Holt Caterpillar, Caterpillar dealer for South, Central, North and Northeast Texas, said its long-time president, chief operator officer and ownership partner Allyn Archer has retired after 43 years with the company. Executive vice president and general manager David Harris will replace Archer.
Archer joined Holt as service technician leadman in 1971 in Corpus Christi. He received numerous promotions and worked in multiple sales and service capacities with the company. In 1986, Holt Cat CEO Peter Holt appointed Archer executive vice president and general manager. In this position he was responsible for leading all Holt Cat divisions. Archer became a partner with Holt in 1993 and was promoted to president and chief operating officer in 1995.
Under Archer’s leadership, Holt Cat grew from one of the smallest Caterpillar dealerships in the U.S. to the largest, based on sales volume. In 2002, Archer helped engineer a landmark acquisition of Darr Equipment Co., which doubled the company’s size and extended its operating territory to 118 counties in Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
“Allyn’s career has been distinguished by a relentless commitment to excellence, integrity, values and service,” said Holt. “He has left an indelible mark on this company and on the lives of countless customers and employees who have benefitted from his expertise and example. Under his leadership our business has grown dramatically to serve new markets and new lines of business, becoming the No. 1 Caterpillar dealer in the nation.”
Holt also announced that Holt Cat executive vice president and general manager David Harris will succeed Archer, effective January 1, 2015.
A major rental player, Holt Cat is No. 19 on the RER 100.
