Leaving a Legacy Of Paying It Forward

A promise to care is not your typical mantra connected to a construction company, but BGS parents Dave and Sophia Johnson make compassion their mission in both business and life.

“We believe the true meaning of life is giving to others.”

In 2015, the couple established Eastern States Engineering, which is in the business of demountable steel structures. The company is rapidly growing, with operations in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The company’s mission statement ‘we promise to care’ has not been chosen at random; the acronym CARE (Connection, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) truly represents what the Johnsons stand for.

As a way of celebrating their professional wins, they support a range of charitable organisations in the hope

“We choose worthy causes as they cross our path,” they said.

“A worthy cause, to us, is our church, school and anything that helps disadvantaged people.”

Their son Daylin Johnson is in Year 9 at Brisbane Grammar School and is a rising star of the Fencing Program. Investing in his and other students’ future is a cause close to their heart.

At Giving Day 2022, the family donated to name a collaboration pod in one of the STEAM towers. Daylin chose the flooring design of biology pod, which represents DNA sequencing. The Precinct is currently taking shape at the western end of the School, but as Headmaster Anthony Micallef says, “there is more to STEAM than just the remodelling of the campus.”

The $70 million project will be transformational in how education is delivered at BGS, through the emergence of digital technology, artificial intelligence and DNA mapping, just to name a few.

The generosity and philanthropic culture at the School impressed the Johnsons when they first joined the BGS community.

“You only get out of life what you put into it…become involved as much as your time allows.”

“We were inspired, especially by the Old Boys who carry on the tradition of giving back to the school for future generations.”

Leaving behind a legacy of paying it forward speaks to the Johnsons.

“One day your grandchildren may attend the same school, and they will benefit directly from your involvement in philanthropy.”