Chances are, if you haven’t purchased a car from the Hoffman Auto Group, then it’s very likely that you know someone who has.
Hoffman has been in business for 92 years, founded in 1921 when Israel Hoffman acquired a Ford franchise in New Hartford.
After nearly 100 years, the Hoffman Auto Group is widely regarded as one of the most successful family-owned businesses in the state with locations in East Hartford, West Simsbury, and New London that comprise nine brands: Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Lincoln, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Scion, as well as a premium pre-owned vehicle dealership, Hoffman’s H Lot Live.
The company boasts a laundry list of accolades compiled over the years, including multiple Best of Hartford and Hartford Advocate “Best Of” wins, a long-standing Elite of Lexus recipient, two-time Porsche Premier dealer, two-time Toyota President’s Award dealer, and a prestigious Audi Elite Magna Society honoree.
Hoffman employs nearly 500 people across its locations and has two of the largest body shops in the state – and the only aluminum certified body shop in Connecticut. In addition to its sales, service, parts, and body-shop departments, the company also consists of an IT department, a business development center, and marketing, public relations, and social media departments.
In an effort to keep its facilities state-of-the-art while at the same time making its customer’s experience enjoyable, over the past five years, Hoffman has completely remodeled all of its facilities, called Project H/X – Hoffman Ten. In addition, the company rebranded itself three years ago under the mantra, “Driven by Trust.”
The company is experiencing a very strong time in its history, said Michael Schoenster, Hoffman’s corporate controller for more than 10 years.
“First, we are in the midst of, what we are hoping to be a record year,” Schoenster said. “Second, regarding family values, I believe the Hoffman’s set of values are directly aligned with mine. We all want the same things: quality of life, to care for our families, and hopefully have the time to give something back to our communities.”
Vice President Matthew Hoffman is part of the fourth generation of his family now handling the business. Hoffman oversees management of all properties and handles operations for sales, service, parts, and body shop for all three Avon dealerships – Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. He works closely with his father, Jeffrey, and uncle, Bradley, to oversee the East Hartford and New London dealerships.
As you might expect in the auto industry, Hoffman says his days often vary, routinely consisting of meeting with managers, problem solving, and communicating with various manufacturer reps.
“I enjoy my job because no day is ever the same,” Hoffman said. “I am passionate about it because the car buying experience can be an emotional one, whether necessity or luxury. It is rewarding to be part of such a big milestone in someone’s life. Knowing we made their experience a pleasant and successful process is a great feeling.”
A huge reason for the company’s long history, according to Hoffman, is that no one ever settles for the status quo. To that end, he said, the company continues to develop and improve its customer service to provide the most favorable and memorable customer experience offering an exceptional product at a competitive price partnered with outstanding service.
That dedication to a great experience carries over to the team the company employs. Hoffman values hard work, honesty, and creative thinking.
“We have one of the lowest turnover rates in the business,” Hoffman said. “We don’t just offer jobs but careers, with an emphasis on leadership and mobility. We are a large company but make employees feel like they are part of the Hoffman extended family.”
In addition to appreciation luncheons to celebrate employee milestones, the company holds annual picnics, softball games, and bowling nights to provide a way for employees and their families to connect and relax.
For any business, growth is always important, and Hoffman said the company will remain focused on fine-tuning its brand to be the best, not only for its customers but also its employees.
“As technology constantly changes, we will continue advancing how we connect with customers and provide world-class service,” Hoffman said.
Or as Schoenster puts it, “Basically the same thing it has done for the last 92 years.”
First Place Winners:
- Companies with fewer than 25 full time employees: Miller Foods
- Companies with 25-99 full time employees: The Music People
- Companies with 100-249 full time employees: S&S Worldwide
- Companies with 250 employees or more: Hoffman Auto Group
Second through Fourth Place Winners:
- Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal
- Traver IDC
- Mohawk Northeast
- Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals
- American Ladders & Scaffolds
- Barker Specialty
- Family Care Visiting Nurse & Home Care Agency
- Sprigs & Twigs
- McCue Mortgage
- Specialty Printing
Finalists:
- ACT Group
- Commercial Sewing
- Connecticut Lighting Centers
- Connecticut Shirt Man
- Controlled Air
- Costanzo Clothing
- Disaster Restoration Services
- EasySeat Tickets
- EDRO Corp.
- Goldburgers
- Harvey & Lewis Opticians
- ImageWorks
- InfoShred
- Joseph Family Markets
- Live Every Day
- Modern Mechanical Systems
DOWNLOAD PDFs
