In The Yard

Jordan from D&D Tri-Rivers Excavating can sum up what he values in an employee's work ethic in 3 L's: don't be late, don't lie, and don't be lazy. With strong company values and a dedication to a job well done, Jordan joined us In The Yard to talk about his own career experience with the company and how his team has benefitted from Cat's recent machine and technology updates.

Marc Holmes has worked on equipment all over the world. While he learned a lot wrenching on mining machines in the field, he now enjoys working on the rebuild team at Western States with his son, Brock (you might remember Brock from our second episode of In The Yard!). Marc told us about the pride he feels in watching his son succeed and follow in his footsteps as a heavy equipment tech. Happy Father's Day from In The Yard!

Listen to Brock's episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tJJ4TOnXawlxm8gyebFAw?si=61h-wCJyS6i2U0GmRGSAzA

Starting a business from scratch is never easy, and Mountain West Excavation owner Travis sat down with us to share his experiences being a contractor in the Treasure Valley. From looking for the best employees to watching his work contribute to the growth of his community, Travis talked about the highs, lows, and many in-betweens of excavation entrepreneurship.

With nearly 30 years at Western States, Dean Lynn has had an incredible journey to his current position as a Lead in the Component Rebuild Center. Join us "In The Yard" as Dean talks about leading by example, technical challenges, and the satisfaction of solving problems. From managing stores to mastering pumps and valves, Dean's story is a testament to dedication and constant learning.

As the winners of the 2025 Executive Safety Award, Erik and Ally have both had a huge influence on the safety culture at their stores. They were recognized for their safety efforts at this year's leadership meeting, and joined us "In The Yard" (or rather, at the meeting) to talk about how their teams tackle safety and what it means to be on the Safety Squad.

Western States President Kelly Olson joins us "In The Yard" to talk about her vision for the company and for our customers. Kelly's career growth and approach to partnerships at Western States can be summed up in one question: "What's the best that could happen?

From watching his dad's WSECO coworkers play softball to introducing customers to their first piece of Caterpillar equipment, Chase Sparks understands what it means to be a part of the Western States community. By getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, Chase has spent his career helping customers succeed while building strong relationships with the people who count on him to help build our communities for a better tomorrow.

Stephen Roberts has spent over 17 years at Western States, working in everything from Parts to Heavy Rents to his current role on the Worksite Solutions team. He told us about the value of layering knowledge from all of his experiences in heavy equipment, and the satisfaction that comes with helping customers be more efficient and productive with technology.

Brock Holmes grew up around yellow iron. After going through the ThinkBIG program to follow in his dad's footsteps as a technician, Brock now works in the rebuild shop and has been a part of 31 machine rebuilds (and counting!). His stories showcase what it means to jump into a career with enthusiasm, and to take pride and ownership in a job well done.

Phil Crozier has spent nearly 50 years in the truck parts industry. From earning his customers' trust on the parts counter to making sure the sugar beet plant doesn't shut down, Phil's stories showcase the pride he has in his work and his relationships with customers across the region. With decades of experience to share, Phil joined us for the first episode of In The Yard one week before his retirement.