By Steve Dubin
You might know Bob Hollis, age 70, as the champion of the Spire Center, based in downtown Plymouth. The Spire Center has become an intimate performing arts venue recognized by national musicians. Recent performers have included Peter Wolf, Marc Cohn, Dave Mason, Maria Muldaur, John Sebastian and many more.
You may also know Bob as the driving force of Hollis Insurance Agency based in Pine Hills, Plymouth.
Bob has “No plans to retire.” He does collaborate with two daughters who are integral to his business. He continues to be very active in The Spire.
Bob has acquiesced to living life on his own terms. He spends the winters in Florida and stays connected with the internet and phone.
A lifelong musician (trombone, drums, guitar and singing) and thespian, Bob continues to make an impact on the community. Approximately 10 years ago he was looking for a better performance space for Plymouth Community Theater. During his three-year search he was approached by Congregation Beth Jacob who were looking to sell their community building on Court Street, Plymouth.
Bob turned to the town of Plymouth and was able to convince the town to buy the building with Community Preservation Funds. The town then leased the building to the Spire Center group for 99 years. You can drive by and see the beginnings of a $3.5 million total exterior renovation. Previously, the group had invested $1.1 million on the interior to create a world-class performance center including acoustical upgrades, new seating, sprinkler system, ADA elevator, and more.
“Local business owners tell me that The Spire, now with 265 seats and an intimate place that artists really enjoy performing in, has been a big part in the turnaround of Plymouth Center,” notes Bob. “People come into town for the music and linger for dinner and drinks.”
Bob Hollis continues to inspire at The Spire.
For information about upcoming events at The Spire, visit https://spirecenter.org/.
If you know of a senior who is doing something interesting with their retirement, I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com
Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works, a lightly used Public Relations firm based in Plymouth, MA which helps small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies navigate the overwhelming options of advertising. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife Wendy. He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.
