Holman's roots began on August 23, 1924 with Steward C. Holman who initially operated the company as a single Ford dealership.
Photo: Holman
3 min to read
Holman is celebrating a milestone as the organization marks its 100th anniversary. Established by Steward C. Holman on August 23, 1924, Holman initially operated as a single Ford dealership, Rice & Holman Ford, in New Jersey.
Over three decades of family ownership, the company has grown as an automotive services organization, with a workforce of over 9,000 employees across North America, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“As I reflect on this milestone, I'm incredibly grateful to our people, who are responsible not only for our growth and success but also for creating an exceptional organizational culture. I know dad and granddad would be equally proud," said Chair of the Board Mindy Holman.
The Ford Rice & Holman showroom in New Jersey.
Photo: Holman
Holman's Evolution Throughout the Years
Since 1924, Holman has been working to deliver innovative automotive services to both B2B and B2C customers around the globe. Highlights of Holman’s journey over the last century include:
1924 – Steward Holman opens Rice & Holman Ford dealership in New Jersey.
1946 – Holman begins remanufacturing engines and transmissions, laying the foundation of its powertrain business.
1947 – Holman expands its automotive dealership footprint into Florida.
1982 – Holman expands into commercial vehicle upfitting to support its fleet customers.
1989 – Holman expands its fleet management business to Canada.
1993 – Holman expands its fleet management business to Mexico.
2010 – Holman acquires Auto Truck Group, significantly increasing its upfitting capacity.
2011 – Holman expands its fleet management business to the United Kingdom.
2013 – Holman enters the German fleet management market through a pair of acquisitions.
2016 – Holman establishes its insurance services division and nearly doubles its retail footprint with the acquisition of a Washington-based dealership group.
2017 – Holman expands into commercial vehicle rack and equipment manufacturing.
2019 – Holman launches its venture capital funding division.
2024 – Holman again doubles its retail business through an acquisition in North Carolina.
Today, Holman, headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, provides a range of automotive related services including fleet management; commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing; powertrain distribution and logistics services; insurance and risk management services.
Photo: Holman
Looking Ahead for Automotive-Related Services
Today, Holman, headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, provides a range of automotive related services including fleet management; commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing; powertrain distribution and logistics services; insurance and risk management services; and retail automotive sales. Holman operates as one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States with 59 dealerships across nine states.
Holman Chief Executive Officer Chris Conroy explained that while the purpose of the company remains focused on providing a rewarding career and a better life for the employees that come to work at Holman, it is the company's pursuit of creating an exceptional customer experience that drives the organization forward each day
“Mindy’s dad, Mr. Joe Holman, would often remind us to always focus on the customer that is right in front of you," Conroy said. "If you provide the best experience you can for that customer, you earn the right to find another and do the same. While a simple reminder, it is this philosophy, and our deeply rooted values, that continue to guide us as we embark on our second century in business.”
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