Brian Hayden Jr. of Wells began operating his father’s earthmoving machines when he was just 5 years old.

Hayden’s adroit handling of the huge Caterpillar diesel beasts never left him, evidence a new trophy naming him the Cat operator of the ages.

“Meet Your Global Operator Challenge Champion! 🏆,” Cat announced on Facebook.

“Brian Hayden from the United States proved himself the best of the best after taking on three demanding challenges and eight other finalists at Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge, held at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026,” Cat officials said.

“Con Expo,” held in Las Vegas Nevada, is billed as the largest construction convention in North America.

“Each test pushed finalists to their limits, demanding technical mastery and total control. In the end, our winner delivered when it mattered most.”

“It’s a great honor and accomplishment to be recognized for what I’ve been doing my whole life,” said Hayden of Hayden Excavating Co.

Hailing from Wells, Maine, Hayden built his skills as an operator on the job, growing up in his family business and honing his prowess for the global stage with the support of Milton CAT.

“Powering through local qualifiers and semi-finals, he brings his passion and acumen to Operator Stadium,” Cat officials said. “Winning not one but two individual challenges, Brian certainly proved he’s worthy of the title Global Operator Challenge Champion.

“We’re honored to have Brian represent Milton CAT on this worldwide stage.”

Hayden told WCSH-TV’s David Guildford moving dirt is a precise art.

“You have to be perfect,” he explained. “I mean, if you’re laying a piece of pipe, you gotta have it dead on, within, you know, a 10th of an inch. It’s got to be perfect.”