Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Faculty and Staff
Russel Butler
Coordinator / Clinical Sr. Instructor
Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex B2-63
Professional Work Experience
- Over thirty years in the Auto Body industry as a Painter, Body Tech, Shop Foreman and Estimator
- Instructor and Program Coordinator at ISU College of Technology – 20 years
Career Highlights
- With 7 full time students, built a 1959 Ford Fairlane Galaxie 500 Skyliner in 8 weeks
- Restoration Projects of many 1960s and 1970s muscle cars with emphasis on the Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am
- Race Car Builder and Driver racing all across the west in Stock Car and Road Racing events
A Favorite Experience
I was approached by a man that wanted to hire me to build a 1970 Pontiac Trans Am. He said that when he was a little boy, his dad bought a 1970 Trans Am brand new (as the family car), and he had great memories of how that car looked and drove. After a time of negotiation and working out the expectations, we agreed on a plan that would suit us both with him getting the car he wanted and me building the car of my dreams. As one of the requirements of the deal, he said that his dad now owned a Ferrari and that the Trans Am had to be faster than the Ferrari and be able to beat it in a race! The next year was an amazing opportunity to find, build and deliver such a special car to this man. As a side note, the cars never did race, but I got to drive both of them, and yes the Trans Am would have won.
Don Beamis
Clinical Sr. Instructor
Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex B2-63
Professional Work Experience
- Graduate of Idaho State University Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Program, 1985
- Over 35 years in the Auto Body industry as a painter, Body Tech, Frame Repair Tech
- Program Coordinator and painting Instructor at ISU College of Technology-25 years
Career Highlights
- Helped paint several DARE vehicles for Pocatello Police
- Restoration Projects of many 1930s, 1960s muscle cars with Chevrolet Chevelle’s being on the top of my list
- Race car builder and Driver, racing across the west in Stock cars (Street Stocks, Limited Stocks with Championships in each and raced in Super Late Model Stock Cars
