The ME Holder Company actually began as the J & M Holder Company back in 1986. Jack and Martha Holder, with grand plans to eventually make a living doing what they thoroughly enjoyed, decided to create an enterprise that could involve three of their favorite activities; exploring the outdoors, writing and fishing. Jack was already writing articles and columns for the area newspapers and they were both anglers and adventurous travelers. Soon came the invention and introduction of the Flasherlures; they were a success and a short time later Jack began writing for the Fish Sniffer, northern California's largest fishing publication. He joined the Outdoor Writers Association of California, a fantastic organization full of superb writers with immeasurable integrity, in 1989. A few years later he finished his first book, One With the Fish, and the "grand" plan was unfolding nicely, but as we all know plans can change quickly, and they did! On April 6, 2005; just after completing his second book, Secrets of Sierra Fishing, and just before he was to assume the role of President of the Outdoor Writers Association of California, Jack, while on his way to do a fishing seminar had his car struck head-on by a semi truck and trailer carrying logs from Yosemite. His car was demolished and an unconscious Jack had to be cut out and airlifted to the trauma unit in Fresno. His prognosis was extremely poor and the likelihood of his ever writing again, much less being able to participate in the running of the company was remote. The company was transitioned to ME Holder Company at that time.

ME Holder Company is owned by Martha Holder. She is a graduate of California State University Fresno, Magna Cum Laude, and holds a BA Degree in Broadcast Journalism. She has written numerous articles and had her photographs published in several publications. Her delightful humor and charm (no doubt leftover from her community theater days) makes her a speaker in demand and she has been the featured speaker at many events. Martha is an avid angler and has caught dozens of species all around the world, usually the largest amongst her fellow anglers. Her love of the outdoors and her concern for conservation lead to the creation of ME Holder Company.

Jack, against overwhelming odds and in spite of conventional opinions, has been making incredible progress in his recovery. Although he still has severe limitations on his abilities, the future looks bright. He has regained control of his speech, can now type again (albeit with only one hand) and with the undying support of his family and friends is slowly staring to write again. His unfinished projects include; Sierra Trout Bible, a detailed guidebook to the lakes of the Sierra and Tahoe areas, Jake Phoenix, a novel and children's books - Fur Between My Paws, The Last Fish and Slimy My Catch.

So, ME Holder Company has had quite a journey over the last 22 years. Personal integrity, imagination and compassion remain the goals to which we aspire. And in spite of the bumps, the journey has been full of fascinating people, amazing sights, uncommonly massive doses of humor and more fun than is humanly possible. We do sincerely appreciate those who have helped us along the way, read our work and shared their laughter.