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:

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]

Deal Strengthens Largest Commercial Real-Estate Ownership Along North Shore

CHICAGO (March 2, 2025) – Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (“HCRE”), part of Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), proudly announces the completion of its acquisition of 530 Winnetka Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois. This latest acquisition solidifies HCRE’s status as the largest commercial real-estate owner along the North Shore, with an impressive portfolio of over 30 properties from Wilmette to Lake Forest, including more than 20 in Winnetka.

“We are thrilled to have successfully finalized the deal for 530 Winnetka Avenue,” said Greg Hoffmann, Principal & CEO of HCRE. “Our commitment to Chicago’s North Shore is unwavering, and we will continue to invest in the community, providing premier commercial spaces that support local businesses and drive economic growth.”

This announcement follows December’s news of HCRE’s acquisition of 10 new properties, nine of which are set for future Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy Store locations, with the tenth—510 Winnetka Avenue—set to become a new store location.

HCRE’s growth momentum is undeniable, with a diverse portfolio that includes both stabilized and value-added assets in prime locations nationwide. The company’s current holdings span California, Canada, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

For more information, visit www.hoffmanncre.com.Hoffmann Family of Companies.

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About Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate
Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), a subsidiary of HF Companies, is a premier real estate investment and development firm specializing in the acquisition, management and redevelopment of commercial properties. With a diverse portfolio that spans stabilized and value-added assets, HCRE is committed to enhancing the communities in which it operates through thoughtful development and superior property management. HCRE’s strategic investments are focused both within the United States and internationally, reinforcing its position as a leader in the commercial real estate industry. For more information, visit www.hoffmanncre.com.

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]

With Two Additional Winnetka Properties Under Contract, HCRE Continues to Solidify Its Role as the Largest Landlord in the Region

Winnetka, IL (Dec. 23, 2024) — ​​Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, is proud to announce the acquisition of 10 new properties and one new property under contract. Nine of the newly acquired properties are current Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy Store locations being purchased from the Oberweis family, with the tenth — 510 Winnetka Avenue — set to become a new store location.

These strategic acquisitions reinforce HCRE’s ongoing commitment to Oberweis, securing these properties as long-term assets and supporting the brand’s expansion across the country with new store locations.

“We are thrilled to announce our latest acquisitions and the new Oberweis ice cream store location in Winnetka,” said Greg Hoffmann, Principal & CEO of HCRE. “This milestone further enhances the national expansion of Oberweis Ice Cream and supports the growth of this iconic brand. It also represents a positive step forward for the communities involved.”

The newly acquired locations are:

  • 510 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093 (new Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy Store location coming soon!)
  • 925 S Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
  • 338 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
  • 2105 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington, IL 61704
  • 4568 & 4590 Telegraph Road, Oakville, MO 63129
  • 1816 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63366
  • 7202 W. 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60462
  • 1735 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
  • 30 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193
  • 1790 West Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174

In addition, HCRE is under contract to acquire 530 Winnetka Avenue, further expanding its presence in the area. These acquisitions strengthen Hoffmann’s position as the largest landlord in Winnetka and underscore its continued investment in the community.

Greg Hoffmann added, “With our contract to acquire 530 Winnetka Avenue, we are excited to further enhance the area and continue supporting the businesses and residents that make Winnetka such a remarkable area.”

HCRE’s diverse portfolio features retail, commercial and office spaces, multi-family housing, industrial properties and land under development. Dedicated to upgrading each property to a Class “A+” standard, HCRE’s portfolio is valued at over $1 billion.

HCRE is experiencing rapid growth, building a portfolio that includes both stabilized and value-added assets in prime locations across the country. Currently, HCRE’s portfolio includes properties in California, Canada, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

About Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate
Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), a subsidiary of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, is a premier real estate investment and development firm specializing in the acquisition, management and redevelopment of commercial properties. With a diverse portfolio that spans stabilized and value-added assets, HCRE is committed to enhancing the communities in which it operates through thoughtful development and superior property management. HCRE’s strategic investments are focused both within the United States and internationally, reinforcing its position as a leader in the commercial real estate industry. For more information, visit Hoffmanncre.com.

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 Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate, and Transportation.