Holman Marks 100 Years of Upholding What’s Right
Holman, a leader in global automotive services, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded by Steward C. Holman, the company started as a single Ford dealership and has since transformed into one of the largest family-owned automotive service organizations in the world. With a workforce of over 9,000 employees, Holman operates throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Core Values and Leadership Vision
“A century ago, my grandfather established our company with the opening of Rice & Holman Ford, focusing on customer care and community engagement,” said Mindy Holman, Chair of the Board. She expressed her appreciation for the team, acknowledging their essential contributions to the company's growth and success, as well as their dedication to fostering a remarkable organizational culture. Mindy believes her father and grandfather would take pride in the company’s accomplishments.
Key Milestones in Holman's Journey
Since its founding, Holman has leveraged its industry knowledge to deliver innovative automotive services to both business and consumer clients. Some of the significant milestones in its history include:
- 1924 – Opening of the Rice & Holman Ford dealership.
- 1946 – Initiation of engine remanufacturing, marking the beginning of its powertrain business.
- 1947 – Expansion of automotive dealerships into Florida.
- 1948 – Launch of the fleet management division.
- 1982 – Entry into commercial vehicle upfitting to better serve fleet customers.
- 1989 – Expansion of fleet management services into Canada.
- 1993 – Further expansion into Mexico with fleet management offerings.
- 2010 – Acquisition of Auto Truck Group, enhancing upfitting capabilities.
- 2011 – Expansion of fleet management services into the United Kingdom.
- 2013 – Entry into the German fleet management market through strategic acquisitions.
- 2016 – Establishment of an insurance services division and significant growth in retail footprint through new acquisitions.
- 2017 – Advancement into manufacturing commercial vehicle racks and equipment.
- 2019 – Launch of a venture capital funding division.
- 2024 – Doubling retail business through an acquisition in North Carolina.
Present Operations and Commitment to Customers
Based in Mount Laurel, Holman provides a diverse range of automotive services, including fleet management, commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing, powertrain distribution and logistics, as well as insurance and risk management services. It ranks among the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States, operating 59 dealerships across nine states.
Looking Forward: A Vision for the Future
“Our mission continues to focus on providing rewarding careers and enhancing the lives of our employees, while our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience drives our organization forward,” stated Chris Conroy, Chief Executive Officer. He highlighted that prioritizing the current customer experience is crucial for future growth and long-term value.
Community Involvement and Celebrations
This year, Holman is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of events designed to engage employees and their families in various regions where the company operates. Holman's commitment to community and culture embodies its long-standing philosophy of doing what is right.
About Holman
Holman stands as a leading automotive organization serving both commercial and consumer sectors, consistently committed to its principle of doing the right thing for employees, customers, and the community. With its headquarters in Mount Laurel, Holman employs nearly 9,000 individuals, showcasing its extensive reach and dedication to excellence in the automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What anniversary is Holman celebrating?
Holman is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Who founded Holman?
Holman was founded by Steward C. Holman in 1924.
Where is Holman headquartered?
Holman is headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
What services does Holman provide?
Holman offers a variety of automotive services including fleet management, vehicle manufacturing, and retail automotive sales.
How has Holman evolved since its founding?
Holman has expanded significantly from a single dealership to one of the largest family-owned automotive organizations, with operations across multiple countries.
