Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict by William Ury.
What charity or cause are you passionate about?
Big Brothers Big Sisters.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work?
I jump on my Peloton. I love my Peloton bike. It’s easy, it’s fast, it’s a great workout.
What vacation spot is on your bucket list?
Probably South Africa. My significant other is from South Africa. I think it’s a beautiful place, and the history behind it is really intriguing.
If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
I am Kaagwaantaan; in our Tlingit culture I’m an Eagle/Wolf. So my first would be a wolf; my second would be an eagle.
Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict by William Ury.
What charity or cause are you passionate about?
Big Brothers Big Sisters.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work?
I jump on my Peloton. I love my Peloton bike. It’s easy, it’s fast, it’s a great workout.
What vacation spot is on your bucket list?
Probably South Africa. My significant other is from South Africa. I think it’s a beautiful place, and the history behind it is really intriguing.
If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
I am Kaagwaantaan; in our Tlingit culture I’m an Eagle/Wolf. So my first would be a wolf; my second would be an eagle.
Off the Cuff
e’ve always been doing cool things,” says Russell Dick of the seeming overnight success of Huna Totem Corporation. Converting a defunct fish cannery in Hoonah into the Icy Strait Point tourist magnet has, with other investments, propelled the corporation to the top ranks of Alaska companies.
While the growth happened under Dick as president and CEO, he reserves most credit for his staff: “We’ve got people that are excited about what they do and the impact that tourism can have in the state of Alaska, in our region, and in our community.”
Dick grew up around Huna Totem; his father was the corporation’s longest-serving chairman of the board. To serve his community, Dick studied industrial engineering at Stanford University—“It’s about managing organizations, managing people, setting up processes, how to make things more efficient. It takes a lot of the people side of business, integrating with the technical side of business,” he explains—and then returned to Palo Alto for a master’s degree in management.
Guiding that effort was a value Dick’s parents instilled in him: “If you always have an opportunity to build something and create value for other people, there’s no better way to live than that.”
Russell Dick: Anything sports related. I like to get outdoors. I love hanging out with my dog and doing massive hikes.
AB: Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have always wanted to learn?
Dick: I would love to learn how to play the guitar. I think it would be cool to sit on the couch, play some songs, relax and unwind, and play for friends.
AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Dick: I did a solo muskox hunt on Nunivak Island… I had to do all the work; I got it processed and taken care of and was ready to go when [the transporter] came.
AB: What are you superstitious about?
Dick: What do you call it? Splitting the pole, where you’re with a friend or loved one walking down the street, you never split apart to walk around an obstacle. Always walk around it together.
AB: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Dick: In Juneau, SALT… The other is The Fisherman’s Daughter in Hoonah.
AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?
Dick: Eminem.
AB: What’s your greatest extravagance?
Dick: Wine. I love my wine. I spare no expense when it comes to wine. I’m a big Pinot noir person.
AB: What’s your best attribute and worst attribute?
Dick: My best attribute is [that there is] nothing too difficult, too challenging, or something I’m not willing to take on when it comes to positively impacting my community or the people I love… Uh, I react pretty quickly and then overthink some things… It’s not a great attribute to have in the work we do.
