H. Leslie (Les) Hoffman
| H. Leslie Hoffman | |
|---|---|
_Hoffman.jpg) |
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| Born |
Herman Leslie Hoffman 1906 |
| Died | June 24, 1971 Zurich, Switzerland (residence: San Marino, California, USA) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Les Hoffman |
| Occupation | Founder and CEO of Hoffman Radio, later called Hoffman Electronics Corporation 1941-1971 |
| Known for | Pioneering work on practical photovoltaic cells, aircraft navigation systems, radio and television products, philanthropy, and major donor and supporter of the University of Southern California (USC). |
H. Leslie (Les) Hoffman, (1906 – June 24, 1971), was the founder and CEO of Hoffman Radio in 1941, which in 1948 changed its name to Hoffman Radio and Television. In the 1950s he formed Hoffman Electronics Corporation, based in El Monte, California, consisting of several electronic divisions involved with consumer, industrial and military products. He was married to Elaine Stevely Hoffman (1906–1989). Together, in 1954 they formed the H. Leslie Hoffman and Elaine S. Hoffman Foundation, Pasadena, a philanthropic organization. He and his wife Elaine were large donors and supporters of the University of Southern California (USC) and were directly involved with its growth, academic growth and stature. Served on the Board of Trustees at USC for 17 years.
Between 1929 and 1931 a company called Mission Bell Radio Manufacturing Company was formed. They were based in Los Angeles and specialized in low-cost midget radio receivers. To keep cost down Mission Bell would buy as many prefabricated parts as possible and made a few design changes to established radio chassis to avoid legal action. It was a company that was always in financial problems throughout the 1930s. By 1941 the company filed for bankruptcy.
In 1941 Les Hoffman, then a fluorescent lamp salesman, came to the Mission Bell Radio Office to collect an overdue debt. The doors were locked and they were closed for good. Finding out the company went bankrupt, he decided to buy Mission Bell Radio and continue to make radios under the name Hoffman Radio. The company would remain in Los Angeles.
For a short while Hoffman would continue the Mission Bell Radio name and designs. By 1947 Hoffman started designing their own models. About 1948–1949, Hoffman began manufacturing television receivers, since RCA made their television patents royalty-free. He aggressively marketed his product regionally, trying to maintain a good regional reputation and recognizable brand name. By 1950 Time magazine writes about Les Hoffman's achievements in making Hoffman Radio and Television the largest west coast producer of televisions. In two years (1948-1950) Hoffman Radio and Television sales went from $3.5 million to almost $12 million.
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