Northern Tool + Equipment Challenges Students from Flandreau Indian School to Transform 1976 Ford F-350 Into "America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™"

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., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 over 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 their 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.

Media Contact: Holly Steffl
Phone Number: 612.351.8312
Email: [email protected]
Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment