SAN ANTONIO, TX — A local machine operator John Schiedeck won the North American Regional Finals of the Global Operator Challenge. The North American Regionals were the third round of the Caterpillar 2022/2023 Global Operator Challenge. He will go on to represent HOLT CAT in the Global Operator Challenge Finals at North America’s largest construction trade show CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 on March 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, where Caterpillar will crown one operator world champion.

The competition will bring together machine operators worldwide to showcase their agility, speed, and accuracy in a series of skills-based tests. The challenges involve the operation of multiple machines with tests such as loading precise amounts of dirt, hauling, and maneuvering through obstacles.

“We have enjoyed getting to know John through this experience and working with him to train for the competition,” said HOLT CAT CEO and General Manager Peter J. Holt. “He is a wonderful ambassador for HOLT CAT and an excellent machine operator. The skills he demonstrates are incredible. I truly believe he will inspire the next generations of machine operators. We look forward to cheering him on at CONEXPO.”

More than 10,000 operators competed in the first-ever Global Operator Challenge in 2019/2020 — with Canadian Jaus Neigum taking home the title "best in the world."

Through events such as the Global Operator Challenge, HOLT CAT aims to highlight the operator profession and showcase the advanced skills needed to operate the machinery.