“Go Do It. You’ll Figure It Out”: Mark Hoffman Talks 24 Years of Building a “Boring” Business
20 July 2026
In the latest episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, our own Mark Hoffman, MBA ’91 and owner of Larson Packaging Company, delivers a refreshingly candid look at the realities of long-term, self-funded entrepreneurship.
Hosted by Brian O’Connor, Adjunct Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners, Mark recounts his transition from a consulting career to bootstrapping a packaging company from the ground up.
Over 24 years, he grew Larson Packaging Company while discovering the surprising personal and financial rewards that come from committing to a traditional, often overlooked industry.
Mark speaks openly about leadership, wealth creation, and the deep satisfaction of building a legacy of efficiency and reliability that has really moved the needle on how USA packaging manufacturers work with and treat their customers.
His core message to aspiring entrepreneurs considering a self-funded search is direct and empowering:
If you think you want to do it… go do it. You’ll figure it out. There’s so much support now.
The episode offers practical wisdom for anyone interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition and challenges the notion that only flashy, high-growth businesses can create meaningful success.