How One Bell Employee Is Reframing Amarillo’s Story
When most people think of Amarillo, Texas, they picture wide-open skies and sprawling cattle ranches. But for Cole Brakebill, a Supply Chain Procurement professional at Bell, Amarillo is more than just a dot on the map—it’s a canvas of creativity, history, and community spirit.
Cole’s journey into filmmaking began with a solo short film titled Don’t Bet the Horse You Rode in On, which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. The eight-minute piece explores Amarillo’s early history, focusing on the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon and the displacement of Native Americans from the region. The film encourages reflection on the foundations of the modern Texas Panhandle and was nominated for screening at the Cannes World Film Festival—an extraordinary recognition for a local filmmaker.
But Cole’s story didn’t stop there.
After releasing the film on YouTube, Cole caught the attention of Panhandle PBS. The station invited him to complete a documentary originally started by students at Amarillo College. Rather than picking up where they left off, Cole chose to rebuild the project from scratch. “I set aside the original version and built the project from the ground up,” he shared.
The result was In Open Air, a multi-part documentary series that explores the story of public art in Amarillo—from grassroots murals to large-scale installations. Through interviews with local artists, educators, and community leaders, Cole’s series reveals how public art shapes identity and space in the Texas Panhandle. From the iconic Cadillac Ranch to hidden murals tucked into neighborhood corners, In Open Air showcases Amarillo’s bold artistic spirit.
Following the documentary’s release, Cole received messages from residents who were surprised by the depth of creativity in their hometown. “I now see Amarillo through an entirely new lens, both historically and artistically,” Cole reflected. “Public art is not just decoration; it is a living record of the community’s values, struggles, and spirit.”
Over the nine-month production period, Cole captured a wide range of artistic expressions—from the Chalk It Up sidewalk art festival to Robert Smithson’s remote Amarillo Ramp earthwork sculpture. His guiding principle throughout the process was simple: “Remain open and allow the story to take you where it wants.”
Looking ahead, Cole is already thinking about his next project. “I would love to feature the development of the MV-75, seen through the eyes of the people bringing it to life right here in Amarillo,” he said. “Something extraordinary is happening at Bell, and it feels like the kind of story that deserves to be remembered. At the heart of it all—whether it’s art rising from the plains or cutting-edge military aircraft soaring through the skies—it’s the people who bring these stories to life, and I feel honored to be one of them.”
Why Amarillo Matters to Textron
Bell’s Amarillo facility, located along the iconic Route 66, is one of the company’s major manufacturing hubs. Originally selected in 1998 to host the final assembly of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, the site has since become a vital part of Bell’s production ecosystem. It’s where innovation meets craftsmanship, and where employees like Cole Brakebill are not only building aircraft but also building community.
Amarillo’s vibrant arts scene, rich history, and welcoming spirit make it a compelling place to live and work. Through Cole’s lens, we see a city that’s full of surprises—and a reminder that the most powerful stories often come from the places we think we already know.
Inspired by Cole’s story and the vibrant spirit of Amarillo—and the dedicated employees who help shape it? Discover how you can be part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re drawn to innovation, community, or creativity, exciting opportunities await in Amarillo and across Textron’s global network.
Visit our Careers site – https://careers.textron.com/jobs/ – to find your next adventure.