3 minute read
Platteville Portrait
I
t’s a family business that has evolved since 1956, and for the past 40 years, UW-Platteville alumnus TODD JOHNSON ’81 has led the company. Johnson is the Chairman and CEO of Capstan Corporation, a holding company which focused on acquiring and growing businesses in a variety of industries, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota.
ENGINEERING EDUCATION FUELS GROWTH OF FAMILY BUSINESS
To help with the changing demands of the business, Johnson made the decision to move to Southwest Wisconsin to continue his education.
“My father and grandfather started a small construction company in Superior, Wisconsin, and started it with a brand new wheelbarrow and a used pickup truck,” said Johnson. “I was guided into the business and showed interest. I selected UW-Platteville because at the time the business really needed an engineer.”
Johnson earned a degree in individually contracted engineering management, and after graduation he moved back to Superior to assist with the family business. He credits his UW-Platteville education with preparing him to grow the company and become an investor in different industries. Throughout the decades, the business, originally named Reuben Johnson and Son, Inc., advanced from being a building contractor to a highway-heavy contractor working in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. The company continued to expand into different areas.
“We started a bank in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We bought Fraser Shipyard on Lake Superior. We started a plastic company, and it became a pretty big deal. It brought jobs to our hometown community of Superior. We bought a utility company in Omaha, Nebraska. Most recently, we founded a crane rental that serves the Midwest, and acquired a fire and rescue boat manufacturing company,” said Johnson. “Yes, we have applied ourselves, taken risks, and have worked hard. We have integrity, people like to work with us, but the foundation of all of it was going to UW-Platteville.”
As Johnson continues to run Capstan Corporation, there are lessons he learned at UW-Platteville that still benefit him today—specifically, the quest to solve problems. This takeaway has Johnson running towards problems with solutions instead
TODD JOHNSON right, pictured with his father, Troy Johnson, whom he worked side-by-side with for 25 years
of avoiding them.
“UW-Platteville challenged me and pushed me,” he said. “The regiment you have as an engineer—it got me in the mindset of let’s figure it out; the curiosity to solve the problem.”
As Johnson reflects on the family business, he’s proud of all the success, and he’s also mighty proud of being a Pioneer. It’s why Johnson continues to give back to his alma mater. Through his financial gifts, Johnson hopes the next generation of students will appreciate their collegiate chapter.
“I went to school for an education. My grandfather got to the eighth grade and my father got to the 12th grade. I was encouraged to go to college. It was a big deal,” said Johnson. “We have been very blessed. I received a phenomenal education at UW-Platteville. When I talk to UW-Platteville student callers I say, ‘Do me a favor, when you are in my shoes and somebody calls, take the call and give what you can. We should give back throughout our career.’”
Johnson is being recognized by the UW-Platteville Alumni Association for his career accomplishments and support of the university with the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Since Johnson’s graduation, he has come back to the Driftless area to visit campus and recalls his days of living in Morrow and Pickard halls and participating in different organizations.
“I was involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It was a nice release for me from the driving pressures of school,” said Johnson. “Saturday night Glenview didn’t have food, and I developed an interest in cooking. We would get a bunch of people together from the dorms and I enjoyed the challenge of cooking for friends.”
As Johnson looks back on his UW-Platteville days, he’s grateful for his experience and the relationships he was able to build with his peers and instructors.
“I respect the education I received and the commitment from the professors to make sure we knew the materials,” he said. “It was an incredible experience and one that I wouldn’t trade to go anywhere else.”
TODD JOHNSON
AND his wife, Susan Johnson
