CHICAGO/NAPLES/ST. LOUIS (April 1, 2025) – The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a family-owned private equity firm with deep roots in Chicago’s North Shore, Southwest Florida, and Greater St. Louis, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, David Hoffmann, has been honored on Forbes’ prestigious 'World Billionaires' list for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, Hoffmann was ranked #1945; this year, he is ranked #1750 with a net worth of $2B.
Hoffmann’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1989 with the founding of Chicago-headquartered DHR Global, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm. His real estate revitalization efforts, spearheaded through Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), encompass properties in Naples, Fla; Winnetka, Ill.; Augusta, Mo.; Mackinac Island, Mich.; and Avon, Colo.—collectively valued at over $1 billion.
Beyond its real estate investments, HF Companies has continued its momentum since the publication of the 2024 Forbes list, acquiring over 10 new companies across its sectors of focus:
- February 2025: Bay Area Herbs & Specialties | San Francisco, Calif. | Agriculture
- November 2024: Dolphin Transportation Specialists | Naples, Fla. | Aviation & Transportation
- October 2024: Premier Transporation | Dallas, Texas | Aviation & Transportation
- September 2024: Napa Valley Publishing Company | Napa Valley, Calif. | Marketing & Media
- August 2024: Viking Plastics | Corry, Penn. | Manufacturing
- July 2024: CTS Aspen | Aspen, Colo. | Aviation & Transportation
- July 2024: Envision Engineering | Lowell, Mich. | Manufacturing
- June 2024: Arnold Transit Company | Mackinac Island, Mich. | Marine
- June 2024: Oberweis Dairy | Winnetka, Ill. | Manufacturing
- May 2024: Sip n’ Sail Cruises | Mackinac Island, Mich. | Marine
- April 2024: Pure Luxury Transportation | Sonoma County, Calif. | Aviation & Transportation
Throughout 2024, Hoffmann expanded its ownership stake in Lee Enterprises, Inc., becoming its second-largest shareholder. HF Companies plans to further grow this investment as market conditions allow. Lee is the fourth-largest newspaper publisher in the U.S., operating in 26 states and managing 77 newspapers nationwide, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Hoffmann Family’s philanthropic endeavors span a wide array of causes, including healthcare, youth development, and the arts. They provide financial support and actively serve on the boards of renowned nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Brightpoint Chicago (formerly Children’s Home & Aid), the Everglades Foundation, the Field Museum (Chicago), the Horatio Alger Association, Joffrey Ballet (Chicago), the Naples Children & Education Foundation, Naples Players Community Theatre, the Naples Zoo, Type 1 Timer (T1T) Hockey, the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center, and the Washington County 4-H Club (Missouri).
To see Hoffmann’s Forbes profile, visit forbes.com/profile/david-hoffmann. To see the complete ranking, visit forbes.com/billionaires. For additional updates on Hoffmann Family of Companies, visit www.hfcompanies.com.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 16,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information:
Rachel Berkowitz | [email protected]