How do you scale across five states and 23 locations without losing the culture that made you successful in the first place?
In this episode of Ever Onward, we sit down with Kelly Olson, President and COO of Western States Equipment, to unpack how a legacy Caterpillar dealer has grown into a 1,200-person organization while building a workplace people actually want to stay in.
Kelly shares her journey from Montana-raised CPA to leading one of the largest equipment dealers in the region—and why the leadership principle “manage processes, lead people” shapes everything from hiring and coaching to customer experience. We dig into the Western States Leadership Academy, how shared language and intentional development turn strategy into execution, and why culture—not perks—is the real retention strategy.
We also explore how heavy equipment has become a technology business. From sensor-driven machines and predictive diagnostics to platforms like VisionLink and MineStar—and Caterpillar’s partnership with Nvidia—Kelly explains how data, AI, and smarter job sites are helping customers bid tighter, work safer, and stay productive.
Beyond the job site, Kelly breaks down Western States’ investment in people and community: technician career pathways, a nine-month Technician Academy, CTE partnerships, Dozer Day, and a clear commitment to responsible mining, workforce development, and local impact through Western Cares.
If you care about leadership that scales, technology that actually improves work, or building a career without a traditional four-year path, this conversation delivers.
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