GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson
About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Rich Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-johnson-pg-ceg-a229704/), PG, CEG, CHG, former CEO of BSK Associates (https://www.bskassociates.com/) about his unconventional journey from competitive swimmer to geoprofessional leader. Johnson discusses his accidental discovery of geology, rise through the ranks by embracing every challenge, and transformation of a founder-driven firm into a systematized business. He offers candid insights on leadership, the changing work ethic of younger professionals, and concerns about over-reliance on technology. Johnson emphasizes the critical importance of investing personal time in career development, building professional relationships, and maintaining foundational knowledge. His practical advice centers on going beyond expectations and leveraging organizations like GBA for career advancement.
About Our Guest
Rich Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-johnson-pg-ceg-a229704/), PG, CEG, CHG, served as CEO of BSK Associates (https://www.bskassociates.com/) for 16 years (2006-2022), transforming the California-based consulting engineering firm into a premier employee-owned company with nearly 200 staff members. Under his leadership, BSK achieved "Great Place to Work" certification and became a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan company.
Johnson's path began when he discovered geology at Chico State University. He started his professional career as a laboratory technician and progressed through project management and leadership roles, distinguished by his advocacy for business systems and employee development.
Now serving as Principal Geologist, Johnson focuses on mentorship and risk management. A licensed Professional Geologist with over four decades of experience, he advocates for foundational learning and professional organization involvement.
Our Host
Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/), PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.
Show Notes
Introduction
Former CEO of BSK Associates (California-based geotech firm)
Now retired and "living the life"
Does part-time board work
Early Life and Education
Grew up in Walnut Creek, California (East Bay)
Childhood spent in walnut orchards with lots of outdoor exploration
Competitive swimmer age 6-18 at community pool
Worked as lifeguard and swim instructor
Eventually grew to dislike swimming from overexposure
Attended parochial school through 6th grade (reading at 8th grade level)
Transitioned to public school for junior high
Started college as PE (physical education) major at Chico State
Discovered geology through required general studies class
Two uncles were geologists - influenced his interest
Changed major to geology, graduated with bachelor's degree
Career Path
Entered job market during oil industry bust
Got first job as lab technician through pool connection (Forest Service contact)
Started at small geotech firm doing engineering geology
Learned from mentors who explained context and importance of work
Progressed from lab tech to field work to project management
Left first firm when owner became problematic expert witness
Brief stint at Dames and Moore (13 months in Fresno)
Joined BSK Associates doing environmental and engineering geology
Became Sacramento branch manager when previous manager left
Pushed for better project management software and tools
Rose through ranks: branch manager → environmental services director → board member → CEO (2006)
Became licensed professional geologist
Leadership
Key CEO skills: listening, big picture thinking, empathy, interest in people
Don't overreact to daily setbacks
Transformed BSK from founder-driven to systematized business
Implemented tools, processes, employee development programs
Achieved "best places to work" recognition
Company became 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
Made tough decisions removing underperforming leadership
Learned importance of relationships in winning work
The Geoprofessional Landscape
What's Changed:
* Less willingness to put in extra time for career development
* Employees expect to be "spoon-fed" rather than self-directed learning
* People want promotions too fast without doing foundational work
* 40-hour work week mentality vs. professional development mindset
What's Stayed the Same:
* Love for technical aspects and problem-solving
* Basic exploration tools remain rudimentary but necessary
* Risk management focus continues
* Engineers still love engineering
Future Outlook:
* Mega-firms getting bigger but may spawn specialized smaller firms
* Technology will be a tool, not a replacement
* Concern about over-reliance on computer outputs without understanding fundamentals
* AI may create "black box" approach - warns against this
* Profession remains necessary due to climate change and infrastructure needs
Life Advice
Invest your own time in career development
Put in extra hour every day working on yourself and profession
"You're a professional. You learn in your time. You come and do in our time"
Don't skip foundational experiences like soils lab work
Form relationships and build your network
Get involved with professional organizations like GBA
Take on challenges and volunteer for assignments
Speed Round
Favorite Book: Bible (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bible&i=stripbooks&crid=2QYZTVZEZURS7&sprefix=bible%2Cstripbooks%2C292&ref=nb_sb_noss_1)
Optimism index: 4 out of 5
Biggest Impact: Transforming BSK into professional business with systems and employee development while maintaining company culture
What he'd change:
Wouldn't hold onto problem employees so long
Wouldn't react so quickly to complaints without investigation
Advice for young professionals:
Put in extra time beyond 40 hours
Easy to be extraordinary - just work one extra hour per day on yourself
Get involved with GBA if possible
Final Thoughts
Work on yourself continuously
GBA involvement pays dividends
Get involved and invest in professional organizations
Success comes from going above and beyond standard expectations
Calls-to-action:
Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future podcast episodes
Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankwhite/) – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex (https://apexcos.com/)
