Michael Puryear is responsible for managing all legal affairs for Holt Companies, including risk management, insurance, property acquisitions, workers compensation, employment law and contracts.
Prior to joining HOLT in 2006, Michael owned MVP Operations, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in professional sports marketing and operations. He assisted clients with a range of issues including brand management, contract negotiation and land acquisition.
From 1996 to 2000, Michael served as President of Astrodome USA in Houston. In his role he was responsible for overseeing the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and its 262-acre complex, which was home to the Houston Astros major league baseball team and the World’s largest livestock show.
Michael served simultaneously as the Astros’ Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting to owner Drayton McLane, Jr., and in this role negotiated the sale of the Astrodome “Master Lease” back to Harris County prior to the Astros’ move to their new downtown stadium.
He also played a key role in overseeing construction of the stadium and implementing operations at the facility. This included interviewing vendors and securing concession, cleaning, engineering and maintenance contracts; developing the traffic management plan; and overseeing the hiring of all professional and hourly staff.
From 1992 to 1996 Michael served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for McLane Company, Inc. in Temple, Texas, a $7 billion Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. subsidiary. Earlier in his career, Michael handled commercial litigation cases as an attorney in private practice in Lubbock, Texas, including First-Chair trial experience.
Michael earned a Bachelor of Science with honors from the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom at Howard Payne University in 1981, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Texas Tech University School of Law in 1984. The San Antonio Business Journal presented Michael with their Outstanding Lawyer Award (General Counsel) in 2013. In 2018 San Antonio Scene recognized Michael in their Best Lawyers edition. Michael has also been recognized as an outstanding graduate by his alma mater, Howard Payne University.
Michael has been actively involved in the community throughout his career. Positions have included:
- Member, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- Ex Officio Director, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Advisory Board, Career and Recovery Resources
- Board of Directors (Chairman), Academy of Freedom, Howard Payne University
- Advisory Committee, Capital Campaign, Howard Payne University
- San Antonio Mobility Coalition Board of Directors
Michael and his wife Sandra have a daughter and a son.