Today marks half century in business for Paul Holder
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Holder has taken his Main Street-based business, Paul Holder Realty & Auction, from humble beginnings to a resounding success that has handled not only private realty sales, but auctions that have ranged into the millions.
Holder actually got into the business by chance, though his auctions are known state-wide these days.
“I came out of the Korean Conflict and that’s when I started. I always enjoyed auctions and I started from that,” Holder said.
When an auctioneer failed to show up for a sale, Holder stepped in and an illustrious career began.
“What happened was this fellow didn’t show up at an auction sale and pie supper in Centertown.”
Organizers asked Holder if he would take over, which he agreed to do. Oddly enough, he did the job so well his performance brought in new business right from the start.
“I did it and then when I got through with that sale, a lady came up to me and said, ‘I’ve got a herd of cattle I want you to auction off for me,’ and I said, ‘All right.'”
Soon after another individual came forward and asked Holder to sell some of his personal property, and Holder found himself in the business that would occupy 50 years of his life.
Holder is well respected among his peers like local realtors Tommy and Kay Foster and Donald Hillis.
“Paul has always been there as I was growing up,” said Kay Foster. “Always in the background, he and his family, and I’ve always thought the world of Paul. He’s been kind of a mentor through the years for Tommy and me.”
Hillis lauded Holder for his friendly nature.
“Paul Holder has been in the auction business ever since I can remember,” Hillis said, “and has been a friendly competitor the last 14 years since I’ve been in business. Paul always has a smile and a handshake ready for everyone.”
These days Holder finds himself spending most of his time dealing with families, legal work and inspections of property along with showing and appraising various properties.
Holder is known for his belief that honesty, hard work and a love of that work is essential for success. He is also known for his colorful personality and a tendency toward some classic western garb like his trademark cowboy hat.
But more than anything else, Holder believes his business is people, and he strives to please his customers and genuinely enjoys meeting and dealing with them in his work.
“Everybody is interesting. I enjoy meeting all of them and talking to them,” he said in the 2003 Business Monthly interview with the Standard’s Amy Satterwhite, from which all his quotes in this article have been taken.
The Standard, along with 50 years of satisfied customers, wishes Paul Holder continued success in the business he has operated so successfully over the last half century.