CIRI selected Robert Juliussen as its 2009 Shareholder of the Year. CIRI President and Chief Executive Officer Margie Brown presented Juliussen with an award plaque and an Athabascan chief ‘s necklace at CIRI’s 2009 Anchorage Friendship Potlatch on Oct. 18.
“CIRI selected Bob for his dedication to providing outstanding homes for low-income families in the CIRI region,” said Brown. “The results of his hard work are obvious to anyone who drives through many of Anchorage’s neighborhoods.”
Bob’s commitment to Alaska communities has deep roots. He was born and raised in Anchorage. His mother was from Seldovia, Alaska, and his father was from Kenai, Alaska. Bob is of Aleut descent.
Bob’s colleagues at Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA), where he has served as construction manager since 2000, describe him as a very skilled builder. He has 28 years of experience in Anchorage’s construction industry, has managed some 500 residential renovation projects and has built more than 30 new single-family homes.
Bob’s homes won eight awards in the Anchorage Home Builders Association’s Annual Parade of Homes, including Best Design, Best Interior, Best Exterior, Best Overall Workmanship and the coveted Golden Hammer award in the $300,000-and-under division.
Many families have been awed by the quality of Bob’s homes and can scarcely believe they are meant for low-income households. His high standards have cause private builders in the area to step up their own quality standards.
“We are all very proud of Bob! He personally designs the homes he builds for CIHA based on his experiences with our clients and residents, often considering how his own family might live in the home as his measure of good design,” said Carol Gore, CIHA president and chief executive officer, who also recognized Juliussen at the Anchorage Potlatch. “His homes are quite simply the best in design and value in our community.”
But Bob is known for more than just his construction expertise. Since he started at CIHA in 2000, his entire crew has stayed on with him, a rarity in the construction industry.
“They say he is a great guy to work for … he is fair, honest, caring and respectful to all he has contact with,” said Gore. “His crew exhibits these same traits – traits they learned from Bob. We call his crew our ambassadors.”
Bob also developed a four-year apprenticeship program through Alaska Works Partnership. He has trained 12 Alaska Native apprentices so far.
Bob considers this achievement the one he is most proud of. He says finding out that he was good at construction at a young age set him on the right path, and he is always looking for ways to help others find their path.
