The longstanding executive at Skanska is retiring after four decades. • Daily Journal of Commerce

Daniel “DJ” Johnson is reviewing a modernization project at the Astor Elementary School in Astoria. (courtesy of Skanska)

Growing up on a farm in Washington’s Yakima Valley proved to be a good preparation for Daniel Johnson’s 40-year building career. As one of eight siblings, he got up early to look after his father’s milk and cattle.

“That brought a sense of work ethic because at a very young age you scratched your ass and you didn’t know because you did just that,” said Johnson.

The early habit continued in the construction. At the SkanskaJohnson would have friendly contests with a colleague to see who would get to the office first. Often both of them were at work at 5:30 a.m.

Johnson, known as “DJ,” retired Friday as senior vice president of operations for Skanska. Along the way, he led projects like that Portland International Airport Expansion of the North Terminal in the early 1990s for United and Delta airlines, several projects for a large technology manufacturer in Hillsboro, main square in downtown Vancouver, Washington, and countless schools and health buildings. He was also part of the suggestion team for the Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture, which is now on the issue PDX Next Suite of projects.

Johnson began working for a local contractor while studying at the University of Washington. He was interested in the emergence of large projects. One of them was the Columbia Center, a 76-story skyscraper in downtown Seattle that remains the tallest building in Washington.

Johnson graduated with a degree in construction management and immediately began renovating the UW hospital.

“It was really a really great experience,” said Johnson. “I was in the way over my head and was surrounded by great people.”

As a 26-year-old overseeing a construction project, Johnson learned the value of humility.

“The key there is not to pretend you know anything,” he said. “As soon as a craftsman smells a know-it-all, Adios. Don’t pretend to know anything. Just record everything around you all the time. “

Johnson worked for Hensel Phelps Construction Co. For five years he was involved in projects such as a 4,800-bed prison, a 500-room hotel, and a high-security Tomahawk missile factory in the California mountains.

“I was exposed to very big work at a very young age,” he said.

Johnson followed suit Baugh construction 1990 in Beaverton. The local company was acquired by Skanska in 2000 when the construction giant wanted to break into the Portland subway market.

Daniel Johnson

Johnson played a key role in the PDX Terminal North project, Baugh’s largest project to date, and opened doors to additional contracts. His idea of ​​mounting the roof on the ground and putting it in place ultimately won the day.

“I said, ‘Why don’t we build it on the ground and lift it into place? ‘And everyone turned to me – how, are you an idiot? “

But Johnson’s colleagues soon found merit in the proposal.

Brad Harrison, senior manager of PDX Next Construction Services, worked with Johnson on a variety of projects at the airport, including the terminal access program in the late 1990s.

“Dan’s deep engineering knowledge and ability to solve complex problems helped drive this project forward,” said Harrison.

Johnson has never been shy about sharing his thoughts, but he also believes in the value of listening. This works twice in construction, where young workers are often asked to pay their dues before they speak up.

“Younger people, less experienced people, you have to involve them,” he said. “You have to let her talk.”

Johnson, 60, plans to spend more time helping the nonprofit he started with his wife, Liz Bounds. The Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation honors her son who died of suicide at the age of 23. To date, the foundation has raised approximately $ 500,000 to provide wilderness therapy to 30 young people at risk. Many parties in the construction industry have donated, Johnson said.

During Johnson’s last week with Skanska, he attended projects at the airport and schools in Astoria and Vancouver.

Trevor Wyckoff, Skanska vice president and account manager, said he would miss getting Johnson to the office in the morning.

“He’s a very outgoing and very charismatic leader,” said Wyckoff, who has worked with Johnson for 20 years. “He is someone people are drawn to because he leads and teaches. He takes people under his wing and looks after them. He can be tough and determined, but he’s also a big hearted guy. “

Retired Johnson plans to go to the Grand Canyon, kite board in Maui, Hawaii, and ride motorcycles to Sturgis, South Dakota. As he put it, he is ready to “attack the bucket list”.

Johnson also plans to help his daughter Breanna Bounds Johnson build a house in Eugene.

“You should see our calendar,” said the elder Johnson. “It is full.”