We recently connected with Carrin Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carrin, thanks for joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
The Best Boss I Ever Had: John Plansky
During my time on shore duty in the Navy, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was stationed at the prison on base in Miramar, CA, working as a correctional officer. My responsibilities included ensuring convicted sex offenders were properly registered with their state or city, a task that demanded a high level of emotional detachment. However, my personal life was in turmoil. I was grappling with relationship issues, a difficult child custody battle, and a deepening depression. The weight of these struggles began to seep into my work life, often leaving me in tears at my desk.
Amid this turbulent time, I was fortunate to have John Plansky as my boss. A retired Marine Warrant Officer, Mr. Plansky carried the demeanor of a seasoned leader, someone who had seen and experienced much in his career. One day, overwhelmed by my personal and professional challenges, I confided in him. I expected a stern reminder of duty and resilience, the kind of response typical in a military environment. Instead, I was met with compassion and understanding.
Mr. Plansky listened intently as I poured out my troubles. He comforted me with words I never thought I would hear from someone with his background. Recognizing the toll my current position was taking on me, he took immediate action. He reassigned me to a less stressful role within the office, a gesture that, while seemingly small, had a profound impact on my well-being.
This experience was transformative. For the first time in my military journey, I felt truly heard and cared for by a superior. Mr. Plansky’s empathy and willingness to help me through my difficulties not only eased my burden but also inspired me. I realized that the kind of leader I aspired to be was one who listens and cares for their team, just as Mr. Plansky had done for me.
From that point on, I dedicated myself to embodying those same values in my leadership style. Mr. Plansky’s example taught me that true leadership is not just about managing tasks and responsibilities; it’s about supporting and uplifting those you lead, especially in their times of need.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, my name is Carrin Michael Johnson, and I am the CEO of Life House Design and Construction in San Diego, CA. With over five years of experience in the construction industry, I am passionate about providing innovative and sustainable design solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.
My journey into the design and construction industry began when I started working for an Architectural Design Firm where I developed a deep appreciation for the process and teamwork needed to take a concept into reality.
At Life House, we specialize in a wide range of construction and design services, including residential and commercial projects, renovations, and custom builds. Our primary focus is on creating sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environments. We also offer consulting services for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), helping homeowners maximize their property value and living space.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to personalized service and our dedication to understanding each client’s vision. We pride ourselves on our ability to listen to our clients’ needs and transform their ideas into reality. Our team is known for its meticulous attention to detail, innovative solutions, and the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
One of the aspects I am most proud of is our role in generating generational wealth for our clients through smart, sustainable design and construction. We strive to educate our clients on the long-term benefits of their investments, ensuring that they not only meet their immediate needs but also add lasting value to their properties.
The main message I want potential clients and followers to understand is that Life House Design and Construction is more than just a construction company; we are a partner in your journey to creating spaces that inspire and enhance your life. We are passionate about bringing your vision to life and committed to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and Life House Design and Construction. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and turn your dreams into reality.

How did you build your audience on social media?
Building Our Audience on Social Media:
Building our audience on social media has been an exciting journey of connecting with people and sharing our passion for innovative design and construction. We started by setting clear goals and identifying our target audience—homeowners and real estate investors interested in sustainable and efficient building solutions. By posting regularly, we showcased our projects, shared behind-the-scenes content, and provided valuable tips related to home design and construction.
Engagement was key. We responded to comments, participated in relevant conversations, and collaborated with influencers in the real estate and construction industries. This human touch helped us build strong relationships and trust with our audience.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to:
Set SMART Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to guide your strategy
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Know Your Audience: Understand who you are trying to reach and tailor your content to their interests and needs.
Be Consistent: Post regularly and maintain a consistent brand voice and aesthetic.
Engage: Interact with your followers, respond to comments, and participate in conversations to build a community.
Provide Value: Share content that is informative, inspiring, and relevant to your audience’s needs and interests.
Get Help: Once you are making pretty good traction with your social media, I highly recommend you get a social media manager. Getting a manager will help you focus on the continued growth of your business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Best Source of New Clients:
The best source of new clients for us has been word-of-mouth referrals and our active presence on social media. Satisfied clients often refer us to their friends and family, which has significantly contributed to our growth. Additionally, our engaging and informative content on platforms like Instagram helps attract potential clients who are looking for reliable and innovative construction solutions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifehousesd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehousesd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifehousesd/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/life-house-design-and-construction/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC024ZiJpl61hb6kBJYIRF6A
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/life-house-design-and-construction-san-diego


