Operations and Leadership: Pete Hojnowski’s Story at E.O. Habhegger
- Frances Yeager
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Believe it or not, Pete’s career didn’t start in petroleum. It started with chocolate. Before embarking on his decades-long career at E.O. Habhegger, he worked the second shift as a warehouse lead and forklift operator at R.M. Palmer Chocolate Company, home of the iconic hollow bunnies we all know and love.
The perks? Sweet, literally. “You could eat as much chocolate as you wanted off the belt,” Pete recalls. “But it got old quickly.” The downside was the hours. Wanting a schedule that aligned with his wife’s nine-to-five job in market research, Pete decided it was time to make a change.
At first, Pete didn’t land the warehouse job at E.O. Habhegger. The position was offered to someone else. But when that candidate declined, he stepped in, unknowingly entering a defining moment in his career. “Not bad for a second choice,” he jokes, a favorite quip around the office.
He started in the warehouse just two weeks after 9/11. A little over a year later, he was offered a role in inside sales. Hesitant at first since he never saw himself as a salesperson, Pete took the weekend to think it over. By Monday, he was all in. That leap of faith set the stage for an incredible career.
A few years later, when the Branch Manager position in the Hammonton, NJ office became available, Pete stepped into the role and guided the team through a major warehouse relocation and strengthening operations along the way. As Ken Hagman prepared for the company’s next chapter, he established a Board of Directors and invited Pete to join.
In 2018, Ken presented Pete with another opportunity: becoming a shareholder. Without hesitation, Pete accepted, deepening his investment in the company’s future.
Today, Pete oversees daily operations in Hammonton while maintaining a broader, strategic view of the Branchburg office’s integration. Working closely with Chris and Jody, he drives operational efficiency across the company, managing sales, purchasing, vendor relations, and employee operations.
Career Highlights & Achievements
When asked about standout moments in his career, Pete recalls one of his first major sales, a $250,000 project supplying lubrication equipment to the U.S. Postal Service in Pennsylvania. “Now, that seems like a small project,” he says, “but back then, it was a huge deal.”
Since then, he has played a role in larger, more complex ventures, including the development of a gas station outside the Hard Rock in Atlantic City in 2018. More recently, he was instrumental in the reconstruction of the Atlantic City Department of Public Works.
Beyond sales and operations, Pete is actively involved in industry leadership and networking. Early in his career, he attended PEI’s Young Executives Conference, eventually serving as Chairperson. In 2024 he was elected to a two-year term on the PEI Board of Directors representing District 2.. He also contributes to industry standards and best practices, sitting on two PEI RP committees, RP 200 and RP 700, focused on AST Tank Installations and Lubrication Fluid System Installations. He also is a member of the UL Standards and Engagement Committee for TC0142 that drives the standards for Aboveground and Vaulted Tanks.
For over a decade, Pete served as a board member of PECA before stepping down to take on new responsibilities, continuing to shape and support the industry in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead
With E.O. Habhegger’s 100th anniversary just two years away, Pete is focused on the future. Last week, he finalized a top-tier sponsorship with a soccer academy, a partnership that holds personal significance. His son, now a college goalkeeper, trained at Medford Soccer Club, making the sponsorship especially meaningful.
The Habhegger Culture & Advice for Newcomers
Pete embodies the Habhegger ethos: “What you put into it is what you get out of it.” His own career is proof of that philosophy, rising from the ground floor through dedication and perseverance, just like many others within the company. “We promote from within,” he emphasizes, reflecting Habhegger’s deep-rooted culture of growth and opportunity.
For those new to the industry, Pete acknowledges the challenges but highlights the rewards. “It’s a tough industry, but relationships are everything. The connections I’ve made through PEI and PECA have turned into lifelong friendships, not just business relationships.”
Life Outside of Work
Family has always been at the heart of Pete’s journey, even shaping his career decisions early on. Today, he enjoys cheering on his son from the sidelines and watching his daughter perform on stage. Both are thriving in college. He and his wife continue to make time for the things they love, whether it’s concerts, theater, or just going for a walk.
Pete’s journey from warehouse worker to shareholder is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of relationships. As E.O. Habhegger approaches its centennial, his leadership will continue to shape its future.
Every company should have "a Pete" on their staff. He's been a huge help with non-retail configurations for me. He made my transition to EOH much smoother by simply answering his phone and answering my stupid questions!