The Fort

#332 - Chris Hoffmann - CEO of Hoffmann Brothers - From $10M to $140M: Scaling a Home Services Giant - A Story of Family, Purpose, and Unprecedented Growth

Jan 23, 2024

Chris Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Brothers, shares his experience in the Marine Corps, taking over the family business, scaling the business, retaining and training labor, and the future of the trades. He also discusses purpose-driven ownership vs. PE, scaling acquired businesses, call centers, the future of marketing, and the importance of Google reviews.

01:21:52

Episode guests

Chris Hoffmann

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Building trust before driving change is essential for effective leadership in organizations.

Effective leadership involves candid communication, self-awareness, and a commitment to excellence.

Investing in talent development through initiatives like the Hoffmann Brothers University helps attract and retain top talent.

Purpose-driven long-term ownership prioritizing employee satisfaction creates long-term value for stakeholders compared to private equity ownership.

Deep dives

Building Trust and Driving Change

One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of building trust before attempting to drive change in an organization. The speaker emphasizes the value of taking a tactical pause when entering a new organization to learn the current landscape and establish trust with team members. By doing so, leaders will be better equipped to effectively drive change and avoid any value-decreasing propositions.

Introduction

3min

Lessons Learned in the Marine Corps

14min

Exploring Purpose-Driven Private Ownership and the Impact of Consolidation

2min

Building Trust and Understanding the Landscape

6min

Challenges in the Home Building Business

16min

Key Questions for Sellers in Understanding Potential Buyers

15min

Subscription-based House Manager Service

16min

The Future of Small HVAC and PE Service Providers

2min

Scaling a Company with a Global Remote Workforce

4min

10.

Increasing Efficiency with Overseas Team and Internal Outsourcing

3min

Chris Hoffmann currently serves as the CEO at Deutschmann Lane Holdings (DLH), which operates a family of companies including Hoffmann Brothers, Ferguson Roofing & Exteriors, Deutschmann Lane Real Estate, and HBH Investment Company. Before joining DLH, Chris served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, leaving active duty in 2014.

On this episode, we discuss: