
In 1972 while working full time in the apple industry, he purchased a small, local Gulf fuel business for $37,000, and worked tirelessly in the evenings and on weekends to launch his new business, Holtzman Oil Corp. Today, Holtzman Oil Corp. distributes petroleum fuels under the Exxon, Mobil, Shell, Liberty and Pure brand names in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia and is one of the largest employers in Shenandoah County, Virginia. In addition, Holtzman Oil Corp. distributes bulk and package lubricants and operates Holtzman Equipment and Construction. Bill Holtzman was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001 and the Shenandoah University Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of business Entrepreneur of the Year 2005. In February 2013, Bill was awarded the Virginia General Assembly's "Outstanding Virginian" award for "his prominent role in the economic growth and vitality of Shenandoah County while faithfully serving its residents" in 2012.