A few years after joining Toro, Hoffman decided to take advantage of the company’s tuition reimbursement policy and, in 1978, enrolled at St. Thomas University in Minneapolis to begin work for his undergraduate degree. He spent his days at Toro and his nights and Saturdays in school, a pattern that was curtailed a bit when he was promoted to a sales position and had to travel during the week. His stamina and commitment to his education was tested even further when he moved to the Boston area and continued his schooling at Boston College.

By 1985, Hoffman was promoted to a marketing position that didn’t require as much traveling, and ten years after he started school he completed his undergraduate degree. It is no small feat to work all day, go to school at night and on Saturdays and try to raise a family, all at the same time, but Hoffman was willing to make the sacrifice. But he didn’t stop there. Later, he returned to the University of Minnesota and earned his master's degree in business administration at the Carlson School of Business Management..

“My real world education continues every day,” says Hoffman. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a man like Ken Melrose, former chairman and CEO, as a role model. He has been my mentor and my friend and has taught me a great deal, not only about business but about serving people.”

Hoffman was chosen to succeed Melrose, who transitioned up to executive chairman of the board for The Toro Company on March 15, 2005. Hoffman’s challenge is to continue the momentum that was begun by Melrose. “We’ve got a great organization that is vibrant and in tune with the market. I want to continue that kind of thinking.” Hoffman realizes in order for him to grow, the company must grow as well. His pride of ownership (Toro is a public company) propels him to sustain and improve on the track record of his predecessor.

Because of his personal experience, Hoffman has a great understanding of what it takes get ahead in the business world. He realizes that any company, but especially The Toro Company, is in the people business. “Success is not about the leader; it’s the people, the team, the entire organization.”

He understands and can relate to people inside and outside the organization, from manufacturing through the distribution channel, down to the customer. That is why Hoffman sees a strong future for The Toro Company because its people are motivated to explore new market innovations while maintaining the growth cycle.

Hoffman and his wife Tami have three children, Emily 17, Mitchel 14, and Matthew 7. With all the traveling Hoffman has done, and continues to do, and with the time he has devoted to his education, he has not had the time to cultivate the game of golf, nor has he had time to develop a passion for other activities. He prefers spending his spare time at home, in a Minneapolis suburb, with his family.

Hoffman was elected president and chief operating officer in October, 2004, by the board of directors and was elected chief executive officer in March, 2005. He has been chosen to lead this $1.6 billion company. He has mandated that he will accelerate its future and ensure its continued financial and market leadership. After 27 years with the company, Hoffman certainly knows the industry, the people and the culture. “I inherited a team that has good alignment and a good track record,” says Hoffman. “I want to continue that momentum. The Toro Company has been very good to me, supporting me in my educational and professional goals. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward for the future generations of Toro employees and customers.”

Watch out world….here comes Michael Hoffman.