Texan by Nature is excited to recognize HOLT CAT as a 2024 TxN 20 honoree for their leadership in conservation and sustainability. HOLT CAT’s commitment to conservation, their projects, programs, best practices, and lessons learned are an example and inspiration for us all.

Honoree Name: HOLT CAT

Honoree Industry and Size: Construction and Manufacturing/Mid-size

Company Overview:
HOLT CAT is the authorized Caterpillar® heavy equipment and engine dealer for 118 counties in South, Central, North, and East Texas. Established in 1933, HOLT sells, services, and rents Cat equipment, engines, generators, and trucks for construction, mining, industrial, petroleum, and agricultural applications. HOLT sells Caterpillar used equipment worldwide and fabricates its own line of custom-engineered products including land management products and water tankers. Additionally, HOLT is a dealer for Link-Belt® Cranes, Trimble® Heavy and Highway construction products, and AccuGrade® grade-control systems.

The Holt name has been associated with heavy equipment and Caterpillar for over 100 years. HOLT CAT owners, Peter J. Holt and Corinna Holt Richter are direct descendants of Benjamin Holt, who in 1904 developed the first successful track-type tractor which he named the “Caterpillar.” HOLT CAT has come to be synonymous with quality, integrity, and commitment to customer service.

What is HOLT CAT’s conservation and sustainability mission and why is it important to your culture?
At HOLT CAT, our core values are the foundation of our culture and form what we call Values-based Leadership. Our values are more than statements on a wall, but rather the filter by which we frame our purpose and corresponding business strategies. Conservation is embedded in our first value, “Ethical: by doing the right thing.” 

As a “people first” organization, the conservation of our natural resources is a strong parallel. Over the years, we’ve found that conservation efforts have become increasingly important to our customers, our employees, and the people who live in our communities. So, whether we are building a new store; working on a renewable energy project, or delivering a fleet of equipment, we look for ways to improve to further meet the needs of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate.

What steps is HOLT CAT taking to address global natural resource challenges, and how are these efforts integrated into your overall business strategy?
At HOLT CAT, doing the right thing is at the core of our company values. Through actively integrating conservation practices throughout our business operations, we ensure that environmental responsibility remains a cornerstone of our business strategy. 

Recycling
We prioritize recycling as a core aspect of our operations, covering a wide range of materials. We recycle paper, plastic, metal, cardboard, water, batteries, oils, solvents, and other fluids. Additionally, we provide recycling cans at everyone’s desks and participate in centralized, plant trash collection. This recycling effort has resulted in the elimination of over 200 tons of materials from landfills. Additionally, we shred and recycle another 60 tons of confidential waste paper via our shredding company. 

Repurposing
In addition to recycling, many of our facilities use newer wash racks that are closed-loop systems which allow us to repurpose that water so we’re not continually returning to a source of freshwater. Some of our campuses have cisterns that capture rainwater and repurpose it for irrigation.

Renewable Energy
Roughly 10 years ago, we began adding solar panels to some of our facilities to help offset energy costs and resources. Today, 11 of our facilities are equipped with solar panels and produce about 2.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which equates to about 30 percent of those facilities’ needs.

LED lights are utilized exclusively in new construction and as we need to re-lamp our older facilities, we are moving to replacing fixtures with LED fixtures to reduce energy consumption and provide a higher quality of light and a longer-lasting fixture. We install low-flow toilets to conserve water and sensors on many sinks and toilets. And use occupancy sensors, dimmer switches, natural lighting, blinds, and window tinting to control excessive lighting. 

HOLT CAT provides emission reduction solutions as well as awareness and support of the ever-changing emissions compliance challenges. We support our customers’ green initiatives by delivering sustainable solutions including emissions reduction technologies, new, clean emissions equipment, and Cat® legacy machines and engines. We offer our customers cost-effective solutions that protect their investments while meeting challenging national, state, and local environmental emissions regulations, including Advanced Tier IV diesel engines and battery electric on-highway trucks.

Who in HOLT CAT is leading your conservation and sustainability efforts and what are some examples of employee engagement in conservation and sustainability at HOLT CAT?
Leading the charge in our conservation mission are owners, Peter J. Holt, CEO, and Corinna Holt Richter, President, and Chief Administrative Officer as well as a well-rounded team consisting of our Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety; Director of Facilities Management; corporate environmental manager; senior director, facilities; and three, full-time land and wildlife management professionals who are experienced and educated in range and wildlife science. These individuals along with our 4,300+ employees who we consider are our conservation champions are dedicated to our conservation efforts, regardless of their role or location. We firmly believe that every team member contributes significantly to our overarching goals and plays an integral role in our efforts.

We place a high priority on fostering employee engagement. We encourage and support employees to participate in meaningful activities in our communities, including Earth Day, Adopt-A-Highway, and The Great American Cleanup. We educate employees about Water Wise and other conservation efforts and through our annual giving campaign, we empower employees to contribute to organizations or causes they are passionate about.

Additionally, our commitment to conservation extends beyond our organization. Our goal is to be a strategic partner for our customers. Our company is heavily involved in the construction of our schools, roads, and businesses where we deploy solar panels, clean burn generators, and battery electric trucks and support the wind industry which we believe plays a major role in the conservation of our communities. Leveraging our expertise and resources, we play a pivotal role in conserving and safeguarding the environments in which we operate. 

“At HOLT, our goal is to be a strategic partner for our customers by embedding our Corporate Sustainability Mission into every aspect of our operations, thereby creating sustainable value. Our corporate sustainability mission is not just a priority but a way of life that our leaders and employees fully embrace. Our employees are the true champions of our conservation efforts, passionately committing to go above and beyond to make a positive impact in our communities. Our values, combined with the dedication of our employees, form the foundation of our success, and enable us to continue leading in conservation.”

–Corinna Holt Richter, President and Chief Administrative Officer

What conservation and sustainability programs and projects does HOLT CAT lead and participate in?
We participate in multiple conservation and sustainability projects, such as our water repurposing initiatives, rainwater collection, recycling programs, and renewable energy investments.

Several of our locations have water bottle filling stations, and as a company, we’ve eliminated the use of Styrofoam coffee cups and plastic stir sticks at our coffee stations.

Generally, we use polished concrete whenever possible to eliminate the need for additional flooring materials. HOLT chooses construction materials such as carpet tiles, flooring, and even ceiling tiles to be made with post-consumer recycled products. We use high-efficiency HVAC systems whenever possible.

In our landscaping practices, we incorporate native, drought-resistant plants and materials. By selecting drought-resistant vegetation, we minimize water usage and promote ecological balance in our green spaces. 

What strategies does HOLT CAT use to educate and raise awareness among employees, customers, and stakeholders about the importance of conservation and sustainability?
Through continuous communication efforts, we employ several strategies to educate and raise awareness about the importance of conservation among employees, stakeholders, and customers, including the latest practices and technologies. 

Our comprehensive recycling programs for materials such as paper, plastic, metal, cardboard, water, batteries, oils, solvents, and other fluids are integral to our operations. In our construction and renovation projects, we provide recycling bins at every desk and centralized trash collection to reduce landfill waste, and we install water-filling stations to eliminate the use of bottled water. 

We also optimize lighting systems and integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce electricity consumption, investing in closed-loop water systems to enhance operational efficiency. 

Collaborating with customers, we develop tailored sustainability solutions that meet their specific needs and help them achieve their environmental goals. 

At HOLT CAT, we’ve also incorporated our conservation efforts into our CAT products––namely, our Renewable Hydrogen and Hydrogen Blend Generators. These newer, more sustainable power solutions are backed by more than 35 years of expertise in hydrogen technologies, across multiple markets, and provide our customers with a higher level of performance, with minimal impact on overall costs, maintenance, schedules, availability, and operations.

HOLT Renewables is a turn-key EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) firm focused on commercial solar installations. Through HOLT Renewables, we provide solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers throughout the nation. 

In 2021, we entered the wind energy industry space with the purchase of Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind Services, now HOLT Aerial. Through HOLT Aerial, we offer the largest fleet of self-propelled, aerial work platforms to wind energy customers and the most environmentally friendly, high-reaching cleaning services to customers across the U.S.

Additionally, HOLT Truck Centers offers eco-friendly transportation solutions, including the eVP truck series and the electric CE series of buses, demonstrating our commitment to environmentally friendly transportation and service throughout Texas and Oklahoma. 

Through these comprehensive strategies, we ensure conservation and sustainability are integral parts of our company culture and operations, empowering everyone involved to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Can you share specific examples of successful partnerships or innovative collaborations HOLT CAT has formed with other organizations to enhance sustainability and conservation outcomes?
Our overall business strategy is to continuously improve–whether it’s meeting our customers’ specific needs, partnering with businesses that HOLT has a natural synergy with, or looking for new business ventures to further our conservation and sustainability mission.

In 2020, we acquired the business that installed our solar panels and now operate it as HOLT Renewables, a turn-key EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) firm focused on commercial solar installations. In 2023, HOLT Renewables proudly completed the installation of over 20 solar projects for our valued customers, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability partnerships. 

In 2021, we entered the wind energy industry space with the purchase of Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind Services, now HOLT Aerial. Through HOLT Aerial, we’re able to offer the largest fleet of self-propelled, aerial work platforms to wind energy customers and the most environmentally friendly, high-reaching cleaning services to customers across the US.

Our aerial lifts are essential for various industries, including wind turbine generation. With the average wind turbine hub height in North America currently at 295 feet and rising, our solutions are perfectly suited to help address this need. Elevated altitudes mean higher wind speeds and more power generated. 

HOLT Truck Centers is an authorized dealer of International Trucks including the eVP truck series and a provider of IC Buses including the electric CE series. We’re committed to providing environmentally friendly transportation solutions and service throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Our lineup features vehicles engineered for sustainability, boasting fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and alternative fuel options. Furthermore, HOLT Truck Centers provides service to other low- and zero-emission school bus companies including Blue Bird Corporation a provider of propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses.

We’re thrilled to support like-minded businesses. Recently, we partnered with Cat Spring Yaupon, a Texan company dedicated to sustainability and conservation. Their products were provided to our employees at our annual conference, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. 

How does HOLT CAT quantify investment and return on conservation and sustainability?
We prioritize integrating sustainable practices into our operations and decision-making processes, ensuring that conservation is ingrained in every aspect of our business. We calculate our return on conservation by looking at the numbers. We review the total return realized through our investments in conservation-encompassing variables:

Solar Panels & Wind Turbines: We review the amount of electricity generated, along with the total costs offset. Presently, 11 of our facilities are equipped with solar panels, producing about 2.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which equates to about 30 percent of those facilities’ needs.

Closed-Loop Water Systems, Cisterns & Wash Racks: We have newer closed-loop wash racks in our Pflugerville, Weslaco, and Fort Worth locations, complementing our existing updated wash racks in San Antonio and Edinburg. These wash racks recycle water, eliminating the need to utilize fresh water each time they are used. We’ve reduced the use of fresh  water in our operations by 5,038,848 gallons annually. Some of our campuses, including Edinburgh, Laredo, and Little Elm have cisterns that capture rainwater and repurpose it for irrigation. We measure (by volume) the amount of rainwater we capture and repurpose along with an estimate of costs saved. 

Our commitment goes beyond financials; it’s about creating lasting positive impacts on our business and the communities we serve. We are dedicated to initiatives that reduce our footprint and benefit these communities. Our strategy is to continuously improve by meeting customer needs, partnering with like-minded businesses, and exploring new ventures to advance our conservation mission.

How do you see the future of conservation and sustainability evolving, and what role will HOLT CAT play in that progress?
Considering customer needs, feedback, and research, we believe we’ll see an increase in demand for environmentally conscious products and businesses. HOLT is heavily involved in the construction of essential infrastructure like schools, roads, and businesses, so we believe we play a major role in the conservation of our communities. 

As technology advances, we’re committed to offering the best, most sustainable emissions solutions and products to our customers and our communities. This is one of the reasons we’ve heavily invested in renewable energy such as solar, wind turbines, and battery-operated vehicles.  

We are dedicated to driving progress in conservation for a better future and strongly believe that what benefits the planet benefits everyone.

What is the one lesson that HOLT CAT has learned from your conservation and sustainability efforts that others can take back and think about applying within their own space?
An important lesson we’ve learned from our conservation efforts is the importance of staying dynamic, which is a core value of ours. 

As our world, society, and regulations evolve, we must adapt to meet our customers’ needs and support our communities. We’re committed to staying updated on the latest technological advancements that can enhance and further our conservation efforts.

Why is Texas an important home or base of operations for HOLT CAT?
HOLT CAT takes pride in being headquartered in San Antonio with statewide operations across Texas. We were originally founded in Corpus Christi and then moved to San Antonio, where we have been actively involved in our community for 90 years. We’re incredibly proud to be a part of such a rich, vibrant community and truly believe that it’s our people who make us the company we are today. 

Texas is our home and the home of the people who make up the HOLT CAT family. We believe in standing by our employees, standing by our communities, and giving our all in everything we do, every day. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share that makes your strategy and approach to conservation and environmental sustainability unique?
Our commitment to conservation is grounded in our core values, starting with our first principle, “Ethical: by doing the right thing.”

While our values shape every decision, our integrated strategy—built on innovative practices, community collaboration, and continuous improvement—ensures a lasting, positive impact on our communities. We invest in cutting-edge renewable energy and sustainable practices, staying ahead of the curve to provide the most effective solutions.

As a “people first” organization, we see a strong connection between our community focus and the conservation of natural resources. We collaborate closely with stakeholders and customers to ensure our efforts are both responsible and relevant. Our employees are central to this mission, embodying our conservation values and driving our initiatives forward. We believe success comes from partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

Find out more about HOLT CAT’s conservation and sustainability efforts here.