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In The Yard

by Western States Equipment

Season 3

Building Our Communities: Camp Rainbow Gold

For families facing childhood cancer, Camp Rainbow Gold at Hidden Paradise is a summer camp unlike any other. Camp Rainbow Gold gives kids the chance to experience the great outdoors in a safe, adaptive space designed to meet their physical and medical needs. The Camp Rainbow Gold team joined us on In The Yard to talk about the impact the camp has on so many families in the community, and how companies like Western States can help support their mission.

Season 2

Onboard Technology & Operator Coaching | Mike Bettencourt

With more than a decade of hands‑on experience in the Cat dealer network, Mike Bettencourt has seen heavy equipment evolve from purely mechanical machines to today’s technology‑driven jobsite solutions. Mike now serves as an Application Specialist at Western States Cat where his day-to day involves helping customers unlock the full value of Onboard Technology and operator coaching systems built into next‑generation Cat equipment. In this episode, Mike breaks down how features like 2D grading, payload, dig assist, and operator coaching are changing the way operators learn and use machines. From commissioning new excavators and wheel loaders to training construction professionals, Mike shares how onboard technology shortens learning curves, and delivers measurable performance gains.

CONEXPO Unveiled: Brennan Gruhn

In this episode of In The Yard, Tyler sits down with Brennan Gruhn to break down all the new machines and technology Cat unveiled at CONEXPO. They discuss VisionLink upgrades, the brand-new TUL100 track utility loader, the 319 excavator, and next‑gen motor graders. From diving into Grade Assist and on‑machine tech, to what these updates actually mean on the jobsite, Brennan and Tyler break down what's new and how it makes a difference on the worksite.

In The Saddle: Tristram Hokenson

Tristram is an engineer, entrepreneur, and self-professed Horse Girl living and working in Montana. She joined us to talk about everything from winter weekends spent skijoring to launching her own engineering consultancy, to how a small skid steer made a big difference on her ranch. Through it all, she's never afraid to take the reins!

70 Years of Western States: Tom Terteling, Jr.

February 2026 marks Western States' 70th anniversary as a Caterpillar dealer, and to celebrate we sat down with VP of Product Support Tom Terteling, Jr. Tom will be the third generation of his family to lead Western States, and told us what it means to him to carry on the family legacy and what he sees for the future of the industry.

Customer Episode: East Idaho Excavation Inc.

Preston Skaar turned ditch work into a thriving business. Now he's getting the whole family involved and passing a love for excavation down to his son, Bridger. The duo joined us In The Yard to talk about building a business, the stunning places they get to work, and why the right machines and relationships make all the difference.

Mentoring the Young Guys: Dan Neace

With 30 years' experience in the industry, Dan Neace has seen first-hand the way technology has changed the heavy equipment world. From looking up manuals on microfiche to now mentoring the next generation of technicians alongside him on the shop floor, Dan is proud to build both his teams and communities for a better tomorrow.

Community Impact: Idaho State University & McKee Construction

When Idaho State University needed a new cross-country track, the Pocatello community stepped up to make it happen. Now, thanks to partners like McKee Construction and Western States, ISU athletes and the Pocatello community have a beautiful new space to use year-round.

Accounting for the Dirt World - Sorren

Accounting is a key aspect of running a business, and the team at Sorren has the insights to help contractors be successful. Josh Tyree, CPA and Matt Goodfellow, CPA joined us In The Yard to talk bonus depreciation, job costing, and tax updates construction professionals need to know.

Ben Davenport: Idaho Mining Association Executive VP

Ben Davenport finds it hard to envision a world without mining. He joined us In The Yard talk about Idaho's rich mining history, what's next for the industry, and the upcoming conference in downtown Boise.

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