Pictured is Rhonda Johnson, co-owner of Weber Knapp, who was recently honored as a Woman of Distinction for the Girl Scouts of Western New York for 2024. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

Rhonda Johnson began her career at Weber Knapp 33 years ago as a production worker.

Now, Johnson is one of the co-owners of the business.

Later this week, Johnson will be honored by the Girl Scouts of Western New York as a Woman of Distinction.

Johnson was not aware of being nominated for the Women of Distinction honor, being nominated by Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, for her dedication to Weber Knapp and her service to the community. Johnson was a Brownie and a Girl Scout in the 1970s.

“It’s a great organization and the leadership skills it creates carry with you throughout your life,” Johnson said.

Additionally, Johnson said she was very honored to be included, and that it was “humbling to be honored in such a way” for things she loves to do.

“I love to work and volunteer and to be honored in this way by other women is exciting,” Johnson said. “I think it’s important that we hold each other up for things we do. It’s a great honor.”

Women of Distinction awards are an opportunity to recognize women who exemplify the mission of the Girl Scouts by inspiring them to dream, explore, and become creative problem solvers with the ability to tackle challenges to make the world a better place. These community leaders show strength in character, dedication to community service, and commitment to encouraging girls. The organization looks toward the future with these women as role models in their personal and professional lives.

Johnson first began with Weber Knapp 33 years ago as a production worker on second shift.

“The original plan was to be here for a few years, because I needed the job,” Johnson said. “I quickly fell in love with the company and the job. I got my business associates with JCC and bachelor’s in business from Franklin University in Ohio and then went on to my Master’s.”

Johnson continued to work and grow in the company, advancing to president of the company and then purchasing it with the CFO in December 2023.

She said she ended up in her current position because she did not stop growing and moving through the company over the years.

“It was a natural progression for the path I was on,” Johnson said. “The company is good at supporting people and promoting from within. The possibilities were always there and always endless.”

Johnson’s favorite thing about her job is the people, the ability to make decisions that will keep her employees safe, growing the company and the impact it has on the community.

“The greatest part of the job is the influence it can have,” Johnson said.

Besides work, Johnson spends her time with her family, including her eight year old grandson and two year old granddaughter. She also likes to travel and be involved with the community. Specifically, she is involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, which she said is a great organization with great people.

Her plans for the future involve growing the company.

“I would like to see the company be wildly successful,” Johnson said. “I would like to see our employment double and to be a success in the community.”

Overall, Johnson wants people to know not only that she is honored to be included in the Girl Scout’s Women of Distinction for 2024, but how much the Girl Scouts organization means to her.

“I want people to know how good of a program the Girl Scouts is,” Johnson said. “It instills leadership and a love of volunteering that you carry with you throughout life. It does try to build and mentor these girls into our next leaders.”