ArcStone Spotlight: Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson

Title: Project Manager

Start date: July 2016 

BA (Before ArcStone). I worked at a software / event management company. They developed a system similar to AMO. It had a powerful, custom database. It was mostly used for nonprofits to organize their fundraising events and auctions. It could be really cool as there were times when you’d be someone’s savior because they were unsure of how to run an event.

I started out doing project management for five or six events where I was the lead. There’s pluses and minuses when you’re on the front line and someone’s upset. It's tough, but in general, I like it. The personal interaction is my favorite.

No matter how kind you are, German children will always be kinder. I went to school for liberal studies. I had no idea what I wanted to do for a long time afterwards. I went through college working blue collar jobs – detailing cars, painting houses, then I kept painting houses for five years after. I knew I didn't want to stay in Ames, Iowa. I could have found work in Des Moines, but it was still a small town. I came to the Twin Cities on two week’s notice, no plan and only $500. I was single. I did a some odd jobs with a buddy of mine, then I looked at going to school for teaching. I was friends with a teacher that made it look a lot easier than it is. A couple of weeks into my second year of school, I decided against it. I wanted to teach kindergarten, and I soon realized how tough it would be. 

Gimme Baked Goods. I started a new business with my wife this past year making kringla. My great-grandma was half Norwegian. She learned from someone before her on my dad’s side. Growing up, my mom would make kringla as a holiday treats. About three or four years ago, I realized I liked baking a lot, so I got recipes from my mom. I tried it, and my wife, Lindsey, freaked out (in a good way). Lindsey does branding, so we decided to make a business of it and sell at the Northeast Minneapolis Farmer’s Market. We made a ton of connections with great local vendors and had a ton of fun. 

Frankie says relax. Baking is really relaxing for me. It's therapeutic and sentimental. Sharing is the best part of it – the bringing it to parties and giving it away. I don't do it to get the praise, but to share and create some community.

This Old House. We’re remodeling our house. Kitchen and dining room, took down cabinets, repainted cabinets – which is easy for us because I used to be a painter – sanded and refinished floors and stair case, and finished our half-story attic. 

Our house was a foreclosure when we purchased it. We were enthusiastic at the time, so we decided to go for it cause the price was right. We have a knack for seeing potential when other people may not have looked past it.