Meet The Team
Nate Smith
Store Manager / Hanksters Garage – FL.
Hi, I’m Nate Smith. I moved to Daytona Beach Florida in 2021 from the Bay area of California. I have been building cars and trucks since I was 13 and have had a passion for them my whole life. My toy cars and trucks as a kid have just gotten bigger. From Tonka and hot wheels to real cars and trucks now. I went to school for automotive, hot rod building, fabrication and business. I really enjoy talking to people about how they can make their vehicle custom and match their style. I am very happy to be a part of the Hanksters team and help them keep these awesome vehicles on the road. I love coming to work and being in a hot rod atmosphere every day.
Alek Butaka
Master Technician / Hanksters Garage – FL.
Hi my name is Alek Bukata, I moved to Florida in 2025 to start a new chapter and to pursue my love for cars and racing. Ever since I was a kid I have had a passion for working on performance and classic cars, I am super excited and thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Hanksters team.
Adam Boutot
Master Technician / Hanksters Garage – FL.
My name is Adam Boutot. I’m 48 I move here from central Maine. My grandfather introduce me to hot rods at a very young age through his garage and coming from Maine to Daytona’s speedway. I started tech school at the age of 16. For automotive, repair and body work. I have a passion for keeping the history of the true muscle car era alive. I believe it keeps the big kid in us alive. I am proud to be part of the Hankster team.
Clay Cruea
Master Technician / Hanksters Garage – FL.
Hi. My Name is Clay Cruea. I grew up in a small town in Ohio. I moved to Florida in 2020. I have been in the auto industry for 15 years. I am really excited about the new opportunity that I have with Hanksters Hot Rods.
Josh Hammond
Master Technician / Hanksters Garage – FL.
With a lifelong passion for classic cars and nearly a lifetime of hands-on experience in restoration, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to every project. My journey began at the age of 16 when I restored a 1980 Camaro, igniting a deep love for automotive craftsmanship that has only grown stronger over the years. My expertise spans full restorations, including welding, painting, and fabrication, ensuring that each vehicle receives meticulous attention to detail. While I initially expanded my skills to restoring RVs, my heart has always belonged to classic cars, and I’ve returned to my true passion. I treat every car as if it were my own, providing a level of care and dedication that you can trust for your prized possession. Whether it’s a restoration project or a simple repair, I’m committed to delivering exceptional results that honor the legacy of classic automobiles
Art Dupont
Paint Correction Specialist – FL.
My name is Art Dupont. I am a paint correction specialist with 40 years of experience painting classic cars and motorcycles. I’m glad to be a part of the Hanksters Team. Have a great life, God Bless.