Chuck Johnson

From Backhoe Operator to General Superintendent

W.B. Hopke is blessed with amazing employees and this month we would like to pay tribute to Chuck Johnson, our general superintendent, for his significant role and contributions to the company. He has truly helped make W.B. Hopke the company it is today and what better way to honor him than to share his story with our employees, vendors, and clients.

Chuck has worked for W.B. Hopke for 34 years. His story though begins in Louisiana where he worked construction with his father-in-law and operated equipment. “Back in Louisiana, you worked until the rainy season came, and then work basically came to a standstill. I had a young wife and two young kids and I needed more work to support my family. The only way to get work in those days was to go to an unemployment office and see what jobs were available. The options were in Florida or Virginia. I signed up with W.B. Hopke in 1989 because they had plenty of work and I have been with the company ever since,” said Chuck.

Chuck started as a backhoe operator for Hopke because he knew how to run the equipment. Back then there were only six crews, and today there are 18 crews. He was promoted to foreman and then to superintendent and then to general superintendent, a position he still holds today. As general superintendent, Chuck has numerous responsibilities overseeing just about every aspect of a project. “Our job is to put pipe in the ground, have manpower at the right place when we need it, train the right people for their positions, schedule the work, and plan and get materials where they need to be,” said Chuck.

For Chuck, every day is different and that’s what makes his job so interesting. “I never get bored. There’s always a challenge, whether it be a change in plans to accommodate materials and equipment at a site, or an employee calls in sick at the last minute and adjustments have to be made to get people where they need to be. You never know what each day will bring.”

Chuck doesn’t lay pipe any more himself as he has talented people that do that work for him. He also has three generations of ownership above him to help advise and offer solid experience and support. Chuck says, “I have seen the Hopkes go back after 10 years to lay new pipe in the ground. Not many companies these days would do that. We have plenty of return work, because clients know the Hopkes have pride in what they do and stand behind their work.”

It’s not all work for Chuck Johnson. He has been married for 42 years to his wife Debby. He has two daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. He loves to hunt and fish and he really loves his classic car collection. He has a 1937 Chevy truck, a 1969 Firebird, a Trans Am among other cars, and a Harley Davidson.

Chuck has lots of fond memories and experiences working with Hopke, yet when he reflects on his career and the things he has learned, he credits his father, stating, “Until I was about 25, I thought my father was the dumbest guy around. But as I got older, I realized he was the smartest guy I know. I just wasn’t listening.”

Chuck’s offers the following words of advice to the up-and-coming guys at Hopke. “To make it in this business, be a good employee and be low maintenance. Watch, listen to and learn from those around you. Above all always show up to work on time, every day — being dependable will help you have a great career at Hopke.”

A special thanks to Chuck Johnson for his devotion to W.B. Hopke and to all our employees for their hard work and dedication to our company every day.

Contact W.B. Hopke about a career in utility installation and site work at 703-971-0404 or info@wbhopke.com.