The completed truck will be featured at the world-renowned SEMA Show, help revitalize
the school’s career and technical education (CTE) program and expose students to
career pathways in the skilled trades
BROOKINGS, S.D., September 9, 2026 — Today, national retailer Northern Tool +
Equipment announced the launch of a school-year project challenging a group of 14
CTE students from Flandreau Indian School to transform a hard-working 1976 Ford F-
350 utility truck into “America’s Ultimate Trades Toolbox™.”
A Build of Firsts
Build IV marks several firsts for the Northern Tool Build program. It is the first Build
hosted at a tribal school, and for the first time, half of the student Build Team is female.
Throughout the school year, students will take on the transformation of the 1976 Ford F-
350—gaining hands-on experience in welding, fabrication, automotive repair, paint and
bodywork, design and more as they work alongside industry professionals.
The truck’s six utility compartments and bed will become America’s Ultimate Trades
Toolbox™, with each showcasing tools, craftsmanship and career pathways
representing the skilled trades that have helped build America for generations—and will
continue building its future.
Students have until May 5 to complete the Build before its first reveal near Flandreau
later that month. Then, in November, their work heads to Las Vegas for the national
stage as a featured vehicle at SEMA 2027.
One truck. Multiple trades. And a Build Team showing the world what the next
generation is capable of.
“We are grateful to be approached by a company that wants to invest in our school and
growing CTE program without asking for anything in return,” said Everall Fox, Superintendent of Flandreau Indian School. “No endorsement of products; it’s just about the kids and creating a better future for them.”
The Mentors
Students will work alongside build mentor Keaton Lee, a renowned custom painter and
builder.
“This is going to be an amazing experience for the students,” said Lee. “I’m excited to
get to work with this group and provide them with knowledge that will change their
lives.”
The team at Einspahr Ford in Brookings, South Dakota, has also joined the Build. Its
trained Ford technicians and experts will work alongside students throughout the
project, helping them understand the truck, diagnose problems and gain exposure to
professional automotive work. Einspahr will also help provide students interested in
automotive careers with potential pathways beyond the Build, including opportunities to
further explore the industry.
The Partners
For Northern Tool + Equipment, Build IV is about bringing together companies and
industry experts who share a commitment to the future of the skilled trades—and putting
their tools, knowledge and connections directly in students’ hands.
“No one company can solve the skilled trades gap alone, but together we can give
young people a much clearer view of the incredible opportunities waiting for them,” said
Frank Crowson, Chief Commercial Officer, Northern Tool + Equipment. “We’re proud to
bring together some of the best brands and people in the industry for Build IV—not to
build this for the students, but to give them the tools, expertise and opportunity to build it
themselves.”
As part of the project, Northern Tool + Equipment is partnering with DEWALT to equip
the shop with thousands of dollars’ worth of professional-grade tools that will impact
students for years to come.
“The future of the skilled trades depends on giving young people the tools, experiences
and exposure to see what’s possible,” said J. Brooke Roberts, president of Farm &
Hardware DEWALT. “Build IV does exactly that. We’re proud to put professional-grade
DEWALT tools in these students’ hands—tools that deliver end-to-end solutions, safety
with the highest performance, and increased productivity on the jobsite—while
connecting them with industry expertise and providing an experience that could help
shape their future.”
Additionally, House of Kolor will help reopen the school’s shuttered paint booth and
provide paint for the Build.
“We’re honored to support students learning the trades through Northern Tool +
Equipment’s project transforming this vehicle,” said Tony D’Acquisto, Vice President of
Marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “We’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of House of
Kolor this year, and we’ve talked a lot about the brand’s legacy in custom color. I can
think of no better way to honor and continue that legacy than by inspiring the next
generation of auto enthusiasts and painters.”
The Grand Finale
After its May 2027 reveal, the finished 1976 Ford F-350 will head to Las Vegas for a
massive national spotlight at the SEMA Show, one of the world’s premier automotive
aftermarket events, where it will be displayed as a featured vehicle.
“This Student Build is proof that the future of the automotive aftermarket and trades is in
good hands. I’m proud to showcase what these students will build, and I’m excited for
the industry to see their talent at the 2027 SEMA Show,” said Joe Escobar, SEMA’s
Recognition Program Manager.
Follow the Build
The public can watch students tackle Build IV through monthly updates on Northern
Tool’s YouTube channel. The series will be hosted by Jesse James Dupree, lead singer
of Jackyl, entrepreneur and trades enthusiast. Progress will also be shared throughout
the school year on Northern Tool’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.
Build IV is the fourth student Build organized by Northern Tool + Equipment. For the
second consecutive year, the students’ journey will also become a television series on
RACER Network. Build IV will be documented as an eight-episode series premiering in
October 2027.
About Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades
professionals tackling tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 150,000 high-
quality tools and equipment for more than 45 years, the company’s highly trained team
has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in person at more than 130
retail stores, online and over the phone through its fully staffed contact center.
From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs
that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of
Northern Tool’s mission. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at
NorthernTool.com and stay connected through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X,
YouTube and Pinterest.
Flandreau Indian School and Bureau of Indian Education participation does not
constitute or imply endorsement of Northern Tool + Equipment, its partners,
products, services, or this content.
