Last night, I was invited to speak at the Four Pillar Tribute Award ceremony honoring Tommy Holder (IMGT 1979), chair and CEO of Holder Construction Company and chair of the Georgia Tech Foundation board of trustees.

One of Atlanta’s most prestigious honors, the Four Pillar Tribute Award celebrates leaders who have made transformative contributions to economic development, quality of life, and philanthropic efforts in our city. Awarded by the Council for Quality Growth, the award is built on four pillars: quality, responsibility, vision, and integrity. Former recipients include the Herman J. Russell family, Ed Bastian, Carol Tomé, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dan Cathy, and John Portman (ARCH 1950, HON Ph.D. 2012).

Here’s what I had to say about my friend and fellow alumnus, Tommy Holder.

To be called to lead the Georgia Tech Foundation board of trustees is a recognition reserved for the very best among our amazing alumni. And let me tell you: It is not a plum job.

Picture yourself trying to get a group of smart, successful, independent-minded, committed, and opinionated Georgia Tech alumni to work together nicely and push in the same direction. It is no easy task. Every time a new chair is elected, I enjoy observing how in the world they are going to do it. It’s fun to watch, really.

The fact that Tommy Holder was elected to that job was no surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention. Tommy is truly a legend in the Yellow Jacket family, where we appreciate big, difficult projects. The bigger the challenge you take on, the higher your standing. Georgia Tech’s unofficial motto is “We Can Do That!” but I’m willing to license it to Holder, as it fits him and his company just as well as it does us.

You simply cannot drive through Atlanta without being in awe of some of the striking buildings Tommy and his company have built: from the international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson to the headquarters of NCR and Norfolk Southern in Tech Square, to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, to the gorgeous Mercedes-Benz Stadium — where, in a few weeks, we plan to defeat our friends from Athens. 

Yet, it wasn’t obvious how building the most complex structures would prepare you to lead our foundation’s board — which is not like herding cats, but rather like taming lions.

Well, you killed it! And I took notes of how you did it.

The Holder leadership technique is a two-step process: First, he disarms you with wit and good humor, and then he hits you — he inspires you — with vision.

Tommy doesn’t need to speak loudly or flex muscles or use the power of the gavel to get things done. He simply, and profoundly, reminds everyone of why we’re there, what our job is — and what it isn’t. In this way, he gets everyone to bring their very best to move things forward and make a difference.

Tommy, my friend: While we admire the impressive buildings you’ve helped erect, your most impactful legacy lies with the organizations you have made stronger and better as a vision-driven leader, and the many of us you have inspired to be better and do better.

So, I’m here to thank you — and to thank Beth, who I know deserves at least half of the credit for what you’ve accomplished — and to remind you that we’re not done with you yet. The most impactful organizations in our community, and the many of us who lead them, are ready to keep working with you to make an even bigger difference. 

You make your alma mater proud, my friend. Go Jackets!