Paul Johnson is a builder who also built Rotary into his life more than three decades ago. His company was the general contractor of the Wick Park Pavilion renovation project, for which RCY raised $350,000 -- a club record. Learn more here about Paul’s family, hobbies and what it takes for him to tell his favorite stories.
Name: Paul Johnson
Years in Rotary: 32
Resident of: Beaver Township
Hometown: Boardman
How long have you lived here? 62 years here, 7 years elsewhere
What brought you here, or kept you here? I grew up here and came back for family, business, great place.
Education: Boardman High School; Duke University; miscellaneous courses at other schools, including Youngstown State University
Occupation: General contractor, Adolph Johnson & Son Co., specializing in commercial, industrial and institutional construction and design/building.
Who is in your family circle? Wife, Michele; No. 1 son, Peter; No. 2 son, Lucas.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what are they like? Duke, a Yellow Lab through and through.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time? Family, fishing, golf, driving the roadster, friends.
Why did you join Rotary? Tom Kirk asked me to join. My father was a Youngstown Rotarian and had a favorable perception based on his experience.
Why do you remain a Rotarian? I enjoy the people, and it is a nice way to give back to the community.
Which Rotary Project resonates with you and your understanding of our community's needs? In recent years I would say the support for the schools and for local projects such as the Wick Park Pavilion restoration.
What does Rotary's motto "Service Above Self" mean to you? The rewards of serving others are far greater than anything experienced in serving only yourself.
What would you be doing on Wednesdays if you didn't attend the weekly luncheon meeting? For the past year, that question is, "What have you been doing since you haven't been attending the weekly meeting?" The answer is, working.
Which type of Rotary socials do you prefer - black tie affairs or casual attire? I enjoy both. It is nice to have occasions to bring out the tux and Michele likes buying nice dresses - they are a little more festive. Whether the occasion is formal or casual, the camaraderie is basically the same.
A Rotary tradition is to have sing-alongs during meetings. Would you ever lead us in a song? You don't want that to happen. Out of courtesy to others, I lip sync.
What do you think of Scott Schulick's Rotary pants, and would you wear a pair? They are very nice. They look best on Scott.
What's a story of yours that you don't get to tell often enough? Sorry - I only tell stories over cocktails.