At a Glance

What book is currently on your nightstand?
Ha! I have several depending on the mood I am in… I am working through the Bible, a fitness book, and a management philosophy book. There are also a few mining history books in the stack, too.

What movie do you recommend to everyone you know?
I’m not really a big movie buff.

What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work?
I like to have a seat on our deck with my wife and a beer and catch up on the day, followed by a walk with our dogs, Kilo and Milli.

If you couldn’t live in Alaska, what’s your dream locale?
I’d be torn between a small town in the mountains in the west or somewhere in walking distance to a large beach with loud surf, boogie boarding, and some snorkeling.

If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
A bear! How cool would it be to walk around town with a bear following you?

Dan Graham and his dog

At a Glance

What book is currently on your nightstand?
Ha! I have several depending on the mood I am in… I am working through the Bible, a fitness book, and a management philosophy book. There are also a few mining history books in the stack, too.

What movie do you recommend to everyone you know?
I’m not really a big movie buff.

What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work?
I like to have a seat on our deck with my wife and a beer and catch up on the day, followed by a walk with our dogs, Kilo and Milli.

If you couldn’t live in Alaska, what’s your dream locale?
I’d be torn between a small town in the mountains in the west or somewhere in walking distance to a large beach with loud surf, boogie boarding, and some snorkeling.

If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
A bear! How cool would it be to walk around town with a bear following you?

Images ©Kerry Tasker

Off the Cuff

Dan Graham
D

onlin Gold appointed Dan Graham as its new General Manager in June; he previously served as its permit manager for years. He says, “There’s nothing I would rather do than be involved in mining. As a kid I had the best sandbox equipment collection in the entire neighborhood. I spent hours digging holes and building dams. And look where I am now: same kid, just a bigger sandbox.”

Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time?
Dan Graham: Weekend mornings, I like to slow down, enjoy some coffee on the deck, and catch up on current events and touch base with family. For activities, I still convince myself I can play old-timers hockey, I play a few rounds of golf every summer, enjoy a good hike and climbing around historic mining areas, and I like to fish but I really suck at the catching part—just ask my wife and daughters.

AB: Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have always wanted to learn?
Graham: Get better at equipment mechanics so I can do more than just change the tires, check the oil, and charge the battery.

AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Graham: In 2001 we lived in Healy (my wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 7), and I put my notice in resigning from my job with Usibelli to move closer to my wife’s family in Anchorage and try something new—with no job lined up. We took a risk and it has worked out! What is the saying? No risk, no reward.

AB: What’s your go-to comfort food?
Graham: A little bubbly beverage called beer—there is a porkchop in every bottle.

AB: What’s your favorite way to exercise?
Graham: Hockey, golf, and hiking. I can’t run anymore (bad knees), and stationary equipment works in a pinch, but I much rather be moving when I work out.

AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?
Graham: I was a concert buff in my teens: Queen (with Freddy Mercury), Van Halen (the original crew), ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers. It was a great era to grow up in. But I never got to see the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, or Elton John—it would have to be one of those three.

AB: What’s your greatest extravagance?
Graham: Vacations. We’re not big on the low cost/low budget options; we usually splurge.

AB: What are you superstitious about?
Graham: I’m If I have a bad hole in golf, the ball goes back in the bag and I try a different one. Doesn’t really seem to work, but I keep trying it.

AB: What is your best and worst attribute?
Graham: Best attribute: I try not to get too worked up one way or the other, keep an even keel as best I can, even when those around me may want to go into a panic. Worst attribute: I have plenty. I am sure my girls would say I am impatient… and they are right.

Dan Graham headshot