Steve Hoffmann’s story is one shaped by athletics, family, hard work, and a deep commitment to community. Today, Steve calls Newport Shores in Bellevue home, but his journey to the Eastside reflects a lifetime of experiences that have grounded him in service, leadership, and appreciation for the people who make a community strong.

Born in Bethesda, Maryland, Steve spent his early years moving before settling in San Jose, California, where he attended Pioneer High School. From a young age, sports played a central role in his life. He competed in soccer, basketball, football, and track and field, developing not only athletic skill but also the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would later shape his professional and personal life. Steve’s athletic path ultimately led him to the University of Washington, where he played football from 1991 to 1995. His time as a Husky was formative, both on and off the field. The lessons learned through collegiate athletics—commitment, accountability, and perseverance—became cornerstones of his character. After graduating, Steve even had the opportunity to try out for the San Diego Chargers, a testament to his dedication and talent.

It was also at the University of Washington where Steve met his wife of 30 years, Heidi. Heidi grew up on Bainbridge Island and in Edmonds and was herself a standout athlete, playing basketball at UW. Together they have built a close-knit family grounded in shared values and a love for sports and community. Steve and Heidi are the proud parents of three children. Their oldest son, Josh, is 23 years old, a Newport High School graduate who attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, where he played football. Josh now lives in Kalispell, Montana, and is engaged to be married in July 2026. Their middle child, Gabe, is 21 and a junior at the University of Idaho, where he continues the family tradition of collegiate football after graduating from Eastside Catholic High School. Their youngest, Emily, is 15 years old and currently a freshman at Bellevue Christian High School.

The Hoffmann’s have lived on the Eastside for 27 years, including the past 14 years in Bellevue. Steve cites both proximity to work and the exceptional quality of life as key reasons for making Bellevue home. GLY Construction, where Steve has spent his professional career, has been headquartered in Bellevue since its founding in 1967, making the city a natural place to plant roots.

Steve’s work ethic began early. His first paying job was delivering the Garland Daily Newspaper in Garland, Texas—on a bicycle, no less. That early responsibility instilled a sense of reliability and pride in earning one’s way, values that have stayed with him ever since. Steve’s connection to GLY began while he was still a student at UW. At a UW women’s basketball end-of-season banquet, he met Frank Young—the “Y” in GLY. After a conversation, Frank offered Steve a job as a laborer. Steve went on to work the next two summers at GLY while attending college, gaining hands-on experience that laid the foundation for his career. In 1996, following his graduation and football tryout, Steve joined GLY full time, beginning a professional journey that has spanned decades.

That strong connection to Bellevue and its institutions naturally extended to the Bellevue Police Foundation (BPF). Steve was aware of the Foundation from its earliest days and recognized the importance of supporting the Bellevue Police Department as an engaged corporate and community partner. GLY has long maintained strong ties to the city, and supporting BPF felt like a natural extension of that commitment. 

When Jim Karambelas, a retired GLY President and CEO and a founding member of BPF’s first board, began nearing retirement, Steve asked if he could step into Jim’s role. He joined the board around 2019. Steve describes Bellevue Police Department as well-respected and well-run. He is keenly aware of the challenges officers face and expresses deep gratitude for their leadership and service. Through BPF, Steve and his fellow board members strive to make sure the department knows it is appreciated and supported.

To Steve, the Bellevue Police Foundation serves a vital two-way role: highlighting the good work of the department while also giving the community a meaningful way to respond—through donations of time, resources, and support—to the men and women who serve Bellevue. Steve especially values the annual Foundation grant review process, which allows BPF to directly support officers with critical equipment and resources. Yet, his most meaningful experiences have come from personally meeting members of the department and simply being able to thank them for their service.

Steve encourages others in the community to stand behind the Bellevue Police Department and to support the ongoing work of the Bellevue Police Foundation. For him, supporting BPF is about gratitude, partnership, and ensuring a strong, safe community for generations to come.