Car enthusiast who keeps drivers on track

CHRIS Randall is managing director of Hofmann’s of Henley. He joined the business in 2007.
Hofmann’s is a car business based in Newtown Road. It services, sells and MOTs cars, both day-to-day cars through to restorations on classic cars. Outside the office, he can be found as a driver on the track.

Describe your business.

Hofmann’s is a car business. We service, sell and MOT cars, both day-to-day cars through to restorations on classics. We also have a growing car storage business.

How many people does it employ?

Nineteen.

What did you do before you started this business?

I am a product designer by background.

When did you start your business?

Hofmann’s has been going since the Forties and I got involved in 2007.

What was your objective?

My passion has always been cars and I wanted to give fellow enthusiasts a trustworthy place to maintain their cars.

Who or what influenced you?

My father is a businessman, so that is a factor, but I’ve always wanted to work for myself.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

If I had to choose a role model it would be the famous Fifties racer Duncan Hamilton. I do have a mentor who I work with, David Abbott from the TAB organisation. His input has been very beneficial to the business.

What would you do differently if starting again?

I’ve made plenty of mistakes but that’s how you learn.

How is your business doing?

We have been on a solid growth path for the last few years, in the workshop we are up to eight full-time technicians, volume in car sales is up although achieving the margins is always tough. Our car storage facility is full and we are actively hunting for additional premises to expand.

Do you compare on a regular basis?

The workshop performance is tracked daily as it’s the most critical aspect of the business. We produce monthly management accounts which help the management team.

How do you market your business and where do you add value?

Word of mouth is hugely important for us. The first thing is to really focus on doing a great job servicing people’s cars and making sure the cars we sell are prepared as well as possible. Google is important and we are investing more in social media and email marketing. Simple things like reminding people their MOT or service is due — it helps our customers as well as ourselves.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

It’s enormously rewarding when I see the team grow and perform.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

The balance between work and home life — I have a young family who I love to spend time with too.

Where is your business headed?

We have set some aggressive growth targets over the next five years for all parts of the business. We have an ambitious management team and we want to be the most successful car business in the community.

How important are online sales?

For us right now, not so much. While advertising and lead generation online is critical, the actual sales process here is very people-oriented. If you are buying a new sports car you need to trust the organisation you are working with or if you are having the engine rebuilt on your classic, you want to meet the technician who is doing the work.

Are you using Generative AI to shape your business?

Yes, we use it for streamlining some of our processes, it’s also a great aid to learning.

Do you have a five-year plan?

Yes, I started a fresh five-year plan earlier this year.

How do you have a work-life balance?

Living nearby is a big help, so I get to see the kids in the evening. I enjoy competition and motorsport gives me a focus outside work. Also, I like getting out on my mountain bike and skiing with the whole family.

Do you set any goals for your business at the start of a new financial year?

Yes, I always do this, and I always review where I am quarterly.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

It’s all about the people, whatever business you are in.

What advice would you offer to anybody considering starting a business?

Focus on learning and invest in your team.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?

I’ve chosen the wrong people a number of times (sometimes it can’t be helped) and subsequently invested too much trying to get them to work in the wrong role.

How organised are you?

It’s something I work on all the time as it doesn’t come naturally.

What are you looking forward to?

I have a new starter in my sales department and I’m really excited about what he can bring to the team.

How are you planning for retirement?

No, I really don’t see myself retiring in the conventional sense although it would be nice to change the balance between work and hobbies.

What’s the secret of your success?

I’m very determined!

What three qualities do you think are most important to become a success in running a profitable business?

Human empathy, willingness to learn, resilience

How do you dress for work each day and is it important?

We have branded team gear.

What can’t you do/be without every day?

My laptop.

Lunch at your desk or going out?

A healthy salad at my desk.

Do you continue to study?

Yes, I really enjoy learning new things and fine-tuning existing skills.

What do you read?

The Economist.

What change would you most like to see in 2026?

More physical space for the business to grow.

Interview by Will Hamilton,
intermediary and global

marketing consultant, Hamilton Associates