Collision Repair & Refinish Technology Faculty

Ron Burchatz
Instructor
605.367.4876
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Ron Burchatz started instructing at Southeast Tech in June 2011 and instructing I-CAR 2015.

His degrees, training and certifications include: Southeast Tech Graduate with AAS Auto Body Collision and Refinish; 2014 PPG Envirobase HP Certification; 2014 PPG Technical Instructor Training Certification; 2014 3M Technical College Collision Repair Instructor Training Certification; 2013 ASE Certified Master Collision Technician; 2013 B6 Damage Analysis & Estimating; 2013 B5 Mechanical & Electrical Comp; 2013 ICAR Resistant Spot Weld; 2013 Hunter Wheel Alignment Technician Certification; 2012 PPG Envirobase HP; 2012 ICAR MIG Welding, Ford/Lincoln, HSS, Lord Fusor Plastic Repair, Lord Fusor Metal Bond; 2011 ASE B2 Collision: Painting & Refinishing; 2011 ASE B3 Collision: Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair; 2011 ASE B4 Collision: Structural Analysis & Damage Repair; 2010 Environmental Protection Agency Registrant; 2006 DuPont Qualified “4-1” Chromabase Qualified Refinisher; 2005 DuPont Qualified Refinisher 2004 DuPont Assurance of Quality Management Training Program; 2003 Gateway Use and Care or Computers; 2002 DuPont OEM Certification Program; 2001 DuPont Smart Production; 2000 Harleysville Insurance Companies Preferred Repair Program; 1999 Essex Qualified Training Adhesives Installation and Procedures; 1998 Mitchell International Advanced Computer; Assisted Auto Collision Estimating; 1997 DeVilbiss Advanced ITW Training; 1996 Statefarm Insurance Referred Repair Program; 1995 3M Respirator Fit 1992 – 2010 Watertown’s Finest, Inc., Watertown, SD; dba – Bernie’s Body and Glass Owner, President; Expanded the business facility from 6,500 to over 15,000 sq. feet; Dramatic sales increase since 1992 (over 10 x).; DuPont refinishing materials handled since 1963; Worked all duties from maintenance to president; Built a larger more effective business network; Established teaching techniques to advance technicians skills; Safety Control (zero work related injuries for entire staff); Quality Control (organized a SOP for all operations); Member of South Dakota Auto Body Association.1986 – 1992 Bernie’s Body and Glass; Bernie Bertrang, Owner; Worked as an apprentice under Bernie – Duties included estimating, customer relations, quality control, employee relations and managing daily operations.

Education: AAS, Southeast Tech, PPG Envirobase HP, ICAR MIG Welding, ASE B2/B3/B4 Collision

Mike Wendell
Instructor
605.367.5294
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Mike has been a member of the Southeast Tech team since 2000, and had 23 years of industry experience before teaching.

He holds certifications in: PPG Delton, PPG Global, PPG Enviobase, and PPG Vocational Instructor’s certification. He also has ASE Refinish certification, OSHA Career Safe, and many I-Car certifications.
Mike believes that every student has the propensity to learn regardless of his or her background and strives to facilitate a learning environment that is hands on collaborative.

Education: BS, SDSU; PPG Deltron, PPG Envirobase, OSHA Careersafe, ASE Painting and Refinishing

Micah Giebler
Lab Specialist
605.367.7673
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Micah started working at Southeast tech in July of 2013. In 2009 he received his Associates in Applied Science Degree with an emphasis in Auto Body Repair and Refinish Technology from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

Before he became the Collision Repair and Refinish Lab specialist at Southeast Tech he was the lead Paint Technician for Bernie’s Body and Glass in Watertown, South Dakota. Micah also owns and operates Giebler Auto Glass, a small business providing automotive glass repair and replacement.

Education: AAS, North Dakota State College of Science; PPG Paint Certifications, PPG Vocational Education-Phase II Course, Dow Automotive Systems Certification, Hybrid Aftermarket Training, 3M Plastic Repair and Panel Bond Certification.