Holemo takes first in Caterpillar's nationwide "Cat Trial 10: Tech Test" competition

Fallbrook's Andrew Holemo, a "think big student" and field service technician for Hawthorne Cat in San Diego, has won Caterpillar's nationwide Cat Trial 10: Tech Test competition, beating 18 other Cat dealer technicians. The award ceremony took place on March 30. Hawthorne Cat is the authorized dealer for Caterpillar construction and power equipment in San Diego.

According to Carolyn Mitchell-Voss, marketing project manager at Hawthorne Cat,

"Caterpillar's latest trial video highlighted 18 dealer technicians who tested their skills through an obstacle course. The challenges are similar to problems technicians must solve when working on a customer's product. Technicians are experts on the latest technology on hundreds of different Cat machines and engines."

Philip Kelliher, a vice president of Caterpillar Inc., had this to say about Holemo, "When it came to hands on classes he excelled. We definitely saw that in the competition."

David Ness, president and CEO of Hawthorne Cat, made these remarks to Holemo at the award ceremony, "What an accomplishment, and what an opportunity for you to show off your skills and passion. You just can't train passion. Congratulations, well done and well deserved. "

On the day that the Cat Trial 10 video was released, Holemo was told that he took first in the competition. "It was a surprise," he said, "I was not expecting it, and it definitely took me off guard."

Holemo said he was grateful to be under the tutelage of his mentor, Kevin Baker, field service lead at Hawthorne Cat. "I learned the most from him," he said.

A 2017 graduate of Fallbrook High School, Holemo was one of the San Diego County students awarded a prestigious Don Diego Scholarship. The scholarships were open to students who participated in the San Diego County Fair, or other activities at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Holemo was awarded a $2,500 Voc/Tech scholarship.

While at Fallbrook High, Holemo also participated in the county competition of

SkillsUSA – FFA Farm Power competition. He was awarded the silver medal in the Motorcycle Service Technology category.

Not forgetting his Fallbrook High School education, Holemo gave credit to four of his instructors for teaching him skills that were necessary for him to succeed as a Cat service technician, and to win the nationwide competition. The four outstanding teachers are: Kevin Karnes, auto shop; Jacob Bagnell, metal shop; Doug Sehnert, agricultural mechanics and Scott Duffin, agriculture.

Holemo has been fascinated with tractors and engines for much of his life. When he was six, he began to work as a volunteer at Vista's Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. He still enjoys working there after all these years.