River City Six – Todd Johnson
Meet W. Todd Johnson, senior vice president of economic development at Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (www.omahachamber.org/economic-development).
Tell us a little about your business. – The Chamber is laser focused on making the Greater Omaha area a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
How did you get started in the business? – I have loved Omaha my entire life, so having retired from a 25-year career at Gallup, the Chamber was the perfect “next step.” Absolutely no one was surprised when they heard of my move to the Chamber.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Over my career, I’ve done business in countries well known for their corrupt business practices. Running an ethical business in a corrupt country is hard, very hard. In some cases, I had to close down the business instead of “playing the game.”
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I helped Gallup acquire its trademark (sounds ironic, but true) in Brazil and Spain. Those two projects were a big deal.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve been with my wonderful wife Mary for 27 years, and we have three great adult sons—Ed, Charlie, and Sam—and I can’t forget about Maggie, my golden retriever who can do no wrong.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I almost died in my mid-20s from a rare blood disease I contracted in China. That was a serious wake-up call.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’ve run 25 marathons in 15 different countries and, as a result, I am getting a knee replacement later this month. Worth it? Absolutely!
Who inspires you? – My Father, Wallace H. Johnson – even in his 80s, he has the perfect balance of work, family, fun.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Never give in, never, never, never.” – Winston Churchill
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Noble.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti (The Rocky theme song).
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The power to ease someone’s pain.
Which talent would you most like to have? – You are asking this of a former Gallup executive…self assurance. Love that one.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I helped Dr. Beverly Kracher (and many others) build the Omaha Business Ethics Alliance. Omaha can and should become the world’s beacon of ethics!
What is your favorite movie? – This is the easiest question of the lot. Fletch. I know the entire script (which drives my family crazy).
What is your favorite TV show? – Cheers. My college buddies and I would watch every evening after dinner, and easy to say that I have seen each episode (multiple times).
What is your favorite local restaurant? – 801 Chophouse.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 346-5000; tjohnson@omahachamber.org; www.omahachamber.org/economic-development.