Meet Our Amazing Team
KPDI is conveniently located in the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. Our two-acre secured lot allows for dedicated, uninterrupted instruction – and our multiple classrooms cater to groups of all sizes. Our focus is on delivering an exception experience through our professional CDL instruction team.
Alex Douthit – Email
Owner / Instructor / Examiner
Alex is the Kenai Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award! Alex is the owner of KPDI. He has a background in law enforcement and DARE education. His experience of over four years as a driver trainer instructor for the world’s leading oilfield makes him a top notch driving instructor. Alex is a commercial driving instructor/examiner. Alex is a second generation Alaskan and has lived in Kenai nearly his whole life. He & his wife Sarah have four children and enjoy camping, fishing and hunting in Alaska.
Sarah Douthit – Email
Enrollment Specialist/Accounting
Sarah is KPDI’s student enrollment specialist and bookkeeper. She is also a New Driver Examiner. Sarah is Alex’s wife and together they have four children. Her goal is to help students through the enrollment and funding process. She shares Alex’s passion for student success! In her spare time she enjoys camping, snowmachining and making hand cut leather earrings.
Jason Hupp – Email
Lead Instructor/ Examiner
Jason Hupp is an Air Force Veteran and moved to the Kenai Peninsula in 2012 from Oregon with his wife and sons. He has been a commercial driver for over 20 years and is KPDI’s lead instructor.
Vacancy
Full-time CDL Instructor
Travis Cecil
Part-time CDL Instructor
Travis joined KPDI in 2022.
Tod Paine – Email
CDL Instructor
In addition to 30 years as an HVAC technician, Tod has been driving a truck for over 13 years in the Kuparuk oil field as a mobile boiler operator. Originally from Colorado, Tod came to Alaska in 2002. He enjoys all the outdoor activities Alaska has to offer. Recently retired from the oil field, he looks forward to training new safe drivers for the open road.
Melvin Tolentino
CDL Instructor & Examiner
My name is Melvin Tolentino and I grew up on a small farm in Hawaii. As a kid summer life was simple. The farm fields and back roads was always my favorite because that’s where it all started for me. I started driving tractors and trailers barely reaching the pedals trying to not hit anything with a smile on my face. I first moved to Alaska in spring of 2012 to work. Since then I have gain experience in construction, surface and underground mining , gas and oilfield industry. I have operated almost anything that has a steering wheel or joy sticks and I still enjoy it. My secret to my success is don’t be afraid to take big risks. Try new things and you’ll only gain experience and knowledge.
Jessica See – Email
Office Team Lead
Jessica joined KPDI in 2022. She brings an extensive background in DMV processing including licensing and vehicle transactions.
Marian Petla – Email
Office Team Member
Marian joined KPDI in 2021. She specializes in identity and fingerprinting services.
Zackery Nylander – Email
Class D Instructor
Zack joined our KPDI team in 2022.
He looks forward to helping students become safe and successful drivers.
Instructor Qualifications:
All instructors are licensed by the State of Alaska, have completed all required experience level and trainings in their class of driving. As well as, each completes fingerprinting background checks through Dep of Public Safety. Our instructors are top notch!
New Instructors:
If you feel you would enjoy being a driving instructor or part of our training team, reach out to us! You can email us at: [email protected] and tell us why you’d make a great addition to our KPDI team!
Ready to take your next step?
Get started with us, either register your details with us to get started or give us a call so we can talk through any of your questions.