HOLT Conversations - Issue IV - 2021

Issue IV 2021 CONVERSATIONS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE N E W S F O R H O LT ® E M P L OY E E S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S

P2 Holiday Traditions It’s the Giving Season
P3 Owners’ Message
P4-5 Features You are an integral part of a caring organization. We believe caring for the
P6-8 Local News communities in which we live and work is a vital part of doing business. Because
P9 Values in Action it’s important to “give where we live,” HOLT is proud to join together with United
P10 Enterprise News/Babies Way to help our friends and neighbors in need.
P11 HOLT Women’s Network
P12-13 On the Move As we continue to respond and begin to rebuild from the unprecedented
P14-15 Service Awards COVID-19 health crisis, the people served by United Way may be even more
vulnerable. The need is still increasing as ripple effects continue to touch those
who have never needed help before.

It’s imperative to continue to support our local nonprofits who are in the forefront,
helping individuals and families who struggle with food, mental health, childcare,
schooling their children, and sometimes just surviving.

United Way is a leading partner in our short- and long-term recovery and one of
the most effective ways to unite is through the annual United Way Community
Campaign. For many nonprofit partners, the campaign is the lifeblood of
their work. Its role in 2021 is critical. A strong campaign is an even stronger
community.

Your support of the HOLT Annual Giving Campaign allows us to deliver
teamwork in action, and your investment generates results you can see.

We’re confident of another successful United Way campaign this year. Even
though it may look very different from the campaigns we’ve led in the past,
one thing remains the same: your contribution will make a valuable difference
in someone’s life. Thank you for caring about our community. Thank you for
donating to United Way.

United Way Silent Auction
November 29, 2021 - December 10, 2021

CONVERSATIONS Holiday Traditions Issue IV 2021

Here are some holiday recipes and traditions Amanda Lara, Director of Financial 1 bunch cilantro, no stems
from around our territory. What traditions Marketing-San Antonio, says Russian tea 1 ½ boxes low sodium chicken broth- may
do you have? cakes (Mexican Wedding Cookies) are one need a little more
of her family’s must-haves at Christmastime. 4 cloves minced garlic or 1 Tbsp garlic
Kent, Technical Communicator, and Kim powder
Bailey, Parts Counters Sales Rep-Sulphur Russian Tea Cakes 1 tsp ground cumin
Springs, load up the karaoke system and ½ tsp oregano
spend Christmas Eve at Kent’s mom and 1 cup melted butter salt and pepper to taste
dad’s eating Kim’s Christmas chili and ½ cup powdered sugar + extra ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
singing karaoke Christmas songs with the 2 ¼ cups flour ¼ cup lime juice
family. ¼ tsp salt
Kim’s Christmas Chili (feeds 20) 1 tsp vanilla Soup Base
8-12 lbs ground meat (beef/venison) ¾ cup chopped pecans Blend drained can
3 chopped onions of tomatillos with
6 quarts crushed tomatoes Preheat oven to 300 and slightly grease pan a little of the
4 pkgs (4 lb size) Williams Chili Seasoning Mix all ingredients thoroughly and form into chicken broth and
1-2 gallons pinto or chili beans 1 inch balls while hot. Bake at 300 degrees all of the spices
Fry meat and onions in skillet until browned. for 15 minutes on a greased pan. As soon as plus cilantro,
Season to taste with Cavender’s Greek they come out of the oven roll in powdered vinegar, and lime.
Seasoning. In cast iron kettle or roaster, sugar and place on cooling rack for 15
add tomatoes and chili seasoning, mix well. minutes. Store at room temperature-if they Assemble
Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Add make it that far.
beans and browned meat. Simmer at least Put everything, except
one hour until the whole house smells good Bob Leverett, PSD Buyer 2-Bridgeport, and
and you’re ready to eat! family gather at his sister-in-law’s place the zucchini, into stock pot and bring
weekend prior to Christmas for a potluck
DO YOU HAVE A GREAT dinner and cocktails. Everyone brings gifts to a boil then simmer for about 20 minutes.
STORY IDEA FOR for the little ones and the adults all bring
CONVERSATIONS? one gift to exchange in a drawing. (Liquor Add zucchini and continue to simmer until
always seems to be a popular gift to give
Send story suggestions to away.) Bob’s kids, their cousins and spouses zucchini is cooked but still crunchy – 15-20
[email protected] end the evening with a poker game.
more minutes. Serve with shredded jack or
Editorial Board: Joe Carreon, Marketing Manager
Michelle Allen Corporate-San Antonio, always makes a big other Mexican cheese and a dollop of sour
Denise Herrera-Wieters pot of pozole.
cream.
Writer: Shelley Galbraith Joe’s Green Pozole
Design: Wall Media Designs Brandy Patton, Parts Inventory Control
Shredded meat from one rotisserie chicken Manager-Sulphur Springs, makes decorated
© 2021 HOLT CAT 1 - 30 oz plus 1 - 12 oz can yellow hominy, sugar cookies for Thanksgiving and
drained Christmas every year.
1 white onion, chopped
1 can tomatillos, drained Brandy’s Sugar Cookies
1 small can diced green chilies or 1 can rajas
de poblano 2 sticks butter
2 green zucchini, cut in cubes 1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
4 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract

Using a mixer with paddle attachment, mix
butter, salt, and sugar together. Add eggs,
vanilla, almond, baking powder and mix.
Add flour all at once and pulse mixer until

Continued on page 8

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Issue IV 2021 Owners’ Message CONVERSATIONS

What We Are Most Thankful For

In this time of Thanksgiving, we asked HOLT’s owners to share their thoughts on gratitude.

Peter J. Holt

I am grateful for my wife and children. I am so blessed that they are in my life. They
constantly teach me amazing lessons in humility, selflessness, joy, creativity and humor.
They regularly remind me what’s really important in life: meaningful relationships
with our fellow mankind.

I am grateful for my job. More importantly, I am grateful that that I have authentic joy
for my roles and responsibilities. I get to interact with so many awesome people here
at HOLT and it’s a blast.

I am grateful that I have a genuine relationship with God. Faith and spirituality has been a
meandering journey for me. Today, I am more open to love, forgiveness, grace and service than
ever before.

Corinna Holt Richter

I am especially grateful to God for my family. My husband and two children are the light of
my life. Their love, wisdom, support, joy and humor makes every day worthwhile. They teach
me so much about God, life and myself and I am just so thankful that they are mine.

I am grateful for my health and that of my family, friends and loved ones. The pandemic
reminded me of how fragile our lives are and how easy it is to take our health for granted. I
have a renewed appreciation and gratitude for my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
well-being.

I am grateful for the HOLT family, the incredible team who I get to work with, and the sense
of unity and purpose I feel working alongside you all. I have been gifted great opportunity
and responsibility as a steward of this company and it is the utmost honor and blessing.

Have a wonderful, peaceful holiday season!

3

CONVERSATIONS Features Issue IV 2021

Throwback: Holt Machinery Co. Service & Parts Department, 1974 and 1979

Larry Thane, Service Technology Coordinator-San Antonio, received this picture of the April 1979 Service & Parts Department from a
neighbor who previously worked for Holt Machinery Company. In 1987 B.D. Holt Co. from Corpus Christi merged with Holt Machinery Co.
in San Antonio to form Holt Company of Texas, which later became HOLT CAT.

Steve Huedepohl, Multimedia Communications Manager, shared another photo of the Holt Machinery Co. Parts & Service Department from
1974, below.

4

Issue IV 2021 Features CONVERSATIONS

Wellness Tip: Monte Tidwell Tale of Two
Google Yourself! Major Accts PSSR-
Here we have a tale of two; not so different from me or
Have you ever Googled yourself? You Waco you. Look below and search for clues. Can you tell whose
might find it daunting to see what’s out 19 Years of Service tale is whose? Answers on page 6.
there the first time you look.
Jessica Brenton 1) What was your first car?
Recently at HOLT, employees have been Parts Manager- a) A grey 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
receiving spam texts from someone b) A 1976 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
posing as Peter J. Holt. The texts say Cleburne
that Peter is out of the office, and needs 13 Years of Service 2) What is your favorite (current or all-time) song?
help buying gift cards for a client. They a) Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
then ask them to buy the gift cards and b) How Did You Love by Shinedown
send the numbers.
3) What is a fun fact about you?
How are scammers finding HOLT a) I used to work out with Earl Campbell
employees’ phone numbers? Most b) I used to be a flight attendant
likely, on Google.
4) If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport,
Spend a little time searching for your what would you win a gold medal for?
name, address, email addresses and
phone numbers, and you may be a) Singing off key; I sound like someone is torturing a
surprised at where your information cat
shows up. Companies find and sell b) Playing Texas Holdem Poker
public information about you all the
time, but you have the right to opt out of 5) What is something everyone should do once?
many of them. a) Give anonymously to someone in need
b) Take a cross country road trip with no agenda
Searching for yourself isn’t vain,
or silly. It may save you countless 6) What is your favorite movie?
headaches, and start the process of a) Twister
removing your information as a target b) Jeremiah Johnson
for spammers. Once every few months
is enough. “The bAes Bs.tD.iHsolyt oefttentosaicd.o.. me.”

Simply put your name in the Google Be tCCheoanfnwigrhysraoitctuphuelfaariitnsntaioddonptnWhptsioesItNaoeprmhsatSrhnaatetosieIRleCwcvtAehhoieinMnteanirnSvtleplhHeeeaeairnOrse.gsognLeiasfeTztstn:i,ohuduneeumsfIof@sblfesehCurboeoaalnntgIcIvd!Iaectpr.oscanaorattmeigosrnta:sp?h in
search line, and go. What comes up
on the first page of results is the most See if you can find it!
important, what most people will look
at. However, browse through the first
5 pages to get the full picture. Repeat
the process using your email addresses
and phone numbers--both personal and
work, and home address.

If you appear on websites that sell
public information (such as truthfinder.
com, instantcheckmate.com, or spokeo.
com) you may opt out, usually by a link
on the websites.

5

CONVERSATIONS Local News Issue IV 2021

Corpus Christi Little Elm

Each year the United Way, HEB and KRIS Geoff Arvesen, Inventory Control
6 News collect school supplies to donate to Technician, and Catfish Mattiza,
local school districts. For the last 3 years, Inventory Control Technican, were
HOLT has helped out by storing, sorting helping a customer by loading
and reloading the supplies at our store. equipment onto the bed of his truck.
The project usually takes a couple of days Geoff was operating the skid steer
of volunteer time to help the community. and the customer and Catfish were
Submitted by Alvin Thomas serving as spotters. During loading,
the customer went underneath the
Fort Worth suspended load and in between the
truck and machine. Both employees
attempted to stop the customer
but he was not paying attention.
Geoff stopped loading, backed the
machine away, and set the load on the
ground. Both employees explained the hazards of what he was doing. The customer was
appreciative and understood they were looking out for his wellbeing. Geoff and Catfish
received gift cards from their grateful manager. Submitted by Chris McDonald

On August 13th, Michael McMahon,
Regional Parts Manager-Irving; Bill
Bordelon, Vice President-Service; Buck
Pate, Division Technical Service Manager-
Irving; Nate Lowe, Regional Product
Support Manager-Irving; David Reynolds,
Regional Cat Support Manager-Irving; and
Sean Lothery, VP-Product Support Sales
(not pictured), attended a fundraising clay
shoot benefiting Bigs Outdoors, a program
of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant
County. Bigs Outdoors introduces children
to the outdoors through hunts, nature
days, fishing events, and more, educating
those who would most likely not have the
opportunity. The event raised over $80,000.
They had a great time but admit that not
many clays were harmed in this event.
Submitted by Buck Pate

Irving

Thank you to all who participated in the blood drive in Irving on October 13. We received these results:
10 participants, 0 deferrals, and 12 pints collected. Twelve pints of blood collected can help up to 36
patients! Thank you for saving lives by providing the gift of life. Submitted by Patricia Dooley

Answers to Tale of Two on Page 5: 1. (a) Olds Cutlass Ciera (Jessica) (b) K5 Blazer (Monte); 2. (a) Simple Man (Monte) (b) How Did You Love (Jessica) 3. (a) Worked out with
Earl Campbell (Monte) (b) Used to be a flight attendant (Jessica); 4. (a) Singing off key (Jessica) (b) Poker (Monte); 5. (a) Give anonymously (Monte) (b) Road trip (Jessica); 6.
(a) Twister (Jessica) (b) Jeremiah Johnson (Monte)

6

Issue IV 2021 Local News CONVERSATIONS

San Antonio

On Saturday, September 11, 2021
former US Marine Yori Escalante, Sr.
Director, Transport & Fleet-San Antonio,
participated in the SA110 9/11 Memorial
Climb at Heroes Stadium. This year was
the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The annual
event honors the 343 fallen firefighters, 70
fallen law enforcement officers, and 9 EMS
personnel. The climb equals the 110 floors
of the World Trade Center in New York.

During the climb, Yori carried a flag he
flew on the 10th anniversary, 10 years
ago, while deployed in Afghanistan on
September 11, 2011. Yori was stationed
in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
Thank you, Yori, for your service. Submitted
by Yori Escalante

Ross Davis, a US Paralympian, recently retired as Director of Marketing for San Antonio
Sports (SAS). SAS is a long-term client of HOLT Development Services. Ross recently
wrote to Guy Clumpner, President-HDSI, to brag that his Cat machine provides a new-
found independence for someone who’s been in a wheelchair for most of his adult life.

Ross wrote, “Last October I made a trip up to Colorado to visit my cousin where he’s
building his retirement home near Walsenburg. We found a beautiful 35-acre plot near him
that we bought. I’ve spent the last year working on the plans to build an off-grid home to be
as self-sustaining as possible. As I needed about $25,000 in excavation work, I found a Cat
mini excavator to do it myself.

“Basically I’m doing the hardest thing I’ve ever done as a guy with a disability. I’m
homesteading an off-grid barndominium and doing as much of it as possible on my own.
I’m getting close to 60 hours of operating it so I’m getting pretty decent with it. It’s so
liberating being able to do so much of my own work!” Submitted by Edward Craner

The Sales Support Department held a pumpkin decorating contest
for Halloween. At right are the winners, left to right: second
place, Joshua Capellan, Revenue Accountant; first place, Roel
Ramon, Financial Sales Representative; and third place, Samantha
Villareal, Accountant 1. Submitted by Samantha Villareal

7

CONVERSATIONS Local News Issue IV 2021

Continued from page 2 Austin

incorporated then turn mixer on low and let Austin held its Annual Chili Cook-off on October 15.
it mix until all the dough comes together. The winners are:
The dough will be crumbly at first but keep
mixing for a couple of minutes until it all 1st place - Gabriel Garcia, Shop Service
comes together pulling away from the sides Technician 2, right
of the mixing bowl. 2nd place - Travis Scott, Product Support Major
Accounts Rep, bottom left
Royal Icing 3rd place - Kody Ostrander, Lead Technician,
2 lbs powdered sugar bottom center
2 tsp flavoring clear vanilla Best Cornbread - Rich Lawlor, Service Manager
2/3 cup warm water 5, bottom right
½ cup meringue powder Special thanks to Ramona Beck, DOFI 1, and
Rosalee Martinez-Young, Service Coordinator 2,
Using a mixer with the whisk attachment, for organizing everything. Submitted by Shantia Shaver
pour water into the bowl then add meringue
powder and mix 1-2 minutes until fluffy
and foamy. Scrape sides of bowl adding
flavoring and mix until incorporated. Add
powdered sugar and mix on 4 until soft
peaks form. Cover with damp towel to
prevent drying out or crusting.

Glaze Icing
2 lbs powdered sugar
½ cup light corn syrup (Karo)
½ cup water
2 tsp flavoring (vanilla) (use clear vanilla if
you want white icing) (I use Mexican vanilla
because of the taste and then use white food
coloring to make it white again)

Using a mixer with the whisk attachment
mix light corn syrup, water and flavoring
together. Add powdered sugar and mix until
incorporated. You may need to scrape the
sides and mix again.

Cookie Decorating Icing
Add the royal icing and glaze icing together
and mix. Using small 2-cup containers,
separate the icing into as many containers
needed for each color. Color each container
with food safe coloring and thin with
water to desired consistency. Add icing to
decorator bags and decorate your cookies.

The HOLT Learn It All Series includes what’s new and updated in @my Classroom, must
know features you’ll love, favorites from power users, and top tips to help you do more
with your learning.

We’re adding more than 500 courses with topics to include customer service, diversity,
effective performance appraisals, interviewing skills, leadership, mental health, networking,
planning, problem-solving, resilience, software “how-to” help, time management,
unconscious bias, and wellness. Check it out!

8

Issue IV 2021 Values in Action CONVERSATIONS

New employee Stephen Marston, Product “I would like to sincerely express our Texas First Rentals-Irving. “Adam has gone
Manager Marketing Technology-San extreme pleasure with the performance above and beyond to earn our business,”
Antonio, had an interesting encounter which and professionalism that Todd and Garrett she writes. “The equipment he’s provided
shows the power of HOLT’s values and exhibited while repairing our D5 dozer last is in excellent condition, and arrives on the
culture. Stephen says, “As I stopped by my week. Both were an absolute joy to work jobsite on time. Adam even stopped by to
house in a company vehicle on my way back with. In this new world where the word meet with my team to ensure they didn’t
to the Irving office, my neighbor’s father service is becoming a rarity, it is a promising have any questions and that everything met
came over to greet me. He eagerly asked and welcome change to see that some still our expectations. Now THAT is legendary
if I worked for HOLT and shared that he recognize its value and importance.” Well customer service!!!”
was a Caterpillar employee for 30+ years. done Garrett and Todd.
He rained compliments about HOLT as a Chris Salyer, Parts Counter Sales
standout amongst all the dealers he’d dealt Lauren Eichman, National Account 2-Longview, received a note of thanks from
with in his career. I am excited to be part of Coordinator-San Antonio, is in charge of customer Seth Acker, CSI Compressco in
it.” Welcome to the family, Stephen! scheduling techs to service the Microsoft Kilgore. “Just FYI,” Seth wrote, “HOLT
contract in San Antonio. After losing one CAT in Longview has the best parts
Cecy Schwab, Benefits Specialist-San tech and having another out of town, she department out of every Cat dealer I work
Antonio, worked tirelessly for months to scrambled to meet the customer’s needs. with. You guys do a jam up job with helping
prepare for our annual open enrollment, Lauren reached out to Darryn Long, us.” Way to go, Chris, and the whole
drafting, editing, and finalizing the guide Maintenance Solutions Supervisor-Irving, Longview team!
that goes to 2,900 homes. She prepared and and Francisco Mejia, Service Coordinator
delivered open enrollment presentations, 2-Irving, to see if they had a tech they could Trey Smith, Shop Supervisor 3-Longview,
including Spanish versions, to our send to San Antonio for few days. Within and his team are commended for doing
employees. Through her busiest time of year, an hour two techs were arranged for 7 days, an outstanding job and working hard
Cecy recently helped an employee facing which extended to 2 weeks when another to meet deadlines for a 349 deal for a
sudden medical expenses. She worked hard scheduling conflict came up. demanding customer. When there were
to help, which resulted in no additional parts challenges, and just about everything
out of pocket expenses. Cecy showed true Lauren said, “You deserve a 10! I believe that could go wrong did, Trey and his team
HOLT values by helping our employee and this is the true meaning of teamwork, and continuously found solutions in order to
his family with their hardship, and showed I am so grateful for Darryn, Francisco, keep the customer happy and still meet their
excellence by always having the employees Pascual Vega, Field Service Tech 1-Irving, timeframe. It was no easy task due to lack of
come first. and Jacques Pretorius, Field Service Tech parts availability and the short timeline, but
1, for stepping in and helping us to Get it Trey personally walked the yard to find parts
Shane Dornak, Fleet Diagnostic Technician Done!” to work with, and made it happen! Without
with customer TXDOT, sent a note to Trey’s dedication to getting this done, the
Brent Schlapkohl, Service Technology Brian Kvale, HOLT Haul Truck Driver deal would not have gone through. Thank
Coordinator-Irving. “I just filled out the 4-San Antonio, was at a customer location you, Trey for your commiment to HOLT and
Vendor Performance Form for HOLT CAT picking up a 420D for repairs. As Brian to legendary customer service.
and gave you guys an ‘A.’ I wanted to thank prepared his trailer for the load, the customer
you personally for being so easy to work told him the controls weren’t working Jose Hernandez, Senior Corporate
with. Thanks.” An ‘A’ from TXDOT means properly and he had to manually secure the Recruiter-Irving, went the extra mile to hire
that HOLT fully performed and fulfilled outriggers prior to loading. The chains broke a new supervisor for the Irving Component
its contract with substantial customer and he severed his pinky finger and part Rebuild Center. Robbie Tedder, Service
satisfaction. Way to go, HOLT! of his ring finger. Brian grabbed a first aid Manager-Irving, explains, “We made an
kit and wrapped the customer’s hand and offer to an applicant for a supervisor position
Alan Utz, President of Alan Utz & quickly drove the customer to the nearest on Tuesday. I made a special request to Jose
Associates, general contractors and a HOLT emergency room. Brian’s quick thinking and that he expedite the hiring process so we
customer, praised the work of Todd Davis, rapid action exemplifies Commitment not could get him in place ASAP. Through Jose’s
Undercarriage Technician 2-Longview, and only to the company but to a customer when additional efforts he was cleared for hiring
Garrett Hill, Undercarriage Technician he needed help the most. immediately. We sometimes lose applicants
4-Longview, for their field service work to to our competitors. Jose gave the extra effort
repair a yoke seal on a D5 dozer recently. “It Customer Tammy Towles at Paradise and we appreciate it. He embodies HOLT
is becoming increasingly seldom for me to Glazing in Arlington sent in a note about values and deserves a 10!”
to pen an email such as this. Adam Humphrey, Outside Sales Rep,

9

CONVERSATIONS Enterprise News/Babies Issue IV 2021

A TIME FOR GRATITUDE Texans — that’s over 6 million Texans
— experience food insecurity. Children,
By Cindy Stein, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities,
Director of Total Wellness and working families are among those
affected in every Texas County. Whether it
When we are grateful, we are better able to alignment with our value of commitment, is donating food, money or time, your local
identify and acknowledge all the things that sharing a mutual desire to succeed, please Food Bank would love to have your support.
are good in our lives. Gratitude helps us feel consider making even the smallest donation.
more emotionally positive, more captivated Make Toy Donations
by good experiences, healthier and better United Way Silent Auction
prepared to build strong relationships. November 29 - December 10 Help less-fortunate children experience the
magic of the holiday season by contributing
One of the ways we show gratitude at Auction proceeds will be distributed to to your local campaign in several ways. You
HOLT is by giving back to the communities support your local nonprofits who are in the can donate a toy at one of the area toy drop
in which we operate. These opportunities forefront, helping individuals and families locations or host a campaign or event at
happen throughout the year but are even who struggle with food, mental health, your local HOLT facility to collect toys.
more available as we move through the childcare, education and, sometimes, daily
holiday season. By choosing any one of survival. Adopt a Soldier
these activities, you and your family can
make a special difference in the lives of Support Your Local Food Bank Many members of the armed forces are
those in need. A little goes a long way. In unable to go home for the holidays each
Food insecurity is twice as high as it was year. Thankfully, most installations have
before the pandemic. 1 in 4 of our fellow official adopt-a-service-member programs
or non-profits, and some local communities
organize to connect service members with
local families for the holidays. These
programs are known by many names such
as “Operation Home Cooking,” “Adopt An
Airman,” “Host A Marine,” and “Adopt A
Soldier.”

Travis Cox, Manufacturing Sales & Business Development Manager-HOLT On August 26 Claire Backs, Marketing Manager-
Manufacturing, and his wife Jenna welcomed Reagan and Susie on March 12, 2021. San Antonio, and husband Jordan welcomed
Miller, 7 lbs.13 oz. and 20 inches long.

10

Issue IV 2021 HOLT Women’s Network CONVERSATIONS

Managing Holiday Stress

Hello HOLT family! The season is upon us and so is the stress. 3. Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping, make sure you
The holidays are supposed to be a peaceful and relaxing time have a clear budget in mind and stick to it. No one wants to be
to spend with our loved ones. Still, according to the American stuck with significant credit card bills in January.
Psychological Association, nearly half of all women in the
United States experience heightened 4. Accept imperfection.
stress during the holidays. Visitors, Acknowledge things may not go
shopping, cooking, and cleaning perfectly and know that’s OK.
can cause unwanted anxiety and Imperfection is healthy and normal.
depression. Here are some tips that
can help make your holidays more 5. Learn to say no. Because most
peaceful and enjoyable. girls are taught to be friendly and
earn everyone’s approval, some
1. Be realistic. The holidays don’t never learn to say no, which
have to be perfect or just like last follows them into adulthood.
year. As families change and grow, Saying yes when you should say
traditions and rituals often change as no can leave you feeling resentful
well. Choose a few to hold on to and and overwhelmed. Friends and
be open to creating new ones. colleagues will understand if you
can’t participate in every project or
2. Set aside differences. Try to accept activity.
family members and friends as they
are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations. Set aside 6. Respond with kindness. You can’t control how others act
grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be during the stress of the holiday season, but you can manage your
understanding if others get upset or distressed when something response.
goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday
stress and depression, too. 7. Make time for yourself. Take a break and focus on you. Taking
a walk, reading a book, or listening to music, whatever it is,
take some time to reset. Doing this can help you refocus and
remember to enjoy this time with your loved ones.

8. Seek help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may
find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by
physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable, and unable to
face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your
doctor or mental health professional.

Remember that your HOLT family is here to support you as well.
We offer the Employee Assistance Program (resourcesforliving.
com or 1-800-678-2212) that is free to all HOLT employees. You
can also go to https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health to
read more about women’s mental health and what we can do to
get help or help loved ones. Take care of yourselves and each
other.

Lauren Kate and Peter J. Holt, CEO/General Manager, Learn more about the HOLT Women’s Network
welcomed Wells Holt on September 8, pictured here by emailing [email protected].
with big sister Penny.
Lori Bunger - Career & Self Development
Stephanie Arzola - Community Impact
Shantia Shaver - Personal Health & Wellness

11

CONVERSATIONS On the Move Issue IV 2021

Elijah Hradek is now Service Manager- Arturo (Art) Cantu has accepted the
Fort Worth. In December 2007 Eli joined the position of Business Development
HOLT CAT team as a field service technician Manager for the used equipment
in Fort Worth. In 2015 he was promoted to department. Arturo joined HOLT CAT
Shop Supervisor and in 2018 was promoted in July 2012 as a Financial Marketing
to Service Manager at the Cleburne store. Rep 1. He was promoted to Financial
Prior to coming to HOLT, Eli served our Marketing Rep 2 and has grown in that
country in the US Army from July 1998 until position, helping serve and support
November 2005. Eli will provide strong HOLT’s largest markets in Austin and
leadership for the dynamic Fort Worth team. Georgetown. Arturo has a Business Finance degree from UTSA and
will be based out of Austin.
Hunter Ward is now General Construction Sales Representative-
Irving. Hunter started with HOLT in July 2020 as a Retail Sales Susana Lehman is now Used Equipment Buyer. Suzanne started
Representative for Austin and Georgetown. He has spent the last with HOLT CAT in February 1996. She has held various roles during
14 months working with sales leads and helping walk-in customers her 25 year career, including Invoicing Coordinator, Used Equipment
and has done a great job of building relationships and bringing new Coordinator, and New Equipment Inventory Supervisor. She has
business to HOLT. Prior to HOLT, Hunter spent 2 years with Stowers spent the last 7 years in Operations as the Inventory Operations
Cat as an Inside Sales Rep in Knoxville, and 2 years as a Rental Manager where she’s ordered countless pieces of equipment from
Coordinator with Thompson Cat in Tuscaloosa. Cat, traded with dealers across the globe, and built machine specs
that meet our customer needs.
Jessica Carley is promoted to New Inventory Operations Manager-
San Antonio. Jessica started her career with HOLT CAT in June Steve Wilson has accepted the position of Vice President of Parts.
2007, where she served as New Inventory Coordinator, while Steve joined the company in Victoria in December 2001 as a
pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and PSSR for the Power Systems Division. Steve has held additional
subsequently a Master of Arts in Counseling. Upon graduation, she positions during his career to include Truck Parts Counter Sales
left the company to pursue a role as a Certified Prevention Specialist. Representative in San Antonio and Pflugerville, Machine Division
Jessica returned to HOLT four years later to fill her new role. Parts Manager in Victoria, Corpus Christi and San Antonio, and
District Parts Manager. In October 2016 Steve was promoted to
Congratulations to Lawrence Prince on his recent promotion Regional Parts Manager first in San Antonio and then relocated to
to DFW Metroplex Field Service Manager. In December 1998 the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex region. Steve holds a Bachelor of
Lawrence joined the HOLT CAT team as a field service technician Science Degree with a major in Agricultural Business from Sam
in Pflugerville. He also has served as Lead Technician, Field Service Houston State University.
Supervisor, Shop Supervisor, North Dallas Service Manager, and
most recently Fort Worth and Bridgeport Machine Division Service Mike Meurin is now the Divisional Controller-Texas First Rentals.
Manager. Lawrence has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Mike will continue to lead the accounting team for Texas First
Communication from St. Edwards University. Rentals.

Kyle Clark is promoted to Service Manager-North Dallas. Kyle Stephen Shodrock is now the Divisional Controller-Prime Product.
started his career June 22, 2004 as an intern with the Cat Dealer Prep Stephen’s responsibilities will include the accounting support for the
Program through Texas State Technical College. Upon graduation dealership’s Prime Product operations as well as continuing to lead
with an Associates Degree he became a full time Shop Service the Sales Support Team.
Technician in Fort Worth. Kyle has also held positions as Field
Service Technician, Lead Technician, Shop Supervisor and his most Christine Fiscus is now the Divisional Controller-Financial
recent role as Field Service Supervisor for the DFW Metroplex. Reporting. Christine’s responsibilities will include the accounting
support for all Product Support, Indirect Departments, and Financial
Michael McMahon has accepted the position of Regional Parts Reporting.
Manager (Northern Region). Michael started with HOLT CAT in
June 2006. During his 15-year career, Michael’s roles included Lacey Shedrock has been promoted to Accounting Manager
Field Service Technician, Shop Service Manager, and Field Service 1-Financial Reporting. Lacey will be responsible for leading the
Manager. He has spent the last 2.5 years as the Field Service financial reporting accounting team.
Manager for Machine Division in Irving where he’s built strong
customer and employee relationships and has collaborated with all Congratulations to these additional employees receiving a promotion
customers to meet their service needs. Prior to coming to HOLT, in August and September!
Michael proudly served in the US Marine Corps from 1997 to 2004.
Donny Allen, Shop Frac Refurbish Technician 4-Kilgore
Tiffany Bosanko, Financial Sales Representative-San Antonio

12

Issue IV 2021 On the Move CONVERSATIONS

Caleb Bourman, Field Service Technician 1-Texas First Rentals Fernando Govea, Lead Technician-Irving
Belton Moses Colunga, Parts Counter Sales 1-Corpus Christi
Nathan Bryson, Technical Training Supervisor-Irving Levi Smith, Field Service Supervisor 1-Longview PSD
Manuel Casas Jr., Undercarriage Technician 1-San Antonio Emmanuel Macias Rodriguez, Shop Service Technician 4-Irving
Jesus Chavez Jr., Parts Warehouse Clerk 3-San Antonio Matthew Craven, Revenue Assurance Manager-San Antonio
Tyler Clay, Inside Sales Representative-Texas First Rentals Waco Joshua Barnard, Shop Service Technician 2-San Antonio
David Corley, Shop Service Technician 4-Austin Colton Pape, Diagnostic Technician-Field-Austin
Melvin Daniels, Yard Associate-Texas First Rentals Pflugerville Daniel Herrera, IT Service Desk Project Analyst Lead-San Antonio
Zane El-Jabsheh, Field Service Technician 2-Texas First Rentals Dominique Dewalt, Shop Service Technician 4-San Antonio
Burleson Chad Osier, Technology Specialist 2-Grand Prairie
Kenneth Erwin, Field Service Technician 3-Waco Maria Mendez, Service Coordinator 2-San Antonio
Christy Galan, Financial Sales Representative-San Antonio Roman Zaragoza, Service Advisor-Waco
Iganacio Garay Jr., Parts Warehouse Clerk 2-Waco Sebastian Ortiz, Parts Counter Sales 2-Georgetown
Victoria Garcia, Fleet Administrator-Texas First Rentals San Christopher Childers, Shop Service Technician 4-San Antonio
Antonio (Tacco) Greg Harrison, Shop Supervisor 3-Corpus Christi
Amanda Gomez, Financial Sales Representative-San Antonio Tyler Lattin, Shop Service Technician 3-Fort Worth
William Hayes, Shop Service Technician 4-Irving Jahaziel Ferretiz, Shop Service Technician 2-Irving
Jason Henson, Field Welder 5-Cleburne Ryan Jablonsky, Technology Specialist 2-Grand Prairie
Michael Hernandez, Parts Warehouse Clerk 3-San Antonio Shaphan Parker, DOT/Fleet Compliance Manager-San Antonio
John Hodgens, Parts Warehouse Clerk 2-Pflugerville Lorenzo Soliz, Parts Warehouse Clerk 2-Laredo
Julian Hornsby, Parts Warehouse Clerk 1-Irving Jarred Bradley, Shop Service Technician 3-Bridgeport
Cody Hudspeth, Wash Rack Technician-San Antonio Neftali Garcia, Shop Service Technician 2-Irving
Chris Hunt, Director of Service-Texas First Rentals San Antonio Daniel Lopez Maldonado, Shop Service Technician 2-Irving
(Tacco) Austin Mann, Shop Service Technician 2-Irving
Donna Johnson, Credit Administration Supervisor-Irving Carlos Zamora, Shop Service Technician 3-Fort Worth
Sven Larsson, Technology Systems Technician-San Antonio Ricardo Castaneda, Truck Service Technician 3-Longview
Juan Lazo, Shop Service Technician 4-Irving West Anthony Saldana, Field Service Technician 3-San Antonio
Edgar Madrid, Shop Service Technician 1-Cleburne Bulmaro Mendez, Lead Technician-Waco
William Mahaffey, Field Service Technician 2-Cleburne Justin Mattiza, Inventory Control Technician-Cleburne
Brandon Maraggia, Field Service Technician 3-Victoria Obed Rodriguez-Belmares, Field Service Technician 2-San
Jose Martinez, Parts Counter Sales 1-Austin Antonio
Jordan Newman, Quality Champion-Waco Mfg. and Rebuild Gem Bowden, IT Network Administrator-San Antonio
Cristian Rizo, Shop Service Technician 3-San Antonio Gabriel Garcia, Shop Service Technician 2-Austin
Jacob Shaw, Field Service Technician 6-North Dallas Kini Ferguson-Beatty, Financial Marketing Representative 2-Irving
Dylan Smith, Shop Service Technician 2-Texas First Rentals Justin Martinez, Shop Service Technician 3-Austin
Burleson Andrew Mergele, Shop Service Technician 2-San Antonio
James Thomas, Field Welder 2-Kilgore Skylor Kline, Shop Service Technician 3-Georgetown
Michael Trinidad, Parts Warehouse-Lead-San Antonio Andrew Stilwell, Field Maintenance Technician 2-Irving
Alexandrea Trujillo, Operations Support Analyst-San Antonio Kimberly Flores, Shop Service Technician 1-Irving
Jesus Vargas-Sarinana, Painter 3-Irving Matthew Meronek, Shop Service Technician 3-Georgetown
Michael Yancey, Lead Technician-Longview PSD Cory Carr, Haul Truck Driver 4-Little Elm
Kyle Zavala, Outside Sales Representative-Texas First Rentals Dalton Townsend, Shop Service Technician 2-Fort Worth
Waco Hunter Ward, Sales Representative-Irving
Thomas Loiselle, Field Service Technician 4-Georgetown Justin Bliss, Parts Counter Sales 2-Pflugerville
Matthew Clark, Service Manager 2-North Dallas Blake Olenick, Shop Service Technician 2-Waco
Jacob Natale, Technology Specialist 3-San Antonio Emilio Olivarez, Parts Warehouse Clerk 2-Edinburg
David Campos, Shop Service Technician 4-North Dallas Sheldon Serratt, Shop Service Technician 1-Cleburne
Joshua Lindsay, Technical Communicator-Cleburne Heinz Mattern, Shop Supervisor 3-Fort Worth
Kenneth Bachman, IT Service Desk Lead-Irving Randell Canady, Field Service Technician 2-Pflugerville
Jacob Alvarez, IT Service Desk Specialist-San Antonio Juan Correa, Manufacturing Weld Fabricator 2-Waco
Jimmy Booth, Shop Supervisor 4-Longview PSD
Marco Martinez Gomez, Welder 3-Irving Continued on page 14

13

CONVERSATIONS Service Awards Issue IV 2021

​Erik Alonzo (15) San Antonio Service Awards Charlie Strickland (30) San Antonio
Not Pictured
Christopher Autry (15) Irving David Tadlock (10) Irving

Patty Balderas (10) San Antonio Tony Thomas (10) Waco

Taylor Ballenger (10) Cleburne Tim Tidmore (15) Longview

Jeffrey Barber (20) Georgetown Jose Torres (20) Edinburg

Gerald Barclay (10) San Antonio Keaton King (10) San Antonio Debra Vaquera (10) Irving

Mark Blume (10) Longview Clinton Ladd (5) Bridgeport Steven Vega (10) San Antonio

Michael Bodenmiller (10) Fort Worth Joseph Lara (5) Fort Worth Cindy Villasana (5) San Antonio

Zabe Boles (20) Bridgeport Randall Ledbetter (15) Longview Kenneth Vrba (15) Irving

Steven Brumley (5) Houston Brian Lee (30) San Antonio Derrick Watson (40) Longview

David Cantu (15) Laredo Scott Leighton (10) San Antonio Kerry White (10) Fort Worth

Steve Carey (40) San Antonio Ernesto Lugo (10) Edinburg Kenneth Wright (15) Irving

Guy Clumpner (40) San Antonio Leo Lyssy (20) San Antonio Clifford Wyrick (10) San Antonio

Jan Colley (10) Irving Johnathan Massey (5) Longview Johnathan Matocha (10) Victoria

Bruce Collier (35) Corpus Christi Sonny Mays (15) Irving Dana McConnell (5) San Antonio

Gregory Cooper (40) Waco Joseph Mclean (5) Austin Jason Mendez (5) Weslaco

Andrew Cordero (5) Little Elm Jeff Mechler (5) San Antonio Chris Miron (10) Lewisville

Israel Covarrubias (20) North Dallas Barry Meringdol (5) Irving Rachel Moody (15) Waco

Adolfo Cuellar (15) San Antonio Khalil Mohammed (10) Dallas Ivan Moyeda (5) Eagle Pass

Eric Dangel (5) Longview Hank Moreno (5) Edinburg Manrrique Munoz (5) Weslaco

James Delgado (10) San Antonio Darrell Mostella (20) Corpus Christi Christopher Neubauer (20) Victoria

Bana Dominick (5) San Antonio Peggy Pagan (5) Austin Cesar Pargas (5) San Antonio

Joe Duque (15) San Antonio Ernie Palacios (20) San Antonio Christopher Patino (30) Fort Worth

Jay Eisenbarth (10) Waco John Parker (5) San Antonio Darrell Paull (20) Longview

John Fabrega (10) Irving Kenneth Parrish (10) Longview Harvey Polasek (45) San Antonio

James Flemister (15) Longview Harvey Pavliska (5) Victoria Kristi Redus (20) San Antonio

Noe Flores (10) Austin Andrew Phillips (5) North Dallas Will Roberson (10) Irving

Karissa Freeman (5) Georgetown Scott Pierce (30) Longview Emmanuel Rodriguez (5) Irving

Kyle Gandee (15) Fort Worth Scott Ploetz (45) San Antonio Richard Ross (35) Tyler

Issac Garcia (5) San Antonio George Pratt (20) Austin Dennis Russ (25) Irving

Jose Garcia (5) Weslaco Dusty Pullen (5) San Antonio Kim Silvernail (40) Irving

Jose Garcia (40) San Antonio Alex Quiroz (10) Corpus Christi Shane Thompson (10) Fort Worth

Skeeter Gentry (5) Fort Worth Anthony Rhodes (10) Grand Prairie Rogelio Trevino (40) Edinburg

Adam Gonzales (10) Georgetown Roger Romine (5) Irving Kent Turner (25) San Antonio

Glen Gorgas (40) Waco Jerry Rutkowski (20) San Antonio Ali Verrett (20) Irving

Brandon Guerra (20) Waco Steven Schultz (10) Bridgeport Christopher Wade (15) Longview

Hector Guerrero (10) Edinburg Ryan Scott (5) Austin Robert Wingate (20) Longview

Jonathan Gutierrez (10) Edinburg Christopher Simon (15) Fort Worth

Joseph Haasl (10) Corpus Christi Roger Smith (35) Tyler

Jesse Jenkins (15) Longview Tomas Solis (5) Austin

Greg Jones (5) Waco Mari Soto (15) San Antonio

William Kerns (5) San Antonio Murvin Stafford (40) Irving

Continued from page 13

Louis Thornton, Shop Service Technician 2-Texas First Rentals Willow Park
Cory Rushton, Field Service Technician 2-Texas First Rentals North Dallas
Jordan Cunningham, Field Service Technician 1-Texas First Rentals Waco
Steven Mercado, Field Service Technician 1-Texas First Rentals Fort Worth
Brandon Latka, Yard Associate-Texas First Rentals Fort Worth

14

Issue IV 2021 Service Awards CONVERSATIONS

G​ eorge Alexander ​Mike Colglazier Thomas Curry ​Melissa Johnson Rodney Lloyd ​Roger Nowels
(35) San Antonio (10) San Antonio (50) Waco (25) San Antonio (15) Irving (40) Fort Worth

Christian Osti Denise Pena Will Perla Scott Phillips Joe Reynolds ​Christopher
(5) San Antonio (10) San Antonio (15) Irving (40) Tyler (25) Corpus Christi Standridge
(15) Irving
John Stedman Ted Surovec Luis Tejeda
(25) Georgetown (15) Corpus Christi (5) Corpus Christi David Treiber Correction from Issue III:
(40) Corpus Christi George Escamilla has been

with HOLT for 15 years.
Our apologies for the error.

2022 Holidays HOLT’s Technical Service teams
successfully use support tickets
Monday, January 3, 2022 - New
Year’s Day HOLT’s Technical Service teams spend most of their time supporting shop and field
technicians when they run into questions while servicing a machine. There are 10
Monday, May 30, 2022 - Memorial technical communicators for machine service, and four for power systems.
Day
For the past year, Technical Services has used BOSSDesk for technicians to submit a
Monday, July 4, 2022 - Independence ticket for support. Buck Pate, Division Technical Service Manager-Irving, said, “Not
Day only does the system help track and monitor manpower issues, but we’re also able to
manage workload, and monitor how long tickets are in the system before being addressed
Monday, September 5, 2022 - Labor and completed.”
Day
Additionally, it is easy to watch the progress of tickets as they are received, researched,
Thursday, November 24, 2022 and validated, and resolved. While some technical questions can be answered right away,
Friday, November 25, 2022 - others need to be sent to Caterpillar for further research, which can take a week or longer.
Thanksgiving
“At any time during the day, in just a few minutes we have an accurate picture of what
Monday, December 26, 2022 - is going on in our department, where things are moving, who’s busy, and where there
Christmas might be bottlenecks. We’re also able to identify areas where more knowledge might be
needed, areas where we receive more questions that could be addressed with additional
Monday, January 2, 2023 - New training.”
Year’s Day
Using a system of support tickets has led to a better resource management and easier
identification of training and technical issues.

15

CONVERSATIONS Issue IV 2021

Meet Brad Bonnecaze, General
Manager, HOLT Industrial Systems

Earlier this year, HOLT acquired Sullair of Houston, one of the to 1,600 cfm, oil-free compressors, air drying equipment up to 30,000
largest North American distributors of Sullair industrial and cfm and related ancillary equipment, including custom air compressor
portable diesel compressors. Now known as HOLT Industrial packages that operate in offshore or marine environments, where a
Systems, the company is headquartered in Houston with branch standard air compressor will not operate safely or efficiently.
locations in Odessa, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. Over the
next weeks and months you’ll notice the new logo appearing HOLT Industrial Services provides customers with air compressor
alongside other HOLT brands. solutions from start to finish—from the time of purchase to
preventative maintenance to air system audits.
As the distributor for Sullair commercial air compressors,
HOLT Industrial Systems’ dealer territory covers nearly half the Our condolences to the Bonnecaze and HOLT Industrial Systems
counties in Texas, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the family on loss of Bradley Fish on October 26.
Rio Grande Valley and the majority of west Texas, aligning with
many of the counties HOLT CAT presently serves. The company
also designs customized air compressor packages that operate
efficiently in extreme, harsh environments.

Brad Bonnecaze is the general manager. Originally from Baton
Rouge, Brad studied construction management at LSU, later
earning an MBA. Following years of encouragement, in 2007
Brad came to work for his father-in-law, Bradley Fish, who had
taken over the Sullair dealership in 1986. By 2010, Brad took
over the helm. Now with 50 employees and growing, the move
to HOLT means new opportunities for the company.

“HOLT’s culture is similar to ours,” says Brad. “The team of
employees we have has been here a long time. The best is yet to
come. We have a common goal, and we depend on each other
to succeed. While I look forward to growing the company, more
importantly we now have new opportunities for our family, too.”

When not at work, Brad and his wife Emily attend sporting
events for their three active daughters, 16, 14, and 9. Hunting
and fishing are favorites, too.

Sullair of Houston opened in January 1970. Today it distributes
Sullair compressors rated up to 600 hp, portable compressors up

16