GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson

GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, former CEO of BSK Associates 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, PG, CEG, CHG, served as CEO of BSK Associates 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, 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
• 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 – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex