John Hoffman retires

After 40 years in the horticulture industry, John Hoffman is retiring. Hoffman Nursery announced the move took effect Jan. 1. Co-owner Jill Hoffman will remain as president and CEO, and David Hoffman will continue as vice president and chief operating officer of the North Carolina nursery.

In 1981, John started a design-installation firm called Landscapes by Hoffman. Shortly afterward, he discovered ornamental grasses. Grasses weren’t widely used in the U.S. in the 1980s; however, Europe had already embraced them. John traveled to Germany and was fortunate to meet with the late plant breeder, Ernst Pagels. Pagels’ enthusiasm for grasses and grass-filled gardens kindled John’s interest. John also gained inspiration from his mentor, the late J.C. Raulston at North Carolina State University. J.C. believed grasses would become popular and encouraged John to pursue his interest. The more John learned, the more his passion for grasses intensified.

In partnership with his wife, Jill, John transitioned from landscaping to growing in 1986. Hoffman Nursery was established on a 45-acre former tobacco farm in rural Rougemont, North Carolina. John personally delivered their first crops—grasses in large, finished sizes— in rented box trucks. Before long, the Hoffmans constructed their first hoop house, which allowed them to work through the intricacies of producing small, liner plants.

Now Hoffman Nursery ships liners to wholesale customers across the United States and Canada. That rented box truck is just a distant memory. An advanced production and growing facility, stock farm and dedicated shipping areas help Hoffman Nursery fulfill its mission to produce high-quality plants.

Editor's note: In 2018, John received a Horticultural Industries Leadership Award. For much more on John’s story, read the profile here. www.nurserymag.com/article/the-genuine-article-july-2018

John shared the news of his retirement in an official statement.

“I’ve had a lot of fun over the past decades with tradeshows, conferences and travel to nurseries, gardens and other places around the world,” he wrote. “Meeting many great friends and colleagues in this industry has been the highlight of the last 40+ years for me. While I am retiring from the nursery, I’m not going too far – I expect to be at tradeshows and travel to visit customers and friends for years to come. I look forward to finding new plants and ideas to bring back to the nursery. In addition, I have a long list of home projects to do as well as two new grandsons to teach how to build a fire, go camping and enjoy the outdoors. Things have already been changing with the addition of the stock farm and almost completed propagation glasshouse – and there is lots more to come. I look forward to watching the business transform and keep growing – and continue to grow good grass!”

True to his word and despite his official retirement, John was in Baltimore for MANTS 2023. The Hoffman Nursery booth was busy each day at MANTS, with many a well-wisher stopping by to pay respects. John’s good friend Steve Castorani, president of North Creek Nurseries, was one of those who offered congratulations.

“Just because John says he is retiring doesn’t mean he is checking out,” Steve says. “John will continue to interact with his friends and associates in the industry. John has been the glue that has kept many of us connected and engaged over the years. I don’t expect that to change. I wish him well in his upcoming ‘retirement’ and the adventures he plans to pursue. Of note – Chuck Norris doesn’t retire – he just gets reborn!”

Earlier in the year, John and Jill’s son David Hoffman was promoted to COO. The second-generation nurseryman has worked at the family nursery and also overseas in Germany prior to growing into his leadership role.

“I speak for all employees when I say we will miss seeing John every day at the nursery, but we are grateful to continue his legacy of growing good grass,” David says.

Editor’s note: Read more about the Hoffman’s transition plan in the Greenhouse Management July 2022 cover story. www.greenhousemag.com/article/leadership-transitions

Matt McClellan contributed to this story.