Mike Rowe, best known as host of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” paid a visit to Ohio CAT’s Sharonville store on Aug 1.
Rowe shared stories about his experiences with “Dirty Jobs” and discussed his affiliation with Caterpillar. According to Rowe, he conceived the show as a tribute to his father and grandfather, explaining that his grandfather worked in a number of trades and had even built the house that Rowe grew up in. He signed autographs and spent time mingling with all in attendance.
The following evening, Rowe headed to a Caterpillar sponsored pizza party at Dudley Construction Company in Florence, Ky. The event was part of Caterpillar Inc.’s “Say Thanks” campaign and contest that salutes skilled laborers across the United States for their dedication and hard work.
Dudley Construction Company’s Equipment Manager Mike List entered the winning submission with a write up on the company and photograph of a Cat compactor and bulldozer with a rainbow in the background seemingly leading to the machines. The picture was taken during a stabilization job the company performed this past winter at Gene Snyder Airport in Falmouth, Ky. Dudley’s story and picture were posted online where it received more than 10,000 votes to win the contest, which was open to individuals or businesses that own Caterpillar equipment.
Founded by George Kreutzjans Sr., Dudley Construction Company is a family-owned business with 37 employees that focuses on site development and excavation work for water and sewer lines primarily in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky. The company got its start in 1964 when Kreutzjans, who had been building homes in the area, purchased a new Cat D7 dozer for grading work.
According to List, the company has used Cat equipment as long as its been in business and Ohio CAT is a great group to work with. List explained that they company likes Cat equipment because of its dependability, longevity and parts availability. He added that while aware of the high resale value of Cat machines, it’s not a concern because “they just keep working them.”
Everyone at Dudley Construction Company was excited to have Rowe visit the facility and listened to him speak about Caterpillar and how his partnership with the manufacturer fits so well with his television show. According to Rowe, the show was developed to shine a light on the people who aren’t afraid of hard work and to celebrate the joy of work.
Rowe said companies like Dudley Construction, running Caterpillar equipment, are a big part of what makes it all work.
The contest-winning night with Rowe wasn’t the only reason Dudley Construction Company’s List had to be thankful. There was a surprise in store for List as well. While speaking with List about winning the contest, Rowe asked List about his family. List answered that he has 11 children.
Asked if all of the List family were in attendance, he explained that one of his sons, Brennan, currently at school in Colorado was visiting another of his sons, Evan, in California with the Air Force. At that point, Rowe introduced Lists’ two sons who Caterpillar had paid to fly in for the day’s events.
Caterpillar’s “Say Thanks” campaign, which began in the spring, will continue throughout the year. Next up is a contest where two Caterpillar equipment owners will have their company logos on the Caterpillar No. 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car for the Bank of America 500. Winners of the contest, plus five guests, will also be invited to the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 13.
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