BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Last Wednesday, tool retailer and manufacturer Northern Tool + Equipment launched a new school project that challenged 14 tech education students from Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota to transform a 1976 Ford F-350 utility truck into “America’s Ultimate Trades Toolbox.”
Northern Tool’s fourth build will mark several firsts, including the first project hosted at a tribal school, and it will be the first time half of the student build team is female.
Throughout the school year, students will transform the 1976 Ford F-350, gaining hands-on experience in welding, fabrication, automotive repair, paint and bodywork as they work alongside industry professionals.
Previous builds saw students build a Harley-Davidson Nightster, a Mini Monster Jam truck and a Rat Rod Go Kart.
The 50-year-old truck’s six utility compartments and bed will be fashioned into “America’s Ultimate Trades Toolbox,” with each showcasing tools, craftsmanship and career pathways representing the skilled trades.
Students have until May 5, 2027, to complete the build before its first reveal near Flandreau later that month. In November, the project will head to Las Vegas as a featured vehicle at SEMA 2027.
“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.”
Students will work alongside build mentor Keaton Lee, a custom painter and builder.
The team at Einspahr Ford in Brookings, South Dakota, has also joined the build. The company’s 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 explore the industry further.
For Northern Tool + Equipment, Build IV brings together companies and industry experts who share a commitment to the future of the skilled trades—and puts their tools, knowledge and connections directly in students’ hands.Northern Tool + Equipment
For Northern Tool + Equipment, Build IV brings together companies and industry experts who share a commitment to the future of the skilled trades—and puts 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 at Northern Tool.
As part of the project, Northern Tool is partnering with DeWalt to equip the shop with 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 and hardware at DeWalt.
The tech education students from Flandreau Indian School who will work on the project.Northern Tool + Equipment
Additionally, custom paint shop House of Kolor will help reopen the school’s shuttered paint booth and provide paint for the project.
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.
The journey will also become a television series on RACER Network. Build IV will be documented as an eight-episode series premiering in October 2027.
Northern Tool recently announced plans to reshore production from Mexico and "insource" product development and manufacturing.
Northern Tool + Equipment
