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I had the opportunity to sit down with the owner of the Spring City Hotel, Bill Hoffman, who has been a Rotary member, since 1984!!! He comes from six generations of farmers on his Father's side, growing up on a dairy farm on Seven Stars Road in Kimberton.... But, Bill's Dad felt there was more to life than farming, which paved the way for Bill to "find his own path"....Bill attended Owen J. Roberts and graduated 1972....In Bill's teenage years, Bill's Dad started Del's Pizza Shop, in Pottstown and Boyertown. Bill would work at the pizza shop in his spare time, when not going to school, which then gave him a taste of the restaurant business. BTW.....Bill can flip a mean pizza! We should ask for a demonstration! Bill then went on to the University of Delaware....his dream was to be an attorney. While in college, Bill worked at Pappy's Pizza in Delaware, as he knew the ropes from working with Dad. He also did security work...One thing you can say about Bill....he's always working. When Bill was off at the University of Delaware, Bill's Dad took real estate courses, and eventually became a real estate broker....Bill graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in History and Botany. As a twist of fate, Bill's maternal Grandfather, Dominic Dellaquila, called on him for help at the Spring City Hotel....Dominic needed a bartender and Bill stepped in....The Spring City Hotel is at the corner of North Main and New Street, a cornerstone since 1892. It is a fine dining restaurant with a full bar and 30 rentable rooms above....so, when Bill was stepping in to help, he was all in....next thing you know, the cook leaves, the room manager leaves...but, Bill never left. He did not go on to pursue a career in law, he stayed at the Spring City Hotel.. He found his career with his family all around him! And speaking of family, when he graduated from college, he soon after met Deb, his bride throughout this crazy ride! One day, Bill was opening the bar at the Spring City Hotel....and he was busy getting prepared....Bill's Grandpop, Dominic said, "stop sittin' around and get over there and help him".....and to her credit, she has been doing just that ever since! Bill and Deb spent a couple of years dating....They got engaged at the covered bridge near the Kimberton Farm School around Christmas and got married in 1979 at Dellaquila's in Phoenixville (where all the family celebrated big events... On 9/1/81, Bill and Deb Hoffman purchased the Spring City Hotel from Dominic Dellaquila. Bill wanted to buy a Wendy's franchise, but, it just didn't work out....I think he made the right choice! People in the community took notice to Bill Hoffman's incredible work ethic, especially Bud Neiman from PNC Bank....Bill and Bud made some very wise real estate investment deals...but, a resounding theme with Bill is that his faith is very strong and it is key in his life. Bill and Debbie look at their business as a position of service and gratitude to the community of friends and family that they have developed over these many years....it is an opportunity to get to see people you normally would not be able to see and to serve them and comfort them! One of the Rotary projects that Bill is most proud of is "Springford Opoly", which is a take-off on the popular Monopoly game...back in the 1980's, this project made $10,000, which is a huge amount for that time! Bill was also a past president of the Spring-Ford Rotary, and very proud of his service. Both he and Deb have a daughter, who has taught in the OJR School District for 16 years and their son owns Hoffman Property Management.....they have 4 grandchildren, 2 girls and 2 boys. When asked what their hobbies are in their downtime, Bill shot me a look....."Downtime"......but, his hobby is raising steers and Deb's is her children and grandchildren. It was a pleasure to meet these two hard workers....go in and see them at the Spring City Hotel! |
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