This month we’re featuring our Director of Web Development & Creative Services, aka the man that “makes things pretty,” Greg Hoffman. With more than two and a half years of service under his belt, Greg is the go-to creative master at Results Repeat. Whether a client needs a stunning website design, beautiful marketing materials, or nearly anything else, Greg has it covered!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Creative, Dedicated, Loyal
It’s a typical Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., what are you doing?
Most likely hanging out with my wife. We have a long-standing tradition of running from one end of Long Island to the other, even the occasional jaunt into Manhattan: long treks for some obscure, barely-needed item. 9 times out of 10, the purchase isn’t made – but at least the trip is fun!
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
I’ve been pretty lucky with some of the trips I’ve gone on. It’s very hard to pick just one spot. Heather picked a few, last month – so I’m going to do the same. In no particular order:
The Zugspitze – One of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen. The view from the summit is incredible. Truthfully, all parts of Germany that I have had the pleasure of seeing are amazing, but the view from that summit is easily one of the greatest spots. Oktoberfest ranks a close second in my favorite places in Germany, but for many different reasons!
Rome – Aside from being one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to, it is home to 2 of my favorite works of art by Michelangelo – The Sistine Chapel and The Pieta. For as long as I can remember I had wanted to see these both live – and neither disappointed. You could sit in the chapel for days and never see all the minute details throughout the ceiling and the altar wall. Another highlight, naturally, was the Roman Colosseum. My wife found a semi-private tour where we were able to step out into the center of the Colosseum floor, as well as take a tour of the underground levels. The only downside to the Sistine Chapel tour is that inside the chapel, you are prohibited from taking photos. Doing so incurs a tongue lashing from the Swiss Guard. I don’t know if they do much more than yell at you, and possibly make you leave the area. I’d like to say I have a rebel streak in me, and I snapped away like Helmut Newton – but no. I have no pictures…
The Palace of Versailles – This is from one of my most recent trips. It’s impossible to describe Versailles because there are so many parts to it. My wife got us in on an exclusive tour (she’s very good at picking tours!), which only had a handful of people – so we were able to experience some areas that were off-limits to the general public. The royal chapel was an amazing spot in the palace. The hall of mirrors is, naturally, a highlight. There’s so much to see it’s overwhelming. We spent more than half the day there, and I doubt we saw even half of what’s possible. The gardens are so much fun to get lost in. The picture here is Bosquet de l’Encélade – a fountain that depicts Enceladus, the fallen Titan. The composition is just incredible, and you really get the sense that the molten lava of Mt. Etna is swallowing him. Of the MANY sculptures and pieces of art in and around Versailles, this was definitely among my favorites.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
Intelligence and a sense of humor. I realize that’s two characteristics – but I value both, equally.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
It’s a toss-up:
Brewmaster at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, MN – just so I can get my hands on their Fiery Hell beer recipe.
OR
My own mentalism show in Las Vegas.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I gave my wife (and myself) a trip to Nashville for our anniversary.
If you could give advice to your 13-year-old self, what would you say?
Don’t be afraid to step up and voice your opinion. Take more chances and be confident in yourself. Also – in the not so distant future, you’re going to get the really dumb idea to start smoking. Don’t!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I occasionally perform as a magician and/or mentalist.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
– Visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia
– Visit Petra
– Write at least 1 novel
What are you most proud of?
While I have a great deal to be proud of, I am extremely proud of my wife. After more than 10 frustrating, and often stressful, years in the banking industry, she decided to go back to school and begin a path towards a new career. It takes a great deal of courage to make a change like this, and her success in doing so has been nothing short of inspiring (and not at all surprising).
