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

Doughboy is sad to announce the passing of our owner, Martin Hoffinger.

Marty passed away January 23rd, 2010 at the age of 88. He suffered a massive stroke in his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida. He will be missed by the entire Doughboy family.

A born entrepreneur, he 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 has lead and dominated the industry he helped to shape.

Mr. Hoffinger (better known around Doughboy as “Mr. H.”) was more 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. We will continue to carry on the work of creating and innovating new products just as Mr. Hoffinger did for over 74 years!

Another quote often heard from Mr. Hoffinger was “If you are happy, you are successful”. He was a very happy man and his success is legendary. He was truly one of a kind. He and his lovely wife Lorraine were happily married for 66 years and raised four daughters.