Technology >> CEO Interviews >> May 11, 2000
GORDON HOFFSTEIN is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Be Free,
Inc. A pioneer in the personal computer industry, Mr. Hoffstein created
and led several technology distribution ventures. Prior to joining Be
Free, Hoffstein co-founded PCs Compleat, Inc., the nation's first super
direct reseller of personal computer products and services. This unique
approach to PC sales combined the selection of a superstore with the
value and convenience of a direct marketer. Under his leadership, PCs
Compleat grew into one of the industry's biggest direct retailing
successes. He negotiated the sale of the company to CompUSA, Inc. in
1996. Prior to founding PCs Compleat, Inc., Mr. Hoffstein founded
MircoAmerica Inc., one of the country's first value-added microcomputer
distributors. Known for its high level of sales, service and technical
support, the company set the standard for microcomputer distribution and
was recognized for its leadership position within the industry. By 1990,
when Mr. Hoffstein arranged the company's merger with Softsel, Inc.,
MicroAmerica had grown to 850 employees in 35 locations worldwide and
was posting sales of $526 million. In 1989, 1994 and 1995, he was named
a finalist for the Retail/Distribution Entrepreneur of the Year Award,
sponsored by Inc. Magazine, Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch. He was also
identified as one of the 25 Most Influential Executives in the Personal
Computer Industry by Computer Reseller News in 1985, 1987 and 1988. Mr.
Hoffstein has served on the Board of Directors at a number of leading
industry companies, including AGS Computers, Inc., Merisel, Inc.,
Professional Software, Inc., Edsun Labs Inc., Clearpoint Research,
Bisfon and Sendwine.com. He is also on the advisory board of the
Massachusetts Software Council. He received a Bachelor of Business
Administration, magna cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts
and a Master of Business Administration from Babson College, where he
currently serves on the Graduate Advisory Board. Profile
products, services, activities and customers.
Mr. Hoffstein: Be Free allows merchants to promote their goods
