About A-Train Academy
A school built by inspectors, for the next generation of inspectors.
We Don't Just Teach Inspection. We Do It.
A-Train Academy grew out of one of the busiest home inspection operations in Texas. Our instructors inspect real homes, our curriculum reflects what the job actually demands, and our Texas students complete their field training on real inspections — because we have them running every day.
That connection to working inspection is our edge. Plenty of schools can get you through an exam. We get you ready for the career on the other side of it.
Three States and Growing
We started in Texas and became one of the few home inspection schools approved to operate across state lines — now including Maryland and Tennessee, with in-person training facilities where states require them. Wherever we operate, the standard is the same: real instructors, honest pricing, and graduates who pass their exam the first time.
Your Instructors
Donnie Autry
Lead Instructor
TREC Professional Inspector #21531 · TREC Instructor · TREC Supervising Inspector · Lead Inspector Trainer · Qualifying & CE Course Designer
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former CH-53 helicopter plane captain, Donnie brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience across building systems, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction — and has personally inspected over 3,000 homes across North Texas. He built two of his own homes from the ground up, and he teaches inspection the way he practices it: thorough, code-current, and hands-on.
Dan DeBoodt
Maryland Instructor
Dan Deboodt brings more than 20 years of instructional experience from the United States Air Force and government program management, where he trained personnel supporting Presidential Airlift and Special Air Mission operations. Today he leads A-Train's in-person Maryland training, bringing the same standards-driven, hands-on instruction that prepared professionals for no-fail environments.
Scott Stankus
Student Coach and Education Specialist
Qualifying & CE Course Designer · TREC CE Instructor · OREC CE Instructor #188598 · TREC Professional Inspector #24632 · TDA Pest Technician #851083
Scott has been actively involved in the real estate industry for over a decade as an investor, home inspector, and educator. He was one of the founding members of A-Train Academy and is the founder of Inspector Training House. Scott's instruction emphasizes practical field techniques, critical thinking, and professional communication, helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism needed to perform thorough inspections and effectively communicate their findings.
Blake White
Education Director
The voice on the other end of the phone, Blake runs the day-to-day of A-Train Academy. With over 10 years in specialized education — from I.T. at North Texas colleges to music instruction and school administration — he joined A-Train in 2023 and is your first point of contact for enrollment, financing, and getting the most out of your training.
Jeff Howell
Practicum & Continuing Education Instructor
Qualifying & CE Course Designer · TREC Instructor · OREC CE Instructor #188601 · TREC Professional Inspector #22020 · TDA Pest Technician #7655047
Jeff Howell became a licensed TREC home inspector in 2016, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience across nonprofit leadership, business development, and course design. Since then, he's performed over 2,000 inspections and built a reputation as a go-to trainer in the field — designing and teaching qualifying and continuing education courses for both inspectors and real estate agents, plus hands-on, in-field training for Super Inspector. Whether he's training a brand-new inspector or brushing up a seasoned pro, his goal is always the same: raise the bar for the whole industry, one person at a time.