Rooted in intentional leadership and empowerment of each employee, Holtz Builders is more than a business
Our construction company was started by my father many years ago in approximately 1977,” begins Tom Holtz, CEO. “We come from a generation of dairy farmers, and on the farm, everybody needs to pitch in and do their part to ensure the smooth running of the family business. We took that work ethic and familial culture and integrated it into our construction company. Every individual pulls their weight and understands the value that each person brings to the table.” In 1993, Holtz Builders Inc. (HBI) was incorporated, and the company gradually expanded through networking and word of mouth. That is, until 2017, when the business strategically relocated to Wisconsin Dells, the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World’.
“We’re not only builders, we’re also developers,” he continues. “So, we understand the entire process from finding a piece of land and hiring the right civil and architectural engineers to designing and developing the client’s vision. We carry out projects from conception to completion. We can perform every single phase of construction and guide our clients through the entire process.”
Tom has been in the building business for over 30 years and has overseen hundreds of projects from waterparks, large multi-family units, and complex remodeling to high-end residential, hotels, restaurants, and other large commercial buildings.
As the Founder and CEO of Holtz Companies, the overseeing company of HBI, Tom oversees all activities of the company and leads by example in maintaining a culture of honesty, transparency, and integrity. His philosophy in life is simple: treat others with kindness and give generously. He follows these beliefs every day by giving back to the communities in which he works, both financially and with his time.
Employee-centric culture
Holtz Companies is proud to have been given USA Today’s Top Workplace award, while HBI has won Wisconsin State Journal’s Top Workplace award for six years in a row through an integrated process of employee surveys and community votes. The company’s dedication to every team member’s success and commitment to an employee-centric culture drive HBI’s continued excellence in building.
“Our three core words are honesty, transparency, and integrity,” Tom shares. “Those values are central to how we treat our team members and how we expect them, in turn, to treat others. It’s very easy to conduct business when you’re able to be honest with your clients and demonstrate transparency and integrity throughout the construction process. Being able to back up exactly what you say when you say it creates customer confidence, promotes positive feedback, and cultivates a reputation for reliability.
“Our journey to nationwide success began with an opportunity to build a major Wisconsin Dells resort’s employee housing dormitory. This led them to invite us to replicate that success in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, prompting us to establish an office there and expand our commercial building business. Today, we’re proud to serve customers across multiple states with physical offices in Florida and Missouri.
“This growth has been exciting, but our biggest accomplishment has been staying true to our culture of caring for our employees like family,” he continues. “We recognize that happy, satisfied employees make for a productive and engaged workforce, and we work towards this every day. As such, we are very proud of our exceptionally low turnover rate.” 
A current, notable project is the ongoing development of The Wisconsin Hotel in Wisconsin Dells. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, this hotel will feature a new farm-to-table restaurant, namely: Farmer in the Dells, a rooftop bar located in a 90-foot silo offering stunning views, and a brand-new conference center. “The owners decided to lean into the region and offer a farm-themed hotel,” Tom elaborates, “drawing inspiration and memorabilia from Wisconsin’s heritage and integrating the concept throughout the hotel, conference rooms, and restaurant. I’m thrilled to intertwine my two passions with this build: farming and commercial construction.”
Unique project portfolio
Indeed, the company is proud to work on a range of unique and exciting projects. One such example is the Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster, which is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. “It’s a gravity-driven roller coaster that pulls you up to the top of a very large hill, and then you navigate the twists and turns all the way to the bottom in your own cart,” Tom explains. “The coaster is a year-round attraction that is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. The ride allows you to control your own experience while being surrounded by the natural beauty of Wisconsin’s landscapes. It’s the perfect mix of nature and thrill.
“Our HBI team had the incredible opportunity to be among the first to ride the brand-new coaster. Getting to strap in and experience the ride ourselves was the perfect way to celebrate the craftsmanship, teamwork, and adrenaline that went into every twist and turn. I’m happy to report that it’s been a great and successful addition to the local community and economy.”
In terms of upcoming projects, the team is looking to develop a new Sundara Spa in the Smoky Mountains. Sundara Inn & Spa is a world-class destination devoted to wellness and relaxation. HBI has already helped bring to life a huge expansion and renovation to an existing Sundara Spa space in Wisconsin, by updating the existing treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, restrooms, and locker rooms. With a tight deadline and limited working hours, required to maintain the relaxing and tranquil environment of a world-class spa, the HBI team completed the project on time.
“Looking to the future, our hearts are set on helping rebuild and expand the flourishing communities in which we work,” Tom concludes. “No matter the location, our promise is to provide the same level of personalized attention and service as a small business, and to continue completing great projects that add to the enduring sustainability of our company.”