Peter Holt Net Worth

What is Peter Holt's net worth?

Peter Holt is an American businessman who has a net worth of $800 million. Peter Holt is best known for his leadership of both Holt CAT, one of the largest Caterpillar dealerships in the world, and the San Antonio Spurs, one of the most successful franchises in professional basketball. Over several decades, Holt helped turn his family's heavy-equipment business into an industry powerhouse while also guiding the Spurs through a golden era that produced five NBA championships and transformed the team into a model of long-term stability and excellence. His mix of business acumen, military discipline, and community focus made him one of the most respected figures in both Texas industry and American sports ownership.

Early Life

Peter Michael Holt was born on July 26, 1948, in Peoria, Illinois, into a family with deep industrial roots. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Holt, invented the track-type tractor in 1904, which later became a cornerstone of the Caterpillar brand. Holt spent part of his youth in Texas and eventually joined the U.S. Army, serving two years in Vietnam as an infantryman. He was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart for his service.

After returning home, Holt began working in the family's machinery business. In 1983, he and his father, B.D. Holt, purchased Holt Machinery Co. in San Antonio, restoring a connection to the original Holt dealership that had been established there in the 1930s. Over the next several decades, Peter Holt expanded the company's footprint and operations, creating what is now known as Holt CAT—the largest Caterpillar dealership in the United States.

Building Holt CAT

Under Holt's leadership, Holt CAT grew from a regional dealership into a major enterprise serving construction, oil, mining, and power generation companies across Texas. The company became known for its customer service, community partnerships, and emphasis on employee culture. Holt's philosophy—rooted in teamwork, integrity, and service—reflected his military background and helped create a business environment that encouraged loyalty and long-term success.

The dealership's growth provided the financial foundation for Holt's expansion into other ventures, most notably professional sports ownership.

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Ownership of the San Antonio Spurs

In 1993, Peter Holt led a group of local investors in purchasing the San Antonio Spurs for approximately $75 million. The move was driven by a desire to keep the franchise in San Antonio and strengthen its connection to the community. Under Holt's leadership, the Spurs became one of the most admired and consistently successful teams in the NBA.

During Holt's tenure as chairman and CEO, the Spurs won five NBA championships—in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014—and established themselves as one of the most stable and respected organizations in sports. He worked closely with general manager R.C. Buford and head coach Gregg Popovich to create a culture built on discipline, humility, and teamwork. Holt was also instrumental in the development of the AT&T Center, the team's state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2002.

By the time Holt stepped down as chairman in 2016, the Spurs' value had grown from $75 million at the time of purchase to approximately $4.5 billion, reflecting not only the team's on-court success but also the franchise's strong financial management and brand reputation. Holt's wife, Julianna Hawn Holt, briefly served as chairwoman before their son, Peter J. Holt, took over majority control of Spurs Sports & Entertainment in 2019.

Leadership and Philanthropy

Beyond sports and business, Peter Holt has been deeply involved in civic and charitable work throughout San Antonio and Texas. He has served as chairman of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, supported veteran-focused initiatives, and contributed to education and workforce development programs. His leadership style—collaborative, humble, and mission-driven—earned him widespread respect among employees, athletes, and community leaders alike.

In recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy, Holt was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2004.

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