06-29-2025, 03:50 PM
On a busy construction site, with six Caterpillar 336D excavators working together, Lü Huliang proudly displays the backbone of his business. As the winner of Caterpillar's Best Entrepreneur Award, Lü believes that the reliability of Caterpillar machines ensures steady progress on site, client satisfaction, and most importantly, profitability and reputation.
Lü’s journey to success started with struggles, doubts, and hard work—common experiences for anyone who has ventured into the world of construction machinery. However, his story serves as an inspiration to those navigating the rough waters of entrepreneurship.
The Early Struggles: A Leap of Faith
In 2003, just after graduating, Lü Huliang was uncertain about his future. An opportunity arose when his cousin suggested that entering the excavator business could be a stable and less risky venture, although it required significant investment. After extensive consultations and market research, Lü discussed the idea with his father, who, despite their modest means, supported him. His father mortgaged their only home, and with a bit of help from relatives and friends, Lü was able to gather about 200,000 RMB to invest in an excavator.
At that time, Lü and his cousin were new to the industry and had little understanding of machinery, so they carefully selected their first excavator, a Caterpillar 320C, after receiving advice from an experienced friend. The quality, reliability, and strong after-sales service of Caterpillar made it an easy choice.
The purchase wasn’t without its challenges. After paying the down payment, Lü and his cousin were left with only 300 RMB—barely enough for fuel, let alone transport costs. The dealership, Xinchang, sympathized with their situation and helped cover the transport fee, ensuring the machine reached the construction site.
With no prior business experience, the young entrepreneurs worked tirelessly to find jobs. They eagerly accepted every project, no matter how small. Despite the struggles, their hard work paid off. Within a month, they earned more than 30,000 RMB, which gave them the confidence to push forward.
Building Trust and Reputation: The Power of Consistency
After overcoming the initial hurdles, Lü and his cousin gained a solid reputation in the market. They no longer had to chase after every project; instead, clients began to approach them. Lü realized that in the construction industry, the key to success lies in building trust with clients.
He attributes much of their success to the quality of Caterpillar machines. The brand’s durability meant that they could take on any project, large or small, without worrying about delays or breakdowns. Lü’s experience with Caterpillar proved invaluable in ensuring that his business delivered projects on time and with high quality, leading to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
As Lü gained more experience in the industry, he became highly knowledgeable about different excavator brands and their strengths and weaknesses. He could easily identify issues with hydraulic systems, engine power, and after-sales service. But, in his view, Caterpillar stood out for its integrated production system, where everything—from engines to hydraulics and chassis—is made in-house, ensuring consistency and reliability.
"Regardless of how harsh the conditions, Caterpillar machines excel. The rougher the job, the better Cat performs,” Lü remarked. For him, the choice was simple: Caterpillar was the brand he could trust.
A Personal Story: Why Caterpillar Won His Heart
Lü’s loyalty to Caterpillar grew even stronger after a particularly memorable job. In 2009, during an excavation project for a basement under a building, Caterpillar 330C worked alongside two other brands of excavators. The other machines struggled with the hard weathered rock, but the 330C performed effortlessly, making Lü a true believer in the brand.
This experience led him to purchase a Cat 336D, and from that point forward, Lü bought new Caterpillar machines almost every year. Today, he owns six Caterpillar 336D excavators, and his relatives own over 20 machines, the majority of which are also Cat.
Lü’s endorsement of Caterpillar is reflected in his family and friends' purchasing habits, many of whom credit Lü for introducing them to the brand. According to him, every single one of his relatives who bought Caterpillar machines has been extremely satisfied with their performance.
Future Plans and Unwavering Confidence
Today, Lü is a well-respected figure in the construction machinery industry. His business is thriving, and he plans to continue investing in Caterpillar machines. He is already eyeing the Cat 345D for his next purchase and hopes to acquire two more units when the opportunity arises.
Lü’s success story is a testament to the value of perseverance, trust, and quality—qualities that Caterpillar embodies. As he reflects on his journey, Lü is grateful for the role Caterpillar played in his success and remains a steadfast believer in the brand.
Key Takeaways:
Lü’s journey to success started with struggles, doubts, and hard work—common experiences for anyone who has ventured into the world of construction machinery. However, his story serves as an inspiration to those navigating the rough waters of entrepreneurship.
The Early Struggles: A Leap of Faith
In 2003, just after graduating, Lü Huliang was uncertain about his future. An opportunity arose when his cousin suggested that entering the excavator business could be a stable and less risky venture, although it required significant investment. After extensive consultations and market research, Lü discussed the idea with his father, who, despite their modest means, supported him. His father mortgaged their only home, and with a bit of help from relatives and friends, Lü was able to gather about 200,000 RMB to invest in an excavator.
At that time, Lü and his cousin were new to the industry and had little understanding of machinery, so they carefully selected their first excavator, a Caterpillar 320C, after receiving advice from an experienced friend. The quality, reliability, and strong after-sales service of Caterpillar made it an easy choice.
The purchase wasn’t without its challenges. After paying the down payment, Lü and his cousin were left with only 300 RMB—barely enough for fuel, let alone transport costs. The dealership, Xinchang, sympathized with their situation and helped cover the transport fee, ensuring the machine reached the construction site.
With no prior business experience, the young entrepreneurs worked tirelessly to find jobs. They eagerly accepted every project, no matter how small. Despite the struggles, their hard work paid off. Within a month, they earned more than 30,000 RMB, which gave them the confidence to push forward.
Building Trust and Reputation: The Power of Consistency
After overcoming the initial hurdles, Lü and his cousin gained a solid reputation in the market. They no longer had to chase after every project; instead, clients began to approach them. Lü realized that in the construction industry, the key to success lies in building trust with clients.
He attributes much of their success to the quality of Caterpillar machines. The brand’s durability meant that they could take on any project, large or small, without worrying about delays or breakdowns. Lü’s experience with Caterpillar proved invaluable in ensuring that his business delivered projects on time and with high quality, leading to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
As Lü gained more experience in the industry, he became highly knowledgeable about different excavator brands and their strengths and weaknesses. He could easily identify issues with hydraulic systems, engine power, and after-sales service. But, in his view, Caterpillar stood out for its integrated production system, where everything—from engines to hydraulics and chassis—is made in-house, ensuring consistency and reliability.
"Regardless of how harsh the conditions, Caterpillar machines excel. The rougher the job, the better Cat performs,” Lü remarked. For him, the choice was simple: Caterpillar was the brand he could trust.
A Personal Story: Why Caterpillar Won His Heart
Lü’s loyalty to Caterpillar grew even stronger after a particularly memorable job. In 2009, during an excavation project for a basement under a building, Caterpillar 330C worked alongside two other brands of excavators. The other machines struggled with the hard weathered rock, but the 330C performed effortlessly, making Lü a true believer in the brand.
This experience led him to purchase a Cat 336D, and from that point forward, Lü bought new Caterpillar machines almost every year. Today, he owns six Caterpillar 336D excavators, and his relatives own over 20 machines, the majority of which are also Cat.
Lü’s endorsement of Caterpillar is reflected in his family and friends' purchasing habits, many of whom credit Lü for introducing them to the brand. According to him, every single one of his relatives who bought Caterpillar machines has been extremely satisfied with their performance.
Future Plans and Unwavering Confidence
Today, Lü is a well-respected figure in the construction machinery industry. His business is thriving, and he plans to continue investing in Caterpillar machines. He is already eyeing the Cat 345D for his next purchase and hopes to acquire two more units when the opportunity arises.
Lü’s success story is a testament to the value of perseverance, trust, and quality—qualities that Caterpillar embodies. As he reflects on his journey, Lü is grateful for the role Caterpillar played in his success and remains a steadfast believer in the brand.
Key Takeaways:
- Perseverance Pays Off: Lü's hard work and determination, coupled with the reliability of Caterpillar, helped him overcome early challenges and build a successful business.
- Trust in Quality: Lü’s experience shows that choosing high-quality equipment is essential for long-term success, especially in the demanding construction industry.
- Building Reputation: Delivering projects on time and with high quality leads to client trust and repeat business—a key lesson for anyone in the industry.
- Loyalty to a Trusted Brand: Lü’s story demonstrates how a strong partnership with a reliable brand, like Caterpillar, can make all the difference in the success of a business.
