Building Success Through Knowledge and Resilience: Brandy Patton’s Journey at HOLT CAT

For Brandy, success in this industry requires an open mind, a willingness to learn, humility, courage, and resilience.

When Brandy Patton began her career, the resources available for career research were far different than today—no internet, no cell phones, no Siri to provide instant answers. Instead, she relied on what she knew. Growing up on a dairy farm, she quickly realized that life wasn’t for her. After discussing career options with her father, who had transitioned to the transportation industry, she set her sights on something new.

“My brother had been working as a technician for Darr Equipment for about a year, so I applied there and to a few trucking companies,” Patton recalled. “I remember quizzing my brother about equipment terminology before my interview. That was the day I learned what a moldboard was.”

Now, after 30 years in the industry, she serves as the Parts Inventory Control Manager at HOLT CAT, overseeing critical processes that impact departments across the company. What she loves most about her role is the ability to see the direct results of her work. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how the information my team and I provide supports not only the parts department but the entire enterprise," she said. "Our work touches so many people, helping them be successful in their roles."

Brandy has had many mentors throughout her career, but her earliest and most influential was her mother. "She instilled in me at an early age that I could become anything," she said. That lesson of confidence and perseverance carried over into her professional journey, helping her continuously grow and develop. More recently, she has been working closely with Edward Garcia, who has helped her build confidence in utilizing VBL tools more effectively. "Instead of relying solely on trial and error, I tap into the wealth of Edward’s knowledge," she explained. "His insights and practical tips have become so valuable, allowing me to grasp concepts, learn from his own successes and mistakes, and apply this knowledge directly to my own professional journey."

Early in her career, Patton encountered misconceptions about women in the construction industry, particularly the assumption that women wouldn’t know anything about heavy equipment repairs. "I remember the day one of my customers made the comment that he was surprised I actually did know what I was talking about," she said. "It was an awesome feeling having that recognition and confidence from a customer. I may not know how to rebuild an engine, but I put in the work—learning the terminology, working alongside technicians, and asking a lot of questions to develop the skills to do my job."

For Brandy, success in this industry requires an open mind, a willingness to learn, humility, courage, and resilience. These qualities have allowed her to navigate challenges, adapt to new technologies, and build a career that continues to evolve.

Brandy sees Women in Construction week as an opportunity for reflection. "For me, Women in Construction Week is a time to reflect on my career journey," she said. "Remembering that ‘none of us is as smart as all of us’ helps me keep the perspective that ‘I am not in this alone.’ We have a network of individuals, both men and women, cheering us on."

Her advice for the next generation of women entering the industry is to be courageous, ask for help, and not be too hard on themselves. "Mistakes will be made, but don’t let them define you," she said. "Learn from them, keep pushing forward, and know that you are capable of achieving success."