HOLT Celebrating 85 Years

2018 is the 85th anniversary of the founding of one of the largest Caterpillar dealerships in the world, and certainly the largest in our hearts, HOLT CAT.

In 1904, Benjamin Holt developed the first practical track-type tractor to enable farmers to plow through the loose central California soil, and named it the Caterpillar. One of Holt’s sons, William K. “Bill” Holt, established the first Caterpillar dealership in Mexico in the mid-1920s, initiating what would be a long-standing business relationship between the Holt Companies and Mexico which continues successfully today.

This brings us to 1933, 85 years ago, when Bill was authorized to operate the dealership for the 60 southern counties of Texas. This dealership would one day become HOLT CAT. Bill’s inventiveness flourished in Texas. Seeing the need for specialized land-clearing equipment, Bill Holt encouraged the development of the Holt root plow during the 1940s. After developing the root plow, he developed Holt root rakes and other brush management implements. Today, HOLT land-clearing equipment is sold all over the world, a tribute to the second generation of Holt ingenuity.

In the 1950’s, Bill Holt brought two of his nephews into the dealership – B.D. Holt and Holt Atherton. In 1961, B.D. purchased Bill Holt’s assets in the 20 southern counties of the William K. Holt territory in Texas and established B.D. Holt Co. as a Caterpillar dealer with headquarters in Corpus Christi. Although he started as one of the smallest Cat dealers in the world, his focus on employees and customers led to tremendous growth. B.D. was out in the shop every morning talking with technicians and made frequent visits to customer jobsites across the territory. His years of leadership resulted in successful diversification and further growth for the company, including forming Energy Industries, Inc. to manufacture and market gas compressors powered by Caterpillar engines. Energy Industries enjoyed tremendous success and, as part of the Holt Companies’ business strategy, was sold in 1993.

In 1963, Holt Atherton purchased Bill Holt’s assets in the northern 40 counties of the William K. Holt territory and established Holt Machinery Co. with its headquarters in San Antonio. And in 1987, B.D. Holt Co. acquired controlling interest in Holt Machinery Co. and merged the two territories of the original William K. Holt Machinery Co. to form Holt Company of Texas. Peter M. Holt, B.D.’s son, became Chief Executive Officer of the newly- formed company.

As Holt Companies expanded, Peter M. saw the need to develop a long-term vision and growth process. He wanted to reinforce the Holt tradition of quality products and service to customers, and he recognized the importance of involving the workforce in the progress and goals of the company. The result was the creation of the mission statement and core business values in 1988, which serve as the centerpiece of a quality-oriented, values-based management process called Values-Based Leadership®.

Since the inception of Values-Based Leadership, Holt Companies experienced significant growth in sales and profits, which has been accompanied by a spirit of shared responsibility, enhanced collaboration and a commitment to maintain the tradition of quality products and service for customers in a dynamic business environment.

In 2002, Holt Company of Texas announced the purchase of certain assets of Dallas-based Darr Equipment Co. and the forming of a new company, HOLT CAT, one of the largest Caterpillar dealers in the world. With this acquisition, HOLT doubled in size, adding full-service stores in Fort Worth, Irving (Dallas), Longview, Texarkana, Tyler and Waco; Cat Rental Stores in Fort Worth, North Dallas and Waco; and specialty operations in Bridgeport and Irving, and adding hundreds of skilled, gifted and dedicated employees.

In late 2017, Peter M.’s children, Corinna Holt Richter, now President and Chief Administrative Officer, and Peter J. Holt, now General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, bought HOLT CAT, making them the fifth generation in the Holt family continuing in the business. With 32 full-service stores, 12 Texas First Rentals stores, and  more under development, HOLT is the premiere heavy equipment dealership in Texas. HOLT businesses now include HOLT CAT, Texas First Rentals, HOLT AgriBusiness, HOLT Crane & Equipment, HOLT Truck Centers, SITECH-Tejas, HOLT Power Systems, HOLT Development Services, and HOLT Ventures.

“We are honored to represent an iconic brand like Caterpillar, it’s really the people who make HOLT who it is and why our customers value us as a trusted business partner,” said Peter J. Holt. “As the next chapters of history for HOLT unfold, we are proud of where we have been, and excited to share the future with you.”

Corinna Holt Richter notes, “This important anniversary is made possible by the hard work each of you put forth every day, making HOLT the premiere heavy equipment and engine dealer in the world. Each generational transition has resulted in more opportunities for our employees and better support for our customers. Happy birthday, HOLT!”