Local 159 is proud to honor Johney Burbatt as Novembers Member of the Month. Johney is a talented and dedicated painter who has made a lasting impact as an in-house painter at Circus Circus where he oversees the Adventure Dome.  As a third-generation painter, Johney’s journey into the trade started at a very young age. When he was just three years old, his parents divorced, and his father, a single parent, couldn’t afford daycare. Instead, Johney went to work with his father and his grandfather, who were residential painters. Johney spent his childhood learning the trade while on the job.

Johney’s father helped build a union shop from the ground up, starting with just three men and a pickup truck. Through the hard work and dedication of Johney’s father, the business eventually grew to over 100 workers with a fleet of trucks. Johney also worked for the company and by the 1980s, Johney had made Superintendent. As a Superintendent he was asked to travel out of town to manage projects.  Whenever he was sent out of town, he sought out old cars to restore, which he would then send back to the paint shop. Johney himself had a passion for old cars, which led him to teach himself the art of automotive finishes.

Years later, due to mistakes and mismanagement, the thriving business eventually went under, leaving Johney without a job. Undeterred, Johney moved to Las Vegas, where he began working at the Four Queens. His journey then led him to work for DC Vent, where he spent 3 ½ years as a foreman before moving to his current role at Circus Circus. There, Johney is in charge of all the specialty finishes on the roller coasters in the Adventure Dome, where his passion for artistic freedom shines. Johney enjoys the trust he’s been given to choose the finishes that make each attraction unique, a testament to his dedication and serious approach to his craft.

Outside of work, Johney enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and working on cars. He also has a passion for travel and continues to work on, art, and car projects in his free time, including currently crafting ten custom gear shift knobs. His comfort with working at heights and his understanding of management led to unique opportunities, such as working on the roller coasters at the Adventure Dome.

Johney embodies District Council 16’s values of high performance and high value. He believes in making oneself an asset to the company, and this mindset has served him well in his career. Johney’s work ethic is deeply rooted in his Midwest upbringing, he arrives 45 minutes early and stays late when necessary. His commitment to his craft and his versatility have made him a key asset wherever he works.

What Johney values most about being a union member is the support he receives from his representatives. He appreciates the perks, benefits, and security that come with being part of Local 159, and he enjoys the team-oriented environment where everyone matters.

Johney is also a passionate mentor, and he currently works with a female coworker who is eager to learn. Johney values the opportunity to teach while also recognizing that he learns from her, a dynamic he believes is key to growing in the trade.

Johney’s unique skills and artistic automotive finishes set him apart from others in his field. His work within the Circus Circus Adventure Dome, particularly the finishes that help make the roller coasters special, plays a significant role in attracting tourists and generating revenue for the company.

Local 159 is incredibly proud to have Johney as a member. His talent, work ethic, and commitment to his craft make him an inspiration to all. We are honored to celebrate Johney Burbatt, a true artist and a valuable member of our union.