CAT TALKS
We have CAT enthusiasts who wish to share their passion with you. Come listen and learn.
(Session schedule coming soon!)
“Making Tracks—The Legacy of C.L. Best”
Speakers: Ed and Sue Claessen, Authors & Historians
Bio:
Ed and Sue Claessen are the husband-and-wife team behind the award-winning book Making Tracks: C.L. Best and the Caterpillar Tractor Co. Passionate researchers and gifted storytellers, they’ve spent years unearthing the life and legacy of Clarence Leo Best—one of the most pivotal yet often overlooked figures in the history of heavy equipment. Their work has earned two Midwest Book Awards and is considered the definitive biography of C.L. Best.
Talk Description:
What Henry Ford was to cars, C.L. Best was to tractors. In this engaging CAT Talk, Ed and Sue Claessen will take us on a journey through the formative years of the Best company—from C.L.’s early days working under his father, to launching his own tractor business, to the historic merger that created the Caterpillar Tractor Company. With colorful insights from their acclaimed book, the Claessens will share not just a timeline, but a human story of ambition, innovation, and a name that lived up to its promise: Best.
“Diesel Dreams—Caterpillar’s Post-War Power Surge (1946–1965)”
Speaker: Jim Coles, Diesel Collector & Historian
Bio:
Jim Coles doesn’t just study history—he restores and preserves it. A lifelong collector of post-war diesel-powered Caterpillar tractors, Jim’s passion began with a 1948 5U series D2 and has only grown from there. Unlike collectors who chase gasoline-era machines, Jim focuses on diesel-era giants, many of which feature gasoline pony motors to bring them to life. With a deep respect for the engineering risks Caterpillar took in the 1930s—shifting from gas to diesel during the depths of the Great Depression—Jim brings both a mechanic’s hands and a historian’s eye to the machines that powered America forward.
Talk Description:
In the wake of World War II, Caterpillar entered a golden age of innovation. From 1946 to 1965, the company rolled out some of its most iconic and impactful machines—setting the stage for global expansion and decades of dominance. In this in-depth CAT Talk, Jim Coles will walk the audience through this transformative era, highlighting key models, design leaps, and the diesel-powered breakthroughs that reshaped construction, agriculture, and earthmoving forever. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore gearhead, Jim’s insights and stories will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the post-war power surge that made Caterpillar a household name.
“From Rust to Glory Inside the Restoration Process”
Speaker: Justin Click, Master Restorer & Owner of JC Tractor Restoration and Repair
Bio:
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Justin Click is a powerhouse in the world of heavy equipment restoration. Based in Hobart, Indiana, Justin runs JC Tractor Restoration and Repair—where he and his team breathe new life into everything from vintage tractors and trucks to obsolete engines and one-of-a-kind components. Known for precision, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for history, Justin has earned a reputation for taking on the projects others won’t touch—and making them shine like new.
Talk Description:
Ever wonder what it takes to bring a beat-up old tractor back to show-stopping condition? In this practical and passionate CAT Talk, Justin Click will guide the audience through the real-world process of restoration—from initial teardown to that final coat of paint. Drawing from decades of shop experience, Justin will share the challenges, trade secrets, and problem-solving strategies that go into each unique project. Whether you’re a restorer, a collector, or just someone who loves seeing old iron come back to life, this talk will fuel your appreciation for the grit, skill, and heart behind every restored machine.
“Caterpillar: Today and Tomorrow"
Speaker: Dave Tallon, Medium Tractor Products—North America Commercial Team, Caterpillar Inc.
Bio:
Dave Tallon bridges the past and future of earthmoving. By day, he serves on Caterpillar’s North American Commercial Team for Medium Tractor Products, based in Peoria, Illinois. Off the clock, he’s an antique tractor enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the machines that built the world. With a foot firmly planted in both heritage and innovation, Dave offers a rare dual perspective—someone who honors Caterpillar’s legacy while helping shape what’s next.
Talk Description:
What does the future hold for Caterpillar? In this insightful CAT Talk, Dave Tallon takes us inside the present-day Caterpillar organization and offers a glimpse into the road ahead. From cutting-edge machine technology and evolving operator experiences to sustainability efforts and smart systems, Dave will explore the innovations that are transforming how we move the earth. For enthusiasts who admire the legacy—and those curious about where the next chapter is headed—this talk delivers a front-row seat to the future of Caterpillar.
“Tractor of the Future: Caterpillar’s Journey with Electric Drive Machines”
Speaker: Sam Meeker, Market Professional for Dozers and Track Loaders, Caterpillar Inc.
Bio:
Sam Meeker started his Cat journey in 1999 working on Combines and Ag Tractors, with a passion for agriculture and next generation technologies. Through the years he worked in the areas of Telematics, Special Tools, Wheel Loaders and found his home in the Dozer and Track Loader world. As an avid Technology user, Sam has brought many of the latest Cat innovations to market over the years, including GPS Grade Control and the Electric Drive Dozers. On the personal side, Sam farms with his family, collects antique Cat and Oliver tractors, enjoys cooking barbecue and finding interesting bourbons.
Talk Description:
Caterpillar has been at the forefront of tractor innovations for over 100 years. Over the years, dozing efficiency has been a simple equation of weight, drawbar power and blade size. With the innovation of Electric Drive, we have been able to unlock a new level of efficiency in heavy equipment. In this talk, Sam will walk you through the journey of advanced powertrains at Cat, and how they help customers get more work done, faster, with less inputs.
