Name/Title/Company: Joe Truehart / Vice President of Construction / Hoffman Development Group

Briefly tell us what you do, and length of time in the CRE industry: I have over 26 years of experience in the design, construction, and development industry. As a partner at Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, an Appleton-based firm specializing in seamless, client-focused design-build solutions, I have had the privilege of helping clients bring their visions to life through innovative and strategic planning. Recognizing the need for a more integrated approach to development, I co-founded Hoffman Development Group about four years ago. This venture was a natural progression, enabling us to expand our capabilities by incorporating financial partnerships that allow us to offer full turnkey solutions. Now, we’re able to assist businesses not just in designing and building their facilities but also in securing the financial resources to make their growth aspirations a reality. Through our combined expertise in planning, construction, and financing, we provide end-to-end solutions that empower businesses to focus on what they do best while we handle the complexities of facility development.

What project or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?: One of the projects I am most proud of in my career is the development of a state-of-the-art facility for Charter NEX, a blown film manufacturing client planning to expand into the southeastern United States. The client had specific requirements: proximity to a substation, rail access, and easy connectivity to major interstates. After months of collaboration, we identified and secured an ideal site just outside Columbia, South Carolina, that met all their needs. With the location selected and purchase options in place, we embarked on an ambitious timeline to design, entitle, and construct a 230,000-square-foot facility in under 18 months. The project included unique challenges, such as constructing a rail spur to the site, integrating a 10-megawatt power system, and building a section of the facility that stood five stories tall. Additionally, the facility demanded substantial cooling infrastructure to manage the heat generated by their processes. Being new to the area, we needed to quickly establish relationships with reputable design-build contractors who could handle the complexity and pace of this fast-track project. We sent team members to the region to build these partnerships, ensuring alignment and trust with our high standards. The result was a facility delivered on time and within budget. More importantly, the company later described the building as the "crown jewel" of their portfolio. When they sold the business, this facility significantly enhanced their valuation and played a pivotal role in the success of the transaction.

How would you like to be more involved in NAIOP Wisconsin?: As a new member of NAIOP Wisconsin, I have only attended one event so far, but I am eager to become more actively involved. My primary reason for joining NAIOP is to expand my knowledge of the commercial real estate industry in Wisconsin and to grow my professional network within this dynamic community. At Hoffman Development Group, we pride ourselves on building strong, collaborative teams, and we are always on the lookout for quality partners to support our development opportunities. Being part of NAIOP’s extensive network will be invaluable in connecting with like-minded professionals who can contribute to our shared success.

Tell us about your family: My wife Tina and I have been married for 35 wonderful years. Our story began in Washington, D.C., where I was serving in the U.S. Navy Presidential Honor Guard, and she was working as a nanny. Fate brought us together in the nation's capital, and we’ve been a team ever since. After completing my service in the Navy, we moved to Minnesota, where I’m originally from, so I could pursue my education. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota, setting the foundation for my career. People often ask how we ended up in Appleton, Wisconsin. The answer is simple—Tina grew up in Kimberly, Wisconsin. When we started our family, we decided to move closer to her roots and be near her family. It was the perfect place to raise our two children, Sydney and Jared. Sydney, now 24, graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in Sports Management. She currently lives in Durham, North Carolina, where she manages the Carmichael Arena at UNC Chapel Hill—a job she loves and excels in. Jared, our 22-year-old, is attending UW-Oshkosh and pursuing a career in writing, following his passion for storytelling. As for Tina, she works at Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, a job that comes with the perk of keeping our household well-stocked with paper towels and toilet paper—a running family joke we all enjoy. Together, our journey has taken us from the bustling streets of D.C. to the heart of the Midwest, and we’re grateful for the life we’ve built along the way.

What's your favorite restaurant and why?: Over the past year or two, Tina and I have been doing our own Wisconsin supper club tour.  We have been getting around but there are so many so to say just one would be tough.  

What is your favorite quote?: From Jaws, "You're gonna need a bigger boat" - a line I use when we close big deal. 

What are your hobbies?: Here, inlies the problem my wife would say.  I have too many hobbies, for a long while it was archery and hunting, then came woodworking where I made all types of furniture, kitchen cabinets, some art pieces for walls, and eventually a few acoustic guitars.  Now I am into motorcycling and touring around the state and the country.  In the winter months I'm planning those trips and working on a few other motorcycle projects.   

How do you find a moment of peace or calm to center yourself?: Motorcycle trips - short or long. Earlier this year I took an 11-day solo trip from Appleton down to New Orleans along the Mississippi's Great River Road.  

Favorite county or state park?: Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the UP of Michigan.