Personnel News: Toro CEO To Speak at Alma Mater

Michael Hoffman, chairman, president and CEO of the Toro Co., will address recipients of graduate degrees from his alma mater, St. Thomas’ College of Business May 20 on the St. Paul campus.

Hoffman also will be awarded the St. Thomas Aquinas Medallion, which recognizes outstanding leadership of individuals who embody the values and ideals of the university's patron saint.

Hoffman, who earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing management from St. Thomas in 1988, was elected president of the Toro Co. in October 2004, chief executive officer in March 2005 and chairman of the company’s board in March 2006. He joined Toro in 1977, spending several years in sales, service and marketing roles for commercial and consumer businesses.

In recent years, he held top executive positions in general management of Toro’s commercial and consumer businesses. He was appointed group vice president of Toro’s consumer, landscape contractor and international businesses in 2002. Hoffman also has an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and serves on the boards of the Toro Foundation, Donaldson Co. Inc. and the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

In other news...

Professional irrigation equipment manufacturer K-Rain Manufacturing Corp. has announced the appointment of Kent Pound as regional sales manager. 

Pound will oversee sales and distribution of K-Rain products in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming. His duties also encompass interaction with irrigation contractors and distributors to provide customer education, product support and service. 

“Kent has enjoyed a long and successful career in the irrigation industry," says K-Rain National Sales Manager David Kornstadt. "His extensive expertise will prove invaluable in increasing our presence in the Rocky Mountain region. With Kent’s knowledge and contacts, we anticipate increased market visibility which will help us achieve our regional development objectives.” 

Pound joins K-Rain with 20 years experience serving the irrigation industry. Prior to joining K-Rain, Pound coordinated sales efforts with Garden America and Champion Irrigation Products.