Daniel Stansbury, Field Technician - 3 Years in Position

"Growing up on a family farm, there were always opportunities to work on large farm equipment and tractors. I enjoyed fixing large-scale machines so much that I decided to do what I liked and make a career of it.

I was introduced to Caterpillar's ThinkBIG program in high school. A neighbor, who was a Field Technician for a Cat^® Dealer, also talked about what a rewarding career a Cat Field Technician was.

I knew I wanted to work for a Cat Dealer, just by the reputation Caterpillar had versus other equipment manufacturers. So, I enrolled in the 2-year ThinkBig Program. I went to school for two months and then interned at the dealership who sponsored me for two months, rotating between the two. The rotation really helped me apply what I had learned firsthand. Plus, during the internship time, I was paid and earned college credits. Since then, my dealership has sent me on to other training.

When I started this career, I had no idea that I would get as much pleasure out of fixing a machine as I do. It makes me feel really good when I go out and help a customer when they have a machine down. I play an important part in getting them going again.

Plus, I go home every night with the satisfaction that I enjoy what I'm doing…working on big machines and helping customers directly. If you have a desire to learn and want to work on Cat equipment, call your local Cat Dealer today. It's definitely worth it!"

Charles A. Walker, Shop Technician - 5 Years in Position

"I was first introduced to the idea of being a Cat^® Dealership Technician when a recruiter came to my high school. I also talked in depth with my technical school instructor. I was looking for a career where I could work with my hands, make good money, and have great benefits and job security.

I also wanted a career that was challenging and would keep me mentally stimulated. This career allows for all of that. I'm continually learning the newest technology of diagnostic equipment and machines.

Working for a Cat Dealer has allowed me to specialize in my field. Currently, I am in the Power Systems Division. If a semi-truck breaks down on the side of the road, I'm the one who goes to him, assesses the problem, and works on the semi right there to get it back up and running.

This career has given me a sense of confidence and is always challenging me to better myself. Plus, there are always opportunities to advance. Someday, I would like to become a service manager at one of our branch stores.

If you have mechanical aptitude and want a career with long-term job security, choosing a career as a Cat Dealer Technician is definitely the way to go."

Robert Hunter, Shop Technician - 7 years in Position

"I've been into mechanics ever since I was a teenager. I worked on over-the-road equipment with my dad and then in gold mines around the country once I got older. After moving around so much, I wanted to settle down where there were good schools and a steady job for my family. We ended up moving to east Texas where I went to work for a Cat^® Dealer.

One big challenge I had recently was helping in the recovery after hurricane Rita. Power was out almost everywhere, so I did a lot of work starting up and servicing generators. The water treatment plants were our first priority, along with retirement homes, hospitals and other important places. I played an important role in getting a nursing home up and running after it had been without power for three weeks.

After the generator work started slowing down, we were working on tractors, tub grinders and mulching machines for the clean up. It was good because you were doing something for the people. We were part of a big family and everybody was doing their part.

Being a Cat Dealer Technician is a rewarding job because you see the outcome of what you've done. In addition, you make decent money doing a very respectable job."

George Mendes, Field Technician - 10 Years in Position

"My interest in engines and cars really started in high school. It grew from there and when I graduated, I went into the Navy as an engine man. The knowledge and experience I gained in the Navy allowed me to get a job with a large Detroit Diesel Dealer. I later learned about the opportunity to work for a Cat^® Dealer and was very impressed with their financial stability and their ability to offer good wages and benefits.

Most importantly, Caterpillar is known throughout the world as an equipment manufacturer that is on the leading edge of technology, machines and training. This continued training and support from Caterpillar really helps me to stay on top of my game in the field.

I had six years experience working on generators and marine engines before I became a Cat Dealer technician; and I can tell you, that the quality and support of the Cat product is unmatched!

Today, I work on a variety of Cat generators, engines and machines out in the field. Every day is something different. Just the other day, our local prison, which has a back-up emergency power system, lost power during a lightning storm. There was a problem with one of the generators. I was able to go out, troubleshoot, and figure out a temporary solution to get the emergency power system back into operation. The customer was very satisfied with the outcome since he wouldn't have to be down for an extended period of time.

A career as a Cat Dealer Technician has exceeded my expectations. If you have a strong interest in engines and mechanical functions, enjoy working with your hands, and are looking for a quality company with great pay and stability, I would encourage you to invest your skills with a Cat Dealer today."

Cedric Cauley, Shop Technician - 15 years in Position

"I was going to school in the day and working at night when I was first introduced to a Cat^® Dealership. I was visiting my uncle, who worked at a Cat Dealership in another city. There was a Cat 994 wheel loader parked in the yard, and I thought, "Man, that's a big machine." I actually had a picture taken of me standing beside of it. Things like that amazed me—the sound of those big engines—and I wanted to get into the dealership. I applied for a job and started working the night shift.

In a few short weeks, I began training to work on the Field Service trucks. So far I've had training on servicing undercarriage, drive trains, electronics, air conditioning systems and engines.

I was gung-ho about learning everything I could...and it's paying off for me now. Recently, I've been working with some of the Caterpillar team to develop special instructions for repowering Cat D9 track-type tractors. I've also been going to school off and on to learn business management. One day, I hope to be a service supervisor or a product support representative at the dealership.

Our Cat Dealership does a good job of promoting from within. When positions come open, they post those positions to the employees. That gives people like me an opportunity to apply for those jobs. If you want to move up in the company, try another kind of work or move to another area, you have that opportunity with a Cat Dealership."