Hoffman Auto Group marked its 100-year anniversary in 2021, having grown over the last century from a single car agency assembling and selling Model T Fords on Route 44 in New Hartford to a diversified automobile company with 10 dealerships (in East Hartford, New London, Waterbury and Avon/Simsbury), nine brands, two collision centers and its own insurance agency.
About Jeffrey Hoffman’s career:
Fresh out of Cornell, Jeffrey Hoffman started at his family’s privately-held business in the summer of 1972.
In his career to date, he has had to contend with six business cycles and while the pandemic may have been the most unique, the most challenging was the major downturn stemming from the stock market collapse in 1987 and then from there, the collapse of the real estate market.
About Bradley Hoffman’s career:
A graduate of Babson College, Bradley Hoffman joined the car company in 1982.
In his 40-year career to date, he has focused on learning new ideas and technology to successfully navigate through difficult times as well as good. For instance, innovative initiatives such as launching “Hoffman At Home” — bringing the car-buying process to the consumer — was instrumental in weathering the worst of the pandemic.
About the future:
The increasing focus of the two brothers is as coaches or mentors preparing the next generation to take over the company. Fourth-generation Hoffmans are now in the company — two of Jeffrey’s sons, Matthew and Jonathan, and two of Bradley’s sons, Zach and Josh.
In addition to their fathers, the four young Hoffmans are supported by a five-person leadership team.
On the job with Jeffrey Hoffman
Guiding business principle: Surround yourself with the best people — In order to lead successfully, it’s important for you to energize, motivate, and support people to do the best job for your company and customers.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Take nothing for granted — I have lived through six business cycles in my 50-year career. The key to remaining successful is staying alert and being ready to change quickly to respond to an opportunity or threat.
Best business decision: Diversifying the business portfolio over the years. As a business we are much less vulnerable to economic swings by hedging the automobile business with real estate (both automotive and non-automotive) and insurance.
Goal yet to be achieved: My biggest goal is to watch my children, nephews, and any future grandchildren continue the success of the Hoffman companies as they change and grow under the next generation.
Personal touch in your office: My office is overrun with family photos as a constant reminder of why I work so hard.
Personal side
City of residence: West Hartford
Favorite way to relax: Spending time with my family and friends and making sure it includes as much laughter as humanly possible.
Hobbies: I truly enjoy the theater, symphony and music of all genres. I try to exercise in some form every day and particularly like skiing, biking, tennis and golf.
Last vacation: Santa Fe/Taos, New Mexico
Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption”
The car you drive: Porsche
Currently reading: “Don’t Retire, REWIRE!,” by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners
Favorite cause: I have been passionate about supporting many causes throughout our community and beyond. They all involve the arts, education, health care/medical, human and social well-being.
Second career choice: Real estate developer/actor
On the job with I. Bradley Hoffman
Guiding business principle: ‘Driven by trust’ is a way of life at Hoffman Auto Group and a rallying call to inspire, motivate, teach, and set high expectations for everyone on our team. I also put a high priority on creating a competitive environment that raises the bar for our team.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Throughout my career, I have kept my thirst for learning and professional development. Spending a great deal of time with our state and national dealer associations has allowed me to employ best practices within the industry.
Best business decision: The decision early on that I would assume primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Hoffman Auto Group. It has been the basis for a very effective partnership with my brother Jeffrey, who can focus on other aspects of the business that are also important to our success.
Worst business decision: It is between selling my Mickey Mantle baseball card collection for 50 cents in grammar school and not buying stock in Apple with the money our college fraternity businesses raised.
Biggest missed opportunity: During the earlier part of my career, when the economy in Greater Hartford was not as strong, I was not willing to take risks on opportunities that were presented.
Goal yet to be achieved: With us it’s always about family first. So, my ultimate goal is knowing that when I retire, I have successfully mentored and coached the fourth generation so that they are able to operate and grow the business better than any Hoffman before them.
Personal touch in your office: Anyone that knows me knows I love sports and rock and roll. The first is my Hartford Whalers Jersey signed by every player from the last team that played here in 1997. The other is my framed “LA Women” record album signed by all four members of the Doors.
Personal side
City of residence: Avon
Favorite way to relax: Traveling with family and friends with an emphasis on creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Hobbies: All forms of exercise, sports, and music
Last vacation: Pebble Beach, California
Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption”
The car you drive: Porsche 911 or Audi RS7
Currently reading: “Diana, William & Harry,” by James Patterson
Favorite cause: Our family supports approximately 150 organizations in Greater Hartford and to choose a favorite is impossible.
Second career choice: Without a doubt, teacher, coach and owner of an all-boys, overnight camp in Maine.