Two San Antonio business leaders join Texas Hall of Fame

Walter J. Embrey Jr. and Peter J. Holt joined the Class of 2026 of the Texas Business Hall of Fame on Thursday.

The ceremony recognized eight individuals from across the state. Embrey, 80, is the founder and chairman of Embrey, a multifamily development firm. Holt serves as chairman and managing partner of the San Antonio Spurs and CEO of the Holt Group.

Embrey began his career in Austin after graduating from the University of Texas. He worked for a homebuilder and later for a high-rise office and residential builder. He returned to San Antonio in 1974 to start his own company. The firm has developed more than 50,000 residential units and over 6 million square feet of commercial property in six states. Embrey currently oversees more than 6,000 units under construction.

Holt leads the Holt Group, which operates industrial equipment dealerships and rental centers. He is the third member of his family to head Spurs Sports and Entertainment. As co-CEO, he is helping lead efforts to build a new NBA arena in downtown San Antonio. The Hall of Fame also considers philanthropy in its selections. Holt serves as co-chair of Early Matters San Antonio and donated land for a Pre-K 4 SA South campus.

Trey Embrey, president and CEO of the company, said the honor reflects his father's determination. Trey Embrey said, “His commitment to doing things the right way, his determination, and his belief in people have shaped Embrey from the very beginning.” He noted that the family started visiting construction sites as children. “It was simply part of our lives,” he said.

Embrey said the induction forced him to reflect on his career path. “It really forces you to take a look back at how you got here and the decisions you made,” he said. He credited mentors and doors that opened for him along the way. David Adelman of Area Real Estate Principal said Embrey is a great mentor and friend. Adelman worked with the company on the Tin Top Flats and Creamery project in Tobin Hill.

The other inductees include Cody Campbell and John Sellers of Double Eagle Energy in Fort Worth. Miguel Garza and Veronica Garza of Siete Foods in Austin also received the honor. J. Luther King Jr. of Luther King Capital Management in Fort Worth and John B. Poindexter of J.B. Poindexter & Co. in Houston completed the class.

Embrey remains general partner at his firm. His son Trey holds the CEO role, and his daughters serve on the board of directors. The company continues to operate in a high-interest rate environment.