Texan by Nature is excited to recognize the HOLT CAT as a 2022 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 Industry and Size: Construction & 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, 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, conserving our natural resources is a strong parallel. Conservation efforts are increasingly important to our customers, employees, and the people in our communities. So, whether we are building a new store, delivering a fleet of equipment, or continuing to operate the 60+ HOLT locations across the state, we look for ways to improve to further meet the needs of our customers and grow as a business. 

It’s more than that, though––it’s about being a good neighbor, a reliable business partner, and a responsible, ethical member of our community. 

How is conservation and sustainability a part of HOLT CAT’s business strategy?
Our overall business strategy is to improve continuously–whether it’s meeting our customers’ specific needs, partnering with businesses with which HOLT has a natural synergy, or looking for new business ventures to further our conservation and sustainability mission. We do that by focusing on three specific areas: recycling, repurposing, and renewable energy. Here’s how: 

• Recycling: One of the most important things we do as a company is recycling. We recycle everything from metal to plastic, cardboard, and paper. At some of our newer construction projects, we do centralized plant trash collection to minimize the amount of waste that goes into landfills.  
• Repurposing: In addition to recycling, many of our facilities have begun to repurpose water through closed-loop  systems and cisterns for catching rainwater that we use for irrigation.  
• Renewable Energy: Roughly ten years ago, we decided to begin 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 million kW/hours of electricity per year, which equates to about 30 percent of those facilities’ needs.
• Commercial Efforts: Our newest product launch is a joint venture with Phoenix-based EV company Nikola. Earlier  this year, we debuted the first prototype of Nikola’s battery-powered, zero-emission Tre BEV Class 8 on-highway truck. We incorporated the Tre BEV into our parts distribution fleet and plan to add more when the trucks are available for purchase in early 2023. We sell, lease, and service the Nikola trucks through HOLT Truck Centers, a subsidiary of HOLT Texas Ltd. 

HOLT Cat solar panel installations

In 2020, we acquired the business that installed our solar panels, and it now operates as HOLT Renewables, a turn-key EPC (engineering, procurement, construction). With HOLT Renewables, we’re able to focus on providing solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers all throughout the nation. 

In 2021, we entered into the wind industry space with the purchase of Kardie Equipment/TGM and Wind Services. Through Kardie Equipment, we’re able to offer the largest fleet of self-propelled aerial work platforms to customers, while TGM Wind Services offers the most environmentally friendly, high-reaching cleaning services to customers across the US. We’ve also incorporated our conservation and sustainability efforts into our CATERPILLAR products––namely, our Renewable Hydrogen and Hydrogen Blend Generators. These newer, more sustainable power solutions are backed by 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. 

What are HOLT CAT’s short and long-term goals as they relate to conservation and sustainability?
In general, we’re always on the lookout for new methods to enhance our existing conservation efforts. In the short term, we’re focused on our “reduce, reuse, recycle” policy — repurposing oil and water, recycling all eligible materials, generating renewable energy via solar panels, and even conserving energy by incorporating automatic-timed lighting systems. While 11 of our facilities are currently equipped with solar panels, we plan to add solar to as many of our buildings as possible. 

Our long-term goals are to continue to be a dynamic and efficient partner for our customers by providing solutions that protect people, preserve our planet, and enable economic growth. We do that by providing work environments, products, and services that make efficient use of the world’s natural and sustainable resources and reduce unnecessary effects on people and the environment. A big part of this effort involves leveraging the resources we have to optimize the use of renewable resources, reduce waste, minimize emissions, and maximize the use of our materials, water, and land. 

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 HOLT’s conservation mission are HOLT’s owners, Peter J. Holt, CEO, and Corinna Holt Richter, President and Chief Administrative Officer. Additionally, Jeff Stewart, Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety; David Wilhite, Director of Facilities Management; Jennifer McNew, Regional Environmental Compliance Specialist; Neal Carmichael, Senior Director, Facilities; and Nathan Ballard, Ranch Manager. Thanks  to the combined efforts of our leadership team and our employees, we’ve significantly advanced our conservation efforts. At present, all HOLT facilities are LEED-certified; we generate roughly 2 million kW-hours of electricity via renewable energy and repurpose many of the materials used in our facilities on a daily basis. That said, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish half of these things without buy-in from our employees. Luckily, all HOLT team members have become conservation champions regardless of their role or location. Our service managers are always coming up with new ways to properly and safely dispose of or reuse waste. We take the preservation of our planet seriously, and we realize that it’s much bigger than what we do on our campuses. That’s why, at HOLT, we try to implement our conservation goals even when we’re outside of the office. Whether at one of our facilities or traveling on business, we’re mindful of our choices regarding accommodations and travel.

“To be recognized by TxN 20 for HOLT’s conservation efforts is not only an incredible honor but a testament to  HOLT’s unshakable respect for our people and our planet, too. More than that, though, this award signifies that the work we’re doing to reduce emissions and generate renewable energy is making a positive impact in our communities. At HOLT, one of our long-term goals is to be a disruptor of the traditional construction industry by using the latest advancements in technology to provide products and services that further our conservation mission. 

We want to be more of a strategic partner to our customers by incorporating our Corporate Sustainability  Mission across our entire enterprise, as well as into new ventures that have a natural synergy with our existing lines of business. That’s why we’ve begun investing in new businesses, such as HOLT Renewables and  Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind Services, and partnered with EV manufacturer Nikola to build battery-powered,  zero-emissions BEVs. 

At the end of the day, HOLT’s Corporate Sustainability Mission isn’t just another corporate credo; it’s a lifestyle that we, in leadership, as well as our entire employee base, have fully bought into and are committed to because we know that what’s good for the planet is good for our communities and for our people. And doing good is just good business.” 

–Corinna Holt Richter, President, and Chief Administrative Officer

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

“The San Antonio headquarters campus is approximately 140 acres. One of the things we do to help be sustainable within our campuses is use newer wash racks that are closed-loop systems, which allow us to repurpose that water, so we’re not continually returning to a water source for fresh water. Some of our campuses, such as Edinburg, Laredo, and Little Elm, have cisterns that capture rainwater and repurpose that for irrigation. One of the most important things we do as a company is recycling. We recycle everything from metal and plastic to paper and cardboard. In our newer construction projects, we place recycling cans at everyone’s desks, and we participate in centralized plant trash collection to help reduce the amount of waste that goes into the landfill. We also have solar panels on 11 of our facilities across the enterprise that we started about 10 years ago. Our 11 systems produce about 2 million kWh per year, equating to about 30 percent of those facilities’ needs. Anywhere, and anytime, it makes sense to put solar on a  building, we’ll do that.” 

– David Wilhite, Director of Facilities Management

How do you see the future of conservation and sustainability evolving, and what role will HOLT CAT play in that progress?
Based on customer needs, feedback and research, we believe we’ll continue to see a rise in concern for environmentally conscious businesses–especially as we progress and evolve on the power and conservation front. And because HOLT is heavily involved in the construction of our schools, roads, and businesses, we believe  we’ll play a major role in the conservation of our communities. As technology advances, we’ll be able to continue to provide the best, most sustainable emissions solutions and products to our customers and to our communities. That’s why we’ve focused so much of our business on renewable energy, such as solar power and wind turbines, and battery-operated vehicle distribution and service. Because, at the end of the day, what’s good for the planet is good for our people, and that’s good for all of us. 

How does HOLT CAT quantify investment and return on conservation and sustainability?
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 total costs offset  
• Closed-Loop Water Systems, Cisterns & Wash Racks: We measure (by volume) the amount of rainwater we’re able to obtain and water we’re able to repurpose, along with estimated costs saved. 
• Customer Research: We’re also able to quantify Return on Conservation based on our ability to meet our customer’s needs in relation to conservation, as well as feedback we’ve received from both new and old customers who want to enlist companies that are conscious of emissions and sustainability. 
• Sales: The bottom line. In reviewing our sales numbers, we’re able to better understand our customers’ interests, needs, and requirements in order to provide services and products that align with their values. 

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?
The biggest lesson we’ve learned through our conservation efforts has been to continue down the path of being  dynamic, which is one of our core values. Our world, our society, and the regulations associated with work  are constantly changing. As a result, we, too, must change and adapt in order to meet the needs of our customers while supporting our communities. We work tirelessly to stay up to date on all the latest advancements in technology that may be beneficial to our existing conservation efforts while never losing focus of our current practices.

Why is Texas an important home or base of operations for HOLT CAT?
HOLT was originally founded in Corpus Christi and then moved to San Antonio, where we have been actively involved in our community for almost 90 years. We’re incredibly proud to be a part of such a rich, vibrant community here in San Antonio 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 family. We believe in standing by our employees, standing by our communities and giving our all in everything we do, every day. It’s a tall order for sure, but you know what they say about Texas? Everything’s bigger here–and our respect and appreciation for our home is no exception.

Learn more about HOLT CAT’s conservation and sustainability efforts here:
Corporate Sustainability Mission Goals

HOLT Renewables 

Kardie Equipment/TGM Wind Services