David Hoffmann is an American businessman, the founder and Chairman of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a massive, privately held consortium with deep interests in real estate, hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing. Born in 1952 in Washington, Missouri, his life is a classic rags-to-riches story: his father, a World War II veteran, drove a milk truck, and his mother worked at night as a waitress and nursing assistant. The family was poor, often struggling to pay for basic necessities like violin lessons or firewood.

Hoffmann's career trajectory began with sports: a star quarterback, he received a football scholarship to college. After losing his scholarship, he worked his way through school, earning a B.S. degree in industrial safety and occupational health from the University of Central Missouri in 1974. He leveraged this unique degree, which was in high demand after the creation of OSHA and the EPA, to launch his career.

David Hoffmann's entrepreneurial journey began in 1985 when he founded DHR International (now DHR Global), which grew into the largest privately held executive search firm in the world. This success provided the capital for his next massive venture: Osprey Capital, LLC, his private family office, which focuses on acquisitions across diverse sectors.

His strategic focus became the consolidation and revitalization of real estate and hospitality assets, particularly in Naples, Florida, and Missouri. The Hoffmann Family of Companies grew through an aggressive acquisition spree, amassing a sprawling portfolio of businesses across agriculture, aviation, financial services, and luxury hospitality. His success is a testament to the profitability of vertical integration, with a commitment to maintaining a family-oriented culture based on strong personal relationships.

David Hoffmann's social impact is structural, stemming from the Hoffmann Family of Companies' massive role as an employer and investor in various local economies, often revitalizing struggling businesses. His personal philosophy emphasizes that money is not the answer to happiness, which is instead derived from strong personal relationships.

He is a generous philanthropist, supporting education and career development through the Horatio Alger Association (where he is a member). His career provides an inspirational narrative of a self-made man who used his success to create jobs and community stability in his home state of Missouri and his adopted home of Florida.

David Hoffmann maintains the energetic, professional style of a hands-on executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His public persona is defined by his humble roots (milk truck driver's son) and his strong, ethical commitment to his family and associates.

Residing in Naples, Florida, his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to the philosophy that success must be accompanied by strong relationships and personal happiness.