Hans Holtermann operated as a trader in Molde and later at Vegsund in Borgund (now in Ålesund Municipality).

[8] Holtermann was the brother-in-law of the magistrate Melchior Falch, who was married to a younger daughter of Bishop Hagerup.

The Austrått manor also included part or full ownership of a large number of smaller farms in the Ørland region.

[15][16] After the restoration, Hans Strøm had an epitaph written, including the following praise of Holtermann:[17] Sikkert var gudshuset faldt, / glemt som det var alverden, / hadde ei Holtermann faat, / den gjæve eier og værge, / reist dig til fordums magt.

(Certainly this house of worship fell, / Forgotten by the whole world, / A Holtermann received it, / A princely owner and guardian, / And raised thee to thy former might.