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Fabick Kicks Off Caterpillar Global Challenge in Fenton, Mo.

Fabick Cat's Open House in Fenton, Mo., kicked off Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge with skilled operators competing for precision and speed. Matt Froese of Baxmeyer Construction Inc. won first place. The event showcased Cat equipment and technology, attracting over 250 guests for hands-on experiences and networking.

May 20, 2025 - Midwest Edition #11
CEG

Fabick Cat hosted its annual Open House event in Fenton, Mo., on May 2. Held at headquarters (One Fabick Dr., Fenton, MO 63026), the event also included the first local phase of Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge.

Welcoming more than 250 guests, the event brought together equipment operators, industry professionals and community members for a high-energy day of hands-on experiences and competition. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary lunch, door prizes and networking opportunities with Fabick Cat team members and Caterpillar representatives.

The event spotlighted the newest Cat equipment and technology while kicking off the first local phase of Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge — drawing skilled operators eager to test their abilities in speed, accuracy and precision. Spectators gathered to watch as competitors battled it out for a shot at advancing in this prestigious global competition.

After rounds of operating skills on display, Matt Froese of Baxmeyer Construction Inc., Waterloo, Ill., took home first place in the Fenton challenge. With the second event happening in Wausau, Wis., in June, Fabick Cat will crown the overall winner between the two challenges — with one operator heading to the regional round to compete later this year.

Beyond the competition, attendees explored live equipment demonstrations and interactive displays, where Fabick Cat experts shared insights on how Cat machines and services are transforming productivity and efficiency across the industry. From compact machines to heavy-duty earthmovers, the event gave guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest tools of the trade.

"We're honored to host the Fenton Open House each year as a way to thank our customers and give them a closer look at the innovations shaping the future of construction and equipment technology," said Kelli Fabick, vice president of Rents of Fabick Cat. "And to the operators who brought such energy and enthusiasm to this year's event — your skill and passion truly made the day memorable."

For more information, visit fabickcat.com. CEG

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Two Cat 326 excavators hoist the flag at Fabick Cat in Fenton, Mo., to welcome competitors to the first local phase of Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge. 
 (CEG photo)
From the city of Washington, Scott Buhr, Ben Theiss, Jeff Krafft and Randy Birkman witnessed the challenge, cheering on those competing in the Global Operator Challenge.  (CEG photo)
Operators displayed their Cat 308 excavator skills during the “Mini-Masters Station.” 
 (CEG photo)
Checking out the engine on this used Cat 308CR excavator is Derek Crockett of St. Clair County Highway Department.
 (CEG photo)
Stewart England (L) of Fabick Cat and Rick Vernier of CR Vernier catch up at Fabick Cat’s Open House Event in Fenton, Mo.  (CEG photo)
(L-R): Jamie Meyer of Fabick Cat; Harrison Stone and James McMullen of Commercial Retail Developers; and Tony Sciarratta of Fabick Cat posed for a photo with this Cat 246 D3 skid steer. (CEG photo)
(L-R): Matt Jundt of Fabick Cat welcomed Robert Malone, Rob Malone, holding his grandson, Landon, and Jim Adkerson of P&M Excavating Inc. to the Fabick Cat Open House event.  (CEG photo)
(L-R): Tyson Wilkins of Fabick Cat; Jerry Gunter of Winter Brothers Material; Terry Hennessy of Fabick Cat; and Ken Merseal of Winter Brothers Material with a Cat 304 excavator. (CEG photo)
(L-R) are Kelli Fabick, vice president of Rents oft Fabick Cat; Jim Howerton of Fabick Cat; Rick Swantner of Swantner Industries; and John Fabick IV, president of Fabick Cat. (CEG photo)
(L-R): Matt Froese of Froese Inc., his son, Grant, and father, John, looked over this Cat 275 compact track loader.
 (CEG photo)
Charles Hamilton (L) of CJ Hamilton asked Craig Harris, territory manager of Fabick Cat, for the details on this Cat 275 compact track loader. (CEG photo)
Shown here is the “Precision Tracktor” challenge during Fabick Cat’s competition for operators.  (CEG photo)
Andrew Slifka of Brewster Companies is ready to compete in Fabick Cat’s local phase of Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge. (CEG photo)
Clint Carter of C&L Demolition competing in one of the challenges at Fabick Cat’s Fenton, Mo., phase of the Global Operator Challenge.  (CEG photo)
Shane Boyer of Fabick Cat watches as the operator of this Cat D2 dozer maneuvers one of the challenges. (CEG photo)
Josh Connet of Josh Connet Excavator hoped to emerge victorious from his turn operating during the competition. 
 (CEG photo)
Joe Slifka of Brewster Companies planned to take home the win after competing at Fabick Cat in Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge. 
 (CEG photo)
Shane Boyer of Fabick Cat covers important safety information as well as the rules of Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge with competitors.  (CEG photo)
(L-R): Dan and Nick Hackman, both of Hackman Brothers, and Randy Darden, CCE sales specialist of Fabick Cat, discuss the specs of a Cat CP7 soil compactor. (CEG photo)


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