Shows
Heavy Lifts PodcastWhy Salem’s Future Is Built on Connection with Tom Hoffert | Episode 17 of Heavy Lifts PodcastIn this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers and AJ Nash sit down with Tom Hoffert, long-time Salem leader and CEO of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, to talk about what’s shaping the city’s future.From championing small businesses to building community through collaboration, Tom shares insights on leadership, connection, and what it really takes to move a city forward.This episode is a mix of real talk, hope, and hometown pride — proof that big things are happening right here in Salem.What you’ll hear:▸ Why collaboration is Salem’s biggest strength▸ The role of the Chamber in con...
2025-11-0742 min
Community Conversations with Amanda and BaronTom Hoffert - CEO of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Interview with Amanda Smith and Baron Robison - September 17th, 2025
2025-09-2312 min
Salem Chamber PodcastSalem Chamber Podcast - Episode 7 - Justin MartinA Conversation with Justin Martin of Perseverance StrategiesIn this episode, Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert is joined by experienced lobbyist (Perseverance Strategies) and Salem business owner Justin Martin to talk about Justin's deep Salem roots, his journey as a professional athlete, and his transition to politics and business in the city he's always loved. Despite partisan challenges in local government, Justin inspires us with a positive outlook on Oregon's future including stories from his career representing a wide array of clients and their interests at the Capitol. Leading by example, Justin shows u...
2023-11-211h 11
Leading WellTom HoffertTom Hoffert, CEO of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about his journey through his career in the private sector on to nonprofits and focusing on helping small, local businesses thrive in his area.If you'd like to learn more about what Tom does with Salem Chamber, you can visit their website: salemchamber.orgTom also hosts a podcast with the Salem Chamber, you can find more info at salemchamber.org/podcast
2023-11-1126 minSalem Chamber PodcastSalem Chamber Podcast - Episode 2 - Larry JacksonA Conversation with Larry Jackson, Owner of Jackson's Body ShopAs Jackson’s Body Shop celebrates its 65th year of doing business in Salem, CEO Tom Hoffert sat down for a conversation with Owner Larry Jackson. This generational business has remained committed to the Salem community, the idea of ‘employing their neighbors’, and creating a flexible, family-oriented work environment for over six decades. Enjoy learning how Jackson’s Body Shop prioritizes buying parts locally and stays adept to a changing business landscape.The Salem Chamber is a 501 C (6) not-for-profit organization representing nearly 1,100 businesses in the g...
2023-09-2033 min
The Rooted Leadership PodcastUnderstanding Your Community is Part of Understanding Your LeadershipThe CEO of our local Chamber of Commerce, Tom Hoffert, joins us in studio. Together we discussed the interplay between what we know and what we learn. We talked about our community and what leadership means within a community; the principles of leading at the community level apply at all levels. Leaders bring people together, unite them, and galvanize them toward a common goal. Strong leadership is needed in every community, and it starts with you.
2021-12-221h 03
The Business Edge Minute with Mitche GrafLeadership, Lacrosse & Innovation with Tom HoffertJoin host Mitche Graf as he takes a deep dive into the inner workings of one of our great forward-thinkers Tom Hoffert, the CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in Salem, Oregon. Also, he reviews the book “The Art of War”, answers burning questions from the mail bag, and tops it all off with a recipe for Artichoke Heart-Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms. Mmmmm....
2020-06-061h 00
New Leader Workshop2020 Business Myths with Kyle Sexton and Tom HoffertLast week I had the opportunity to talk with Kyle Sexton and Tom Hoffert about myths circulating throughout our business community.
Those familiar with the podcast have heard Tom on previous episodes. He's CEO of Salem Chamber of Commerce and previously worked as Sales Manager for Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods.
Kyle is a thought leader in the business community and regularly speaks around the country as well as internationally.
Three myths we discuss:
1. Now is not the time to be pursuing new clients
2. For a business to succeed...
2020-04-1458 min
New Leader WorkshopGetting Contracts With Major Brands is Possible, and We Will Tell You WhyWhether you are growing your business or working on a sales team, landing contracts with billion-dollar companies might seem out of reach. This perspective isn't true. Tom Hoffert was part of the sales team at Don Poncho, who helped the company grow from 25 million to 125 million in sales yearly by landing major contracts with companies like Subway and Chipotle.
In this episode, he breaks down tactics you can use to grow your brand and stand out from the crowd. (Spoiler: it starts with believing it is possible.)
Be sure to tag us, @MrJacobEspi and @salem...
2020-02-1733 min