Brian Hayden Global Operator Challenge World Champion

About this episode

Brian Hayden shares his journey from a young heavy equipment operator to becoming the World’s Best Operator at the Global Operator’s Challenge.

Brian Hayden is a Wells, Maine native and a lifelong heavy equipment operator who’s been in the seat since he was just a kid. Now serving as foreman for his family business, Hayden Excavation LLC, Brian has built a reputation for precision, work ethic, and deep respect for the craft. In 2026, he took his skills to the global stage at Caterpillar’s Global Operator’s Challenge—competing against top operators from around the world—and came out on top, earning the title of World’s Best Operator. ...

People in this episode

Host: justin

Guest: Brian Hayden

Topics covered

• heavy equipment operation
• global competition
• work ethic
• craftsmanship
• family business

Keywords

• heavy equipment
• operator challenge
• Wells Maine
• excavation
• craftsmanship
• competition
• family business

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hayden Excavation LLC

Places: Wells, Maine

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