As a Workforce Development Specialist for HOLT Group, Rick Elmore is dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of skilled technicians through hands-on learning and career-building opportunities.
From the moment he was injured in the United States Marine Corps, the course of his career began to shift. With the opportunity to attend college, he earned a degree in Agricultural Education from Tarleton State University and spent the next 28 years teaching Diesel Technology at Dubiski Career High School. Over that time, Rick built a strong reputation for preparing young people for fulfilling careers through internships — even coaching three National Championship-winning Tractor Restoration teams. One of his proudest moments came in 2007 when four young women became the first all-girl team to win the title.
During his tenure at Dubiski Career High School, Rick and former HOLT CAT employee Tony Spalding developed the company’s high school intern program. After Tony’s passing, Rick was approached about continuing the program they had created together. The opportunity to honor that work and make a positive impact on workforce development was all it took to bring him out of retirement and into a new chapter with HOLT CAT.
Rick’s passion for connecting young people to the trades runs deep. Inspired by TV personality Mike Rowe’s message about the aging skilled workforce, he made it his mission to give students hands-on opportunities to explore HOLT’s many industries while earning and learning. Guided by the advice of a former superintendent — “Students don’t care what you know unless they know that you care” — he’s built programs that focus as much on mentorship as on skill development.
Some of Rick’s proudest moments come not from championship trophies, but from the quiet “thank yous” from students whose lives have changed. He recalls one new intern walking into his office with his first HOLT paycheck in hand and saying, “My parents immigrated to the United States to give me a better life — and today, I make more money than my father.” Many of the students he has taught and mentored are now in leadership roles at HOLT, including Jose Sanchez, Fernando Govea, Luis Huerta, and Emanuel Garcia, to name a few.
Today, Rick’s work focuses on developing new ways to promote the HOLT Group brands. Whether he’s presenting at schools, attending advisory committees, or speaking at professional conferences, he wakes up each day ready to connect the next generation of skilled talent with world-class career opportunities.
Outside of work, Rick is still chasing speed — quite literally. He often uses vacation time to work on race cars, a passion he’s pursued for nearly 20 years in professional motorsports. With numerous NHRA Drag Racing National Championships to his name, he’s constantly striving to make his machines faster and safer. That love of racing runs in the family: his granddaughter Kynzler, affectionately nicknamed “the Grand Monster,” races a Jr. Dragster and, at just 12 years old, has already driven over 72 miles per hour and claimed multiple wins, including a track championship. When he’s not recruiting young talent or fine-tuning a racecar, Rick is spending time with his wife of 38 years, Betheny, their daughters Rebecca and Ishley, and his three grandchildren — cheering on the Grand Monster every step of the way.
Thank you, Rick, for your dedication to the future of our industry! We are proud to have you on our team.