HOLT CAT posted on March 18, 2026 12:42
Originally posted on Caterpillar.com
HOLT CAT technician Garrett Mahaffey recently represented the company at Caterpillar’s Global Dealer Technician Challenge finals during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, one of the construction industry’s largest international events.
Mahaffey, a technician at HOLT CAT in Cleburne, advanced through the competition after placing second at the regional challenge in Tucson, Arizona. His strong performance earned him a place among the 10 global finalists, selected from thousands of Caterpillar dealer technicians worldwide.
Mahaffey is the only finalist from Texas and one of just three finalists representing the United States. The 10 finalists represent seven different countries.
The Global Dealer Technician Challenge tests the diagnostic ability, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills required of today’s technicians. Finalists competed in a series of timed challenges designed to simulate real-world service scenarios, requiring precision, speed, and deep technical expertise.
Although Mahaffey did not take the top prize, reaching the global finals placed him among the most highly skilled technicians in the Caterpillar dealer network.
“The hands-on experience I gained early in my career gave me a strong foundation and confidence in the field,” Mahaffey said. “This competition mirrors the real-world challenges we face every day: diagnosing issues, thinking critically, and relying on the fundamentals. Advancing to the finals is a tremendous honor, and it’s rewarding to see that day-to-day experience translate onto a global stage.”
The 2026 Global Dealer Technician Challenge was won by Tom March of Finning UK, the Caterpillar dealer serving the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The competition is part of Caterpillar’s broader effort to highlight technical careers and strengthen the skilled trades workforce needed to support customers and build the world’s infrastructure.
Congratulations, Garrett, for competing with the best of the best.