is “if you are going to bring a problem, be sure to bring a solution as well”. Wise words, from a wise man! 

Mr. Leigh Dunn is a US Navy Veteran, a former heavy equipment and CDL instructor with the city of Pickens South Carolina.. Mr. Dunn resides in the upstate of S.C. with his wife and daughter. His hobbies include college football and shooting sports.

Mr. Dunn earned his CDL in 1999 where he finished first in his class and has logged over one and a quarter million miles as a tractor trailer driver in the span of his professional driving career.

Mr. Dunn also enjoys serving in his local church where he and his family attend. Mr. Dunn brings a unique skill set to the table at SBL. with his knowledge and background as a heavy hauler. He is able to speak to a specific part of the trucking industry which adds value to the overall educational process. Mr. Dunn has proven to be an asset to the school and students alike, his calm demeanor and passion to help others succeed are evident by the students her trains.

Mr. Dunn is also one of our third party CDL testers. 

Mrs. Amy Phillips is a lifelong resident of the Upstate in South Carolina, where she currently resides with her Husband. Amy has a strong background in Medical Administration and has worked alongside Physicians while performing many aspects required in a medical office setting such as scheduling, insurance authorizations, medical assisting, patient care, clinical research and laboratory testing. 

Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the Academy Family along with a wonderful personality and a strong determination to help others as she spends much of the initial time all students have when processing into the Academy. She is the mother of 2 daughters and 2 stepsons and also has 4 grandchildren that keep her busy at times with ballgames, band concerts and other school functions. In her free time, Amy shares a love of many outdoor hobbies with her Husband which include boating, fishing or just being by the lake or ocean, deer hunting, traveling (especially to the Florida Keys!) and riding their Harley Davidson.

Sammy is a former Haz Mat tanker driver. Mr. Farmer brought many years of experience to the Academy of Managing people in various roles throughout his life. Sammy is a great addition to the teaching staff here at the Academy. Sammy has worked in his previous career as senior level management in the manufacturing sector.

Sammy is a pleasure to work with and around. He has brought a lot of knowledge to the students.

Mr. Farmer is one of our third party CDL testers.

Don is originally from Irving, Texas and moved to upstate New York, where he obtained his CDL License and began his career as a truck driver. Throughout his career Don has transported flatbed, container, dry van, and refrigerated freight. Prior to coming to SBL, he spent the last 15 years transporting petroleum products. Don's hobbies include riding his motorcycle, hiking and handyman projects. Don is married and has 6 kids. Along with being an Instructor at SBL, he is currently working on his associates degree in Education. Don's favorite instructing activity is instructing students on the range.

Mr. Duncan grew up in a 3-generation household in Letona, AR. 

He studied World History at Arkansas State University and left grad school to follow his family to South Carolina in 2006. 

He's well established in Laurens, having worked as a full-time substitute teacher, and then running the Waffle House for four years. He left that job to become a trucker in 2012, knowing that he would be legally required to get a rest period every day. 

Since then, Mr. Duncan has worked over the road hauling refrigerated product, picking up and delivering to the Atlanta Railyards, moving 60 trailers a day with a Yard Switcher at BMW plant 10 in Greer, and dispatching and driving locally in Greer since 2015. 

He spends his free time maintaining his in-law's family property and showing off his wife's Classic Coupe with the Laurens County Cruisers.