Mike Holley
Founder, President, and CEO of HR&P Solutions
Featured in the Cougar Pride Newsletter: Coogs’ Corner from the University of Houston Athletics
COOGS TO SUCCESS
Mike Holley’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of opportunity. Originally from Klein High School in Houston, Holley took the junior college route, playing at Kilgore College before being recruited by legendary Houston coaches Jack Pardee and John Jenkins. He was part of the Cougars’ transition to the high-powered Run & Shoot offense, playing as the Left Guard from 1988-89. During his time at UH, he was fortunate to be on some incredible teams, forming lifelong friendships and helping pave the way for Andre Ware’s historic Heisman Trophy win in 1989.
Holley’s work ethic and discipline were deeply influenced by his father, a 20-year Navy veteran. However, when his football career ended, he had no built-in business connections—what came next was shaped by fate, perseverance, and a willingness to seize opportunities. His early career was a mix of chance meetings and bold decisions, but over the last 25 years, he has turned those risks into lasting success.
In 2000, Holley founded HR&P Solutions, a Human Resources and Payroll outsourcing company, which he continues to lead today. His personal journey also brought him a second chance at love—he is married to Misti Holley, and together they have three daughters spread across the country. They split their time between Houston and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Holley believes that the only thing ever given to him in life was a chance—a chance made possible by teachers, coaches, bosses, friends, clients, and even brief encounters with people who shaped his path. His philosophy is simple: Never underestimate what comes your way—good or bad, it’s there for a reason. Stay humble, remember the struggle, and always give back. While he can never fully repay those who gave him opportunities, he is committed to paying it forward, helping others find their own path to success.
What advice would you give a current student-athlete?
Your college athletic career will come to an end soon, and if you have a shot at a professional career, it will likely be short. Take every opportunity now to connect with people in the business world and explore potential career paths for life after sports. Success in life, much like in sports, comes from preparation. What you do now will shape your future. If you have an entitlement mindset, let it go—walking into the real world with that attitude will only lead to disappointment and setbacks. Most importantly, give back. Support UH, your church, your old neighborhood, or a charity. Be generous—if you don’t have money, give your time. Every contribution matters.
Favorite memory as a Houston student-athlete?
Experiencing the results of overcoming tremendous adversity was truly remarkable. It required relentless hard work and dedication—not just from me personally, but from an entire team. That 1989 squad didn’t just produce a Heisman-winning quarterback and the most dominant offense in history at the time; we also had a defense that ranked in the top 10 across nearly every statistical category. As the saying goes, “iron sharpens iron,” and our practices often felt like battles.
