HOLT CAT posted on March 02, 2026 16:20
Originally posted on Texas Contractor News, by Monica Faram
HOLT CAT Field Service Technician Garrett Mahaffey competed at the finals of Caterpillar’s Global Dealer Technician Challenge.Cleburne, Texas resident Garrett Mahaffey is one of just 10 finalists from around the world competing in the inaugural Caterpillar Inc. Global Dealer Technician Challenge Finals in Edwards, Illinois.
Mahaffey advanced through multiple rounds — rising above thousands of technicians worldwide — to earn his spot in the first-ever competition designed to spotlight the essential role dealer technicians play in delivering top-tier customer service.
The hands-on, skills-based challenge tests agility, resilience and versatility. Competitors rotate through a series of stations that assess safety, quality, efficiency and customer experience. Technicians must identify the root cause of a machine issue, diagnose the repair and clearly communicate the solution back to the customer — all under intense time constraints.
“It’s very rewarding being able to get a customer out of a bind, get the machine fixed,” Mahaffey said. “Just the personal satisfaction and the resources available, making it easier for us to do our jobs is worth its weight in gold.”
Mahaffey got his start at Cleburne High School through the Career and Technology Education program. While attending CHS, the 2018 graduate had the opportunity to intern with HOLT CAT.
“When I started my internship, I knew this was the career for me,” Mahaffey said. “I’m now a full-time technician and the internship program made this possible. The CTE program taught me hands-on skills that I use every day. The best part about the CTE program is it allows you to work in an industry-like environment.”
Mark McClure, Cleburne ISD assistant superintendent of student services, praised Mahaffey’s accomplishments. “This is the perfect example of why top-notch companies like HOLT want to partner with quality CTE programs — it’s a win-win for all involved. Garrett is a top-tier technician that has proven he is the best in the state and nation.”
Caterpillar Vice President of Global Service Henry Venneman highlighted the importance of technicians in the company’s operations. “These trained experts are on the front line of support, working to keep machines and engines up and running to help ensure our customers’ critical projects are completed,” he said.
The competition comes at a pivotal time for the industry. By the end of 2028, Cat dealers worldwide may need to hire more than 38,000 technicians, reflecting growing demand for highly skilled, mechanically inclined and tech-savvy professionals.
The winner will be announced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas on March 3, 2026.
For Mahaffey, the global stage represents more than just a competition — it’s a recognition of the precision, problem-solving and dedication required to keep some of the world’s most complex equipment running. And one of those elite technicians happens to call Texas home.
Read the Full Article ›