Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/706404
20 Hartford Business Journal • July 25, 2016 www.HartfordBusiness.com 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 substan- tial 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 involve- ment? 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 aspira- tion 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 genera- tion 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 region- al 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 com- petitive 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: 1) Played active role leading a company through nine consecutive years of sales growth. 2) Given back to the local com- munity in extensive volunteer and leader- ship roles. 3) Born and raised in the Hartford area with proven desire to help grow the region in the future. 4) Named 40 under 40 for Automotive News last year. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood 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 20 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 Hoff- man Auto Group My senior year of college I won a business award for my senior thesis, and it was entered into a national business plan contest by my professor. It was a ski-tuning business, not the car business! Hoffman shown at the Maria Sanchez School in Hartford donating shoes to students. Hoffman shown hiking at Jackson Hole in Wyoming. 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 Matthew Hoffman Isaacs runs the support program called the Men of Vision in Education, to help underserved men of color from the Greater Hartford area by providing them with a scholarship, academic counseling and mentoring. Age: 32 Company: Goodwin College Title: Assistant Dean of Students Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: East Hartford College: University of Connecticut Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? As the assistant dean of students, my role is to support the dean in providing leadership and oversight to several departments in student services. My goal is to continue my team's development so we pro- vide a high level of support to our students. What are your goals for your community involvement? My goals revolve around understanding what our community needs and how I can leverage my leadership roles to meet those needs. I've seen the positive impact organizations like Goodwin and the Greater Hartford YMCA have made in the Hartford area and I believe this is accom- plished through meaningful partnerships and collaborative thinking. What's your biggest passion? Coaching. Help- ing others reach their goals on and off the field has always been rewarding. Last year I volunteer coached at my alma mater with the women's track and field team. It was an honor to work with such a talented group. What are your future aspirations? I just celebrated the birth of my first child, Brooks. Personally, I want to focus on being there for him. Professionally, I'd like to complete my Ph.D. and become a dean or vice president of student affairs. What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? Hartford should engage area col- lege and university leaders to discuss how to collectively leverage the city's culture, ven- ues and businesses as part of their students' overall college experience. College students bring a wealth of creativity, enthusiasm and optimism, which could breathe new energy into Hartford. By providing affordable housing and events geared toward young professionals, students can experience the benefits of urban living and hopefully make Hartford their home after college. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Helping to secure over half-a-million dollars in funding to support underserved populations pursuing higher education at Goodwin College. 2) Four years of service, volunteering on the Greater Hart- ford YMCA board of directors. 3) Making a Difference Award, Hartford Job Corps Acad- emy, 2014. 4) Making a Difference Award, Goodwin College, 2014. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? I've had my father's wooden baseball bat for years, which always brings back great childhood memories. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Playing sports, I still play men's league basketball and flag football. 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Giving back was instilled in me at a young age. Both my parents were educators and active in their communities. I think I always knew I would end up in a profession that involved helping others. Who do you consider your mentor? My father, who was a public healthcare administrator for years and taught me a lot about the intricacies of working with people. Aaron Isaacs I met President Obama (and Michelle, Sasha and Malia) on Martha's Vineyard. 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016