The People of Phoenix Global – Dave Holder

Meet the faces behind Phoenix Global in our series, “The People of Phoenix Global.” Here, we celebrate the stories and passions that shape our success. First up is Dave Holder, a dedicated site manager whose leadership and resilience embody what we’re all about.

Phoenix Global and North American Stainless (NAS) have been partners in running steel mills around the country for the past 13 years. The one constant over those years of trials, tribulation, and triumph has been Dave Holder.

Dave got started in the industry as a truck driver before his Phoenix-NAS journey began, working as an equipment operator for Phoenix, who had taken over NAS. He worked his way up to a management position and was offered a position running the company’s steel mill in Wilton, Iowa, which he took and moved to corn country.

Five very successful years later, Dave was off to start a new mill in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, landing in duck country. Dave’s star was born in Ft. Smith, where he got the site up and running to rave reviews citing his efficiency turnaround despite managing basically the same workforce.

In a full circle moment, Dave is back managing the North American Stainless mill for Phoenix Global. It’s what he does best. Dave may claim his Ft. Smith turnaround was his greatest accomplishment, but those who work with him would argue his greatest accomplishments keep coming. His job is not easy. “Most people would be shocked at what we do and how we perform it without people being hurt,” said Holder. “What we do is dangerous; you’re dealing with molten steel. The whole process, if you see the process from start to finish, is pretty amazing.”

And compliments he garnered from Ft. Smith several years ago are now raining down at NAS. Dave was recently commended for his team’s safety record and practices. “The ultimate accomplishment for me is everybody goes home safe every day,” said Holder.

Accolades must be earned, and Dave keeps accumulating his through a simple, straightforward open communication style. “I’m one of those people who never forgot where I came from,” said Holder. “I understand their concerns, their complaints, and I try to be compassionate about that while also having to be the boss. The goal is to have a good balance with that, and I feel I have a pretty good handle there.”

Dave was always a Harley guy, logging over 150,000 miles across the country with 750cc’s between his legs and his cares in the rearview. Claiming bikes are a young man’s game, Dave is passionate about golf now, with one need for speed yet realized: a muscle car. “I’ve always wanted one but just haven’t pulled the trigger,” he said. “My generation was always, you know, get a Harley, get a Corvette!”

At worst, he can drive it to the golf course.