Holman is commemorating a significant milestone this year -- the 100th anniversary of its founding, a testament to a century's legacy of growth and customer dedication in the automotive sector.
Holman was established Aug. 23, 1924, when Steward C. Holman opened the company's first Ford dealership in New Jersey. From these modest beginnings, Holman has evolved into one of the world's largest family-owned automotive services organizations, employing more than 9,000 staff across North America, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“One hundred years ago, my grandfather laid the foundation for our company when he opened Rice & Holman Ford with an emphasis on both customer care and community involvement,” said Chair of the Board Mindy Holman. “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.”
Today, Holman, headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, provides an extensive range of automotive related services including industry-leading fleet management; commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing; powertrain distribution and logistics services; insurance and risk management services; and retail automotive sales as one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the U.S. with 59 dealerships across nine states.
“While the purpose of our company remains focused on providing a rewarding career and a better life for the employees that come to work at Holman, it is our relentless pursuit of creating an exceptional customer experience that drives our organization forward each day,” said Holman CEO Chris Conroy. “Mindy’s dad, Mr. Joe Holman, would often remind us to always focus on the customer that is right in front of you. 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.”
Throughout 2024, Holman has celebrated 100 years of driving what’s right -- the company’s corporate philosophy -- with a series of events for employees and their families across the various regions in which the business operates.
