RANDEE JOHNSON | 38

Owner And President

Safelogic Alaska Llc

“You become. It takes a long time, that's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real, you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”

– The Velveteen Rabbit

Hometown: Anchorage Current City: Palmer

Education: I graduated from A.J. Dimond High School in 2003. From there, I did one year in the Aviation Technology program at UAA before transferring to the University of Southern Maine. I earned an associate degree in occupational safety and health, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in environmental health and safety from Oakland University.

Community Work: I have been passionate about giving back to the community and community involvement from a young age. I believe my passion started during my time as a Girl Scout, and continued into high school where I spent many hours volunteering at the Anchorage Pioneers Home and more. Currently, I am a registered volunteer for the Food Bank, have passionately enjoyed being on the Board of Directors for Chugach Children's Services Head Start program and many other community service activities. Nothing makes me feel better than a day of volunteer work.

Family: I have three radical kids, Charlotte (14), Hudson (12) and Vayda (7). My parents also live here in Alaska close by.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: Sea glass beach on Kodiak: It is hidden away through an enchanting forest thick with bears, but worth the risk. A concentrated amount of sea glass ends up on this beach, and it sparkles blue and brown and green amongst the rocks. It is nature and God's way of showing you how imperfect things, what most would consider trash can be churned and polished into beautiful glowing treasures. This is a place I have only been alone, and reflected a lot on life, love and all the things.

Name the person you respect and why: One person I truly respect is my oncologist, Dr. Joanie Mayer Hope. A few years ago, I would have never imagined having an oncologist; she not only saved my life, but she works tirelessly to change the game of the future of the cancers she treats. She has inspired my daughter to become a surgeon, and is pioneering a huge effort to put the first ovarian cancer survivors on Everest with the goal of raising money to research and develop a diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer screening and detection.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: Fishing, flying, biking, hiking and being outside. I love photography, art and spending time with my friends. Paddleboarding and yoga are also two of my favorite activities.

What was your first job?: My first jobs were being a snowboard and ski instructor at Hilltop Ski Area, and working the front desk of a welding shop my dad's friend owned near our house. I loved teaching group after-school ski and snowboard lessons, and sharing my passion and love for the mountains with children. What has been your most rewarding community service?: Working with elderly in the Pioneers Home. The advanced ages and stages of life can be so challenging for those who are living in an assisted home or retirement home and isolated from their family. Each meal I spent sitting with some of my elderly connections there really meant something to them, and they joyously shared stories of wars, the Great Depression, and other eras, times and places of life that my generation will never know. It was a great honor to be there with them to fill the void of loneliness and hear about their lives and it is something I will always cherish. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Recently, I served as a speaker on a panel at two different conferences sharing my expertise and experience on mental health in construction. This is also something I am very passionate about, and am currently working on projects to incorporate mental health into safety and health manuals across the state. Another major achievement was in 2018 and 2019, helping my client Cornerstone General Contractors win the National Safety Excellence Award for two consecutive years at the National Associated General Contractors Conference in Denver and Las Vegas. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: Remember that every day is a gift. Enjoy each day, be present to yourself and others each day as if it could be your last. Put your notifications and phone on silent at least several hours per day, and carve in time for meditation, journaling, reading, expressive art, nature or whatever brings you peace, at least several times per week if not every day. I personally create boundaries and structure around my work days, as it would be easy to work all day, every day, as an entrepreneur. As one of my dear friends says: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

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