About Karl 

Karl Johnson's journey is characterized by a blend of outdoor adventures, community service, and a successful career path shaped by diverse experiences. As a youth, he excelled in the Boy Scouts, honing leadership skills and a passion for the outdoors. His time as a camp counselor at the Good News Camp on Famers Island Lake and as a junior leader at the YMCA further solidified his commitment to mentoring and serving others.

After completing his education at Bloomington Jefferson and receiving training in construction trades at Hennepin Technical, Karl embarked on a career journey that began humbly as a dishwasher in a family-owned restaurant. Through dedication and hard work, he progressed to become a chef, refining his culinary skills in downtown Minneapolis and Door County, Wisconsin.

A brief period in construction work, rehabilitating homes for affordable housing, demonstrated Karl's dedication to community and social impact. However, the events of September 11th prompted a career change. Despite success as a chef, Karl embraced the opportunity to join his uncle at Pan-O-Gold Baking Company in Rochester over 20 years ago.

Starting as a vacation relief route salesperson, Karl's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication led to remarkable success. Taking ownership of a long-term medical leave route, he increased sales by 60% in just one year. His achievements caught the company's attention, and he transitioned into management, leveraging his experience in running high-volume restaurant kitchens to drive growth for Pan-O-Gold in a challenging market.

Despite competition from other brands, Karl's strategic leadership and management skills propelled Pan-O-Gold, County Hearth, and Village Hearth Breads to new heights in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. Through consistent dedication and a focus on excellence, he achieved award-winning results year after year, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader and driving force behind the company's success in southeastern Minnesota.

After a lengthy career spanning over a million miles and introducing the County Hearth brand to Northern Iowa and Southeast Minnesota, Karl transitioned into entrepreneurship driven by his evolving passions. Establishing new distribution warehouses and creating job opportunities with above-average wages in Iowa and Southeast Minnesota were significant achievements during his tenure.

Feeling a shift in his professional interests, Karl decided to pursue his newfound passion for resale, particularly Mid-Century Modern furniture and vintage glassware. Recognizing that his heart no longer resonated with the bread business, he made the bold decision to leave his position at Pan-O-Gold.

With a desire to return to his roots of helping others and a clear plan in mind, Karl embarked on a new venture: starting an estate sale provider business. His goal was twofold - to assist the aging population as they transitioned and to contribute to the upcycling of household goods.

Karl's journey took an unexpected turn that would alter the course of his life forever. Although he had never considered running for office before, Karl felt compelled to explore the opportunity. With only five days left to file for office, he quickly made the decision to run. He paid the filing fee at the county office and was handed two maps, signaling the beginning of his political journey.

Undeterred by the steep learning curve, he ordered campaign signs, created promotional materials, and even participated in the Rochesterfest parade. Despite his efforts, he faced challenges, including the difficulty of gaining support and momentum for his campaign.

However, a pivotal encounter with a former county commissioner, Paul Wilson, changed the trajectory of his campaign. Wilson's encouragement gave him renewed confidence to continue his campaign.

Soon after, support from unexpected sources began to pour in, with doors opening and campaign signs popping up across the district. Despite starting late in the race and facing challenges with absentee ballots already being cast, Karl remained undeterred.

Despite the unsuccessful campaign, he utilized the experience to gain insights into the community's needs and identify areas for personal growth. Engaging in advisory boards, refining public speaking abilities, and prioritizing meaningful relationships, he views this journey as the genuine mark of achievement. This sets the stage to run again in 2024, eyeing the seat in 2025 with a wealth of newfound knowledge and personal development.