Age: 39Company: Hoffman Auto GroupTitle: Vice President, Dealer PrincipalTown where I live: West HartfordTowns where I work: West Simsbury and East HartfordCollege: University of VermontQ&A:What do you do and what are your goals at your current job? I run our entire West Simsbury/Avon operation (Auto Park) that is a substantial amount of our total volume […]
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
- Critical Hartford and Connecticut business news updated daily.
- Immediate access to all subscriber-only content on our website.
- Bi-weekly print or digital editions of our award-winning publication.
- Special bonus issues like the Hartford Book of Lists.
- Exclusive ticket prize draws for our in-person events.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Age: 39
Company: Hoffman Auto Group
Title: Vice President, Dealer Principal
Town where I live: West Hartford
Towns where I work: West Simsbury and East Hartford
College: University of Vermont
Q&A:
What do you do and what are your goals at your current job? I run our entire West Simsbury/Avon operation (Auto Park) that is a substantial amount of our total volume and revenue for Hoffman Auto Group across the state. This consists of three dealerships, sales, service and parts departments, and one collision center.
Additionally, I also actively play a large role in strategic decisions and leadership for our entire organization of 545 full-time employees on four different campuses. My goal is to continue to be a top dealer in sales and service across our manufacturers, find ways to organically grow our business and possibly expand, and take over the remaining leadership responsibilities for our enterprise.
What are your goals for community involvement? The community organizations I am most passionate about are in education, arts and health care. Currently I am focused on education and equality and social justice of children and young adults in our area.
What are your future aspirations? My aspiration is to successfully lead our business so it is in a great place for the fifth generation and beyond. I want to do for the next generation what my father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather did for me — be a long-term focused leader who conservatively grows our business and mentors our family.
What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? We need to attract more businesses by promoting the diversity and strong regional economy. If we look at Hartford regionally, like many cities do, it will be much easier to say Hartford is a vibrant city. Hartford should spend time to find ways to promote the competitive advantages of the region as a whole. Further, it should find ways to attract more people downtown, including finding ways to get businesses in the Greater Hartford area to hold events in the city.
List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty
- Played active role leading a company through nine consecutive years of sales growth.
- Given back to the local community in extensive volunteer and leadership roles.
- Born and raised in the Hartford area with proven desire to help grow the region in the future.
- Named 40 under 40 for Automotive News last year.
Time Tested:
What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? A long formal dress coat that belonged to my grandfather Burton C. Hoffman
What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Downhill skiing
Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? What I'm doing today
Who do you consider your mentors? Jeffrey S. Hoffman and I. Bradley Hoffman, co-Chairmen of Hoffman Auto Group
