Karl Heinz

Education: Bachelor's Degree of Business Administration Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management from University of Alaska Anchorage, Master of Business Administration Service Operations from University of Alaska Southeast

Community work: Haines Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Conference, Lynn Canal Counseling Services, Lions Club, Elks Club, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, Copper Basin 300

Family: Wife Jamie, daughter Paige, son Chandler

Hometown: Anchorage

Favorite lunch spot? Fireweed Restaurant in Haines.

Best stress reliever? Being at the lake or golfing.

Favorite place in Alaska? Anywhere outdoors spending time with family and friends.

Your most memorable experience that could only have happened in Alaska. I attended an outdoor wedding at Lake Lucille and the ceremony had to be stopped twice. Once because of the noise from floatplane taking off and then about five minutes later a bald eagle swooped down and grabbed a fish out of the water. Everyone was paying more attention to the eagle than the ceremony. It is an amazing state we live in.

What is the strangest thing you've ever seen in Alaska? I was in the middle of Big Lake one July day when a snowmachine went by skipping across the water.

Name the person you most respect and why. My parents because of the unconditional love and support they have always provided, the opportunities that they allowed me to experience, and the strong beliefs they have instilled in me.

Famous quote to live by: "Leaders don't create followers they create more leaders." — Tom Peters

How did you make your first dollar? Working for tips from fishing clients at our family's hunting and fishing lodge on Raspberry Island near Kodiak.

What did your pet or child teach you about business? My children have taught me the importance of balance. To be truly successful in the long term at anything you need to find the necessary balance.

What was your biggest challenge in life and how have you overcome it? The biggest challenge that I continue to struggle with is trying to be involved in too many things. At times this creates stress and frustration because it does not allow me to commit time and resources needed to do a good job.

What was the least intelligent thing you've ever done or seen and what did you learn from it? When I was 11 years old I was helping my dad in the shop. He had just cut a thick piece of metal in half with a torch, without thinking I leaned over and picked it up to put it on the table. I burned my hand very severely. I learned that if you do not think before you act; the consequences can be very painful.

Describe something you learned as a child that made a difference in your later years. I learned at a young age that your reputation, good or bad, will often precede you. It is very important to remember the value of a good reputation and the perception of your actions.