Founders of Palace Builders retire after 45 years

MITCHELL – Balloons, cookies, and popcorn graced the offices of Palace Builders Inc. on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

The people inside weren’t just celebrating the achievement of 45 years in business or the retirement party of founders Larry Titze and Steve Otterby, but that the business was continuing on in good hands.

“We left a business that will go on, and that employees are willing to take and carry on. It would be awfully sad to just close the door,” Titze said.

Titze and Otterby started Mitchell-based Palace Builders Inc. in 1979. The thought of starting a company together wasn’t on the horizon when Steve married Kathy, Larry’s sister, in 1970.

When Otterby left Aberdeen to come to Mitchell in 1979, the founders focused on both agriculture and commercial metal construction. Otterby’s background in agricultural engineering, sales, and metal construction made for an ideal partnership with Titze’s education, farming background, and knowledge of the Mitchell area.

“One thing I’m proud of is that we created jobs for quite a few people,” Titze said.

“There’s quite a few (grain) bins we put up for people,” Otterby said.

Titze agreed and recalled their start.

“When we started in 1979, corn yield average per acre in Davison County was 40 bushels. I think that we were responsible for bringing drying corn to Davison County,” Titze said.

Mitchell has a presence of metal buildings from post-1979 in which Palace Builders was involved. The first metal building the business sold was to Scott Supply, which became Titan Machinery in 2024. It built for All Star Fireworks, Logan theaters, Tessiers, Mitchell Manufacturing, and Dakota Supply Group.

Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic

Palace Builders serves the immediate 70-mile radius around Mitchell, but has also constructed buildings in the five-state area. It also sends a team to do annual maintenance as far as Washington state after another building company went out of business.

“We service what we sell, and we service what others sell,” said Ryan Brech, one of the long-time employees turned part-owner.

Titze and Otterby will now have more time on their hands. Titze plans to travel, spend time with family, shoot trap and ride his bike. Otterby plans to be on the water and boat. They both plan to stay in Mitchell.

Four employees of Palace Builders bought the founders out. Titze and Otterby said the new owners will do a great job.

“The company will continue in capable hands,” Titze and Otterby agreed.

Wednesday's retirement party was right on time for Titze and Otterby’s families. Titze said his wife shared her feelings on the subject.

“My wife’s been telling them to fire me,” Titze said.

“‘When are you going to get out for good?’” Otterby said. “And you don’t dare say ‘never.’”

“I don’t want my funeral to be my retirement party,” Titze said.

“The people in our business, who we started with, most of them are dead. At least we are getting to retire,” said Otterby.

The founders chose to run their company with strong principles.

“We felt strongly that you take care of your customers,” Otterby said.

“It wasn’t always profitable, but it was the right thing to do,” Titze added.

Titze and Otterby wanted to treat their employees right and listen to them.

“The goal was to hire good people in the construction and in the management,” Otterby said. “And I think we did that.”

The four new owners bring 60 years of combined experience to their new roles.

Jill Hohn has been with Palace Builders for 30 years, and takes care of the office and personnel. Ryan Brech has been with Palace Builders for over 15 years, and is in sales and customer service. Glenn Murtha has been with Palace Builders for eight years, and is a builder with a focus on training, quality and safety. Elliot Reiner has been with Palace Builders for seven years, and has a construction management degree and has worked as a foreman with the company.

Both Reiner and Murtha plan to represent both the customer and the company on job sites, just as Titze and Otterby did.

“We take pride in what we do,” Murtha said.

Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic

Murtha could not imagine having bosses different from Titze and Otterby.

“Why would you want to work with someone else after you’ve worked with Larry and Steve?” Murtha said.

The founders are a phone call away for the new owners of Palace Builders.

“We are fortunate we can lean on them,” Hohn said of Titze and Otterby.