Marty Hoffinger at the International Pool & Spa Expo Las Vegas November 2009

A born entrepreneur, Marty Hoffinger started his first business venture selling ice cream at age 14. With his famous slogan, “Be a Smarty Get it From Marty” he quickly outsold his competition. In the spring of 1945, Marty and his wife, Lorraine, established Lomart Industries, a small tool and die company that became the foundation for Hoffinger Industries.

It was in 1954 that Mr. Hoffinger first became interested in the aboveground pool business. Frustrated by the maintenance process involved in caring for his own aboveground pool, he invented the first affordable aboveground pool filter. His innovation propelled Hoffinger Industries, and the rest of the aboveground pool market, to new heights of success. In time, he acquired Clinton Engine Co. and Doughboy Recreational, and established the largest aboveground pool manufacturing facility in the U.S. For nearly half a century, Mr. Hoffinger led and dominated the industry he helped to shape.

In January of 2010 Mr. Hoffinger passed away at the age of 88. Better known around Doughboy as “Mr. H.” was more to us than just a leader in the industry, he was our leader. He stayed active in the business and was always someone we could look to for advice and innovative ideas. One of Mr. Hoffinger’s many quotes was, “Plan your work and work your plan.” That is exactly what we intend to do as we carry on the work of creating and innovating new products just as Mr. Hoffinger did for over 74 years!