Benjamin Peace Hoffman
I’m Ben Hoffman, co-founder of cityHUNT, and I’m thrilled to share my story with you.
Born in the shadow of an active volcano in Pozzuoli, Italy, my life has been a whirlwind of joy, learning, and profound connections. My journey as a game-maker began once my family moved to West Philadelphia when I was four.
I’ve always loved making games.
As a child, I looked for opportunities to conjure joy and laughter everywhere I could. At any family event or social gathering, if we didn’t have a game, I would make up a game.
By the age of 10, my front yard had transformed into a bustling circus—a jungle gym repurposed into a stage for my gamified spectacles—drawing crowds and even a few pennies from those eager to dive into my world of play. This passion for entertaining others was the spark that eventually ignited the creation of cityHUNT.
As a college student in New York, I stumbled across a delightful scavenger hunt while touring pubs for a birthday at NYU.
It was exciting, creative, and fun! I was struck by the spontaneity and joy of the hunt and immediately sought to expand the simple scavenger hunt idea into something more, something that could be enjoyed by anyone anywhere.
Enter cityHUNT! What began as a scavenger hunt pub crawl has blossomed into a mission-driven organization that infuses workplaces with positivity, creativity, and a strong sense of community. cityHUNT’s pevolution as a beacon of team building awesomeness is a testament to the power of imagination and the human spirit. Our scavenger hunts, designed around the pillars of playfulness, connection, and flow, are more than just games; they’re adventures in positive psychology that forge lasting memories and strengthen bonds.
A moment of clarity…
In February 2019, a pivotal moment reshaped my perspective and reignited my passion for making a meaningful difference in the world. This epiphany inspired me to embrace a life of mindful creation and consumption, leading to the birth of the Make Awesome for Others (MAFO) initiative. MAFO is a way of life that I’m eager to explore in my upcoming book and share through my talks and engagements.
My quest for deeper connection and understanding led me to immerse myself in the realm of positive psychology, studying the works of luminaries like Shawn Achor and Martin Seligman. My time with The Tony Robbins Foundation further solidified my commitment to harnessing the power of happiness and well-being, not just as concepts but as the cornerstone of how we interact and thrive as communities.
Embracing mindfulness and Ancient Wisdom
My adventures took me far beyond the confines of conventional wisdom as I sought the ancient teachings of gurus and tribal leaders around the globe. These encounters enriched my soul and broadened my perspective, infusing my initiatives with a profound sense of oneness and connection that transcends the superficial. My role as a traveler and seeker of truth has been to weave these timeless lessons into the very fabric of cityHUNT, creating experiences that not only entertain but also enlighten.
This tapestry of experiences, from playful beginnings to profound realizations, is what led to MAFO’s conception. MAFO has been a beacon of soulful abundance, vitality, and financial independence. It allows me to dedicate my days to spreading awesomeness. Through cityHUNT’s Make Awesome for Others Charity Initiative, we’ve given out more than $400,000 in discounts and scholarships to non-profits, schools, and purpose-driven organizations.
But MAFO is about more than charity; it’s about creating a cycle of generosity and optimism that touches every aspect of our lives.
Journey with me and Make Awesome for Others
As cityHUNT continues to grow, so does my commitment to exploring new frontiers of fun, mindfulness, and collective well-being. I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery and growth. By living MAFO, we can manifest a world where every interaction is an opportunity to uplift and inspire.
Our corporate clients make our charity work possible, so whether by working with cityHUNT or simply embracing the MAFO spirit in your daily life, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Join the Adventure!
The beauty of cityHUNT lies in the joy and transformation it brings to our clients and their teams. Seeing that spark of camaraderie among participants is what fuels my passion for this work. As we look to the future, I’m excited for the endless possibilities that lie ahead for cityHUNT and our awesome adventurers.
Ben is a founding circle member of The Warrior Sanctuary and serves on its board. The Warrior Sanctuary is a non-profit organization committed to connecting traditional and indigenous healing practices with those seeking genuine holistic healing, emphasizing support for minority and marginalized communities.
To learn more, visit www.thewarriorsanctuary.org