Jason Johnson: Summiting Success
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
BERKELEY — As the son of two construction professionals, it’s no surprise that Jason Johnson was introduced to the industry at a young age. After more than two decades, he looks back on some of the influential factors that inspired him to take up the family trade. “Both of my parents were in construction, but I think my mom’s involvement had a particular impact on me because I found it very inspirational to see her break into a male-dominated field,” he recalls. “I also remember watching my dad dig footings for a new deck and then seeing the finished product just a couple of days later. It was incredible to see something go from a hole in the ground to a complete structure.”
Today, as owner of Home Healing Renovations, Jason continues to have a fascination with the building process. “I like collaborating with my clients to bring their dreams to life,” he says. “In many cases, a client will come to me with a single concept, but hidden within that concept might be eight different needs that must be met. I really enjoy the process of unpacking those and creating a design that provides a holistic solution.”
Originally from Indiana, Jason came to the Bay Area in 2008 and currently lives in Alameda with his wife and their children. As an ardent advocate of environmental sustainability, he says he appreciates the Bay Area’s eco-conscious character. “As a contractor, there are a lot of opportunities for me to do Green remodeling and construction here, which really aligns with my personal values.”
Outside of work, Jason engages in a variety of activities, from spending time with his family to pursing outdoor endeavors. “One of my main pastimes is mountain climbing,” he says. “I’ve summited Mount Shasta twice, and I’m looking at going up to Mount Rainier sometime this year. I also like canoeing, kayaking and hiking.” In addition, Jason dedicates time to political activism and volunteering with young adults. “I do a certain amount of street protesting, mostly for environmental causes, but sometimes for social justice as well. I attend some type of rally at least once a month, and spend a couple of weeks every summer taking young people in the community camping.”
In his life and career, Jason espouses the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. “As a father, I want my kids to be able to enjoy a beautiful planet, and one way I can contribute to that is by making a positive impact with my job,” he says. “Whether it’s conserving resources by reusing materials or designing homes to consume less energy, there are a lot of different ways I’m able to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices in my profession.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jason says he’d look for his next peak experience. “I would probably climb a mountain in a new location. I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska—there are some really beautiful mountains up there.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: Climbing a dry glacier on the northern side of Mount Shasta.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. I would probably go to the Renaissance—it seemed like such an elegant time.
Q: Is there a book that you’ve found influential over the years?
A: There are two that come to mind: “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman, which has helped my spiritual and personal growth, and “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” which pertains to my passion for mountain climbing.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My Batman costume.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Talk radio. I listen to KPFA a lot.
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