SAN ANTONIO – HOLT CAT dealer for South, Central, North and North East Texas, announced Tuesday that its president and chief operating officer, Allyn L. Archer, has decided to retire on Dec. 31 after a distinguished 43-year career with the company.
Archer joined the company as a service technician leadman in 1971 in Corpus Christi. He received numerous promotions and worked in multiple sales and service roles across the company, ultimately ascending into senior management.
In 1986, HOLT CAT CEO Peter M. 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 Peter M. 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 Company, 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 benefited 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 added.
"That is an outstanding legacy, and we will miss him. But after 43 years of loyal service, I'd say he's certainly earned the right to spend more time with his family and enjoy his favorite hobbies: ranching, hunting and fishing."
Archer is a native of McAllen, Texas, graduating from McAllen High School and attending Pan American University in Edinburg. Prior to joining HOLT CAT he served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Holt also announced that HOLT CAT executive vice president and general manager David Harris will succeed Archer, effective Jan. 1, 2015.