The Dayton couple of more than 25 years also co-owns the retail shop Agnes & Orson and are members of the Rubi Girls, a Dayton-based comedy drag troupe that has raised more than a $1 million for gay causes and AIDS and HIV in its 30-year history.
It seemed more than appropriate that this influential pair would be co-Daytonians of the Week.
Josh Stucky and Brent Johnson (Staff Photo by Amelia Robinson)
What superpower would you love to have?
BRENT: If I could have any superpower, it would be the power to heal. There is so much pain and hurt in this world, and I just wish I could take some of it away sometimes. There are endless types of pain, not just physical, that people have to carry with them day in and day out.
JOSH: I would like to possess the power to read minds. I would love to know what people are REALLY thinking.
How did you get involved with your work?
BRENT: I've always had a passion for small business. Why, I don't know but it is in my blood. The first day I worked in a salon was November 1999, when we opened 506 E. 3rd St. I believe the business type itself is secondary, it's the customer/staff connection I crave. Business is the building of relationships and trust.
JOSH: I got into doing the Rubi Girls as a way to help those affected by HIV. I lost a significant other on 9/3/93 to AIDS, and I knew I wanted to do something to help people. I opened Agnes and Orson as a creative outlet after retiring from teaching for 25 years!
What do you love about life in Dayton?
BRENT: I love the ease of life in Dayton. I love living close enough to walk to work (at least some locations). I can run on bike paths, through tree lined streets, through UD and downtown. I can walk to Ben and Jerry's, for coffee, or to grab a bite at Coco's or Pine Club. I love the caring friendly, open-minded people of Dayton.
What would you do on a perfect date in Dayton?
BRENT: A perfect date in Dayton includes a walk with my dogs in one of the many great places in Dayton, dinner at one of the many locally owned restaurants and a movie at The Neon Movies of course.
JOSH: I like going to local restaurants on dates with Brent. I know how much it means to local business owners to have local dollars coming in. I also love to sit on patios and drink with Brent!
What's one word you think people would use to describe you?
Josh Stucky and Brent Johnson (photo submitted)
BRENT: Kind
What would you change about Dayton?
BRENT: If I could change anything about Dayton, it would be our low self-esteem. My friends that visit from across the country are amazed at the variety of arts, parks, architecture and restaurant choices we have at such a low cost of living and so quickly accessible by car etc...
Luckily, I think we are starting to embrace our "cool" factor.
JOSH: I think one thing Dayton can change is the idea that we are not world-class... we are and we need to behave like it!! I would love to see more events in the downtown area... it just keeps getting better!
What do you think Dayton will look like in 10-15 years?
BRENT: I think Dayton is going to be the envy of all in 10-15 years, with awesome housing options, activity along the river, low cost of living, great colleges with walk-ability between neighborhoods and entertainment.
What's your favorite spot in Dayton?
BRENT: My favorite spot is Woodland Cemetery. I love the history, the green space and the architecture of the monuments. Such a beautiful place year-round to see a great view of the city.
JOSH: My favorite spot in Dayton is Riverscape on a cool, crisp morning walking my doggies, Agnes & Uncle Arthur. I don't know if people realize how relaxing that really is!!
What's your guilty pleasure?
BRENT: Ice cream. Because I don't feel guilty about having a drink, but I do about ice cream.
JOSH: My guilty pleasure is Ben and Jerry's hot fudge sundae with a banana while watching 'The Real Housewives' of some city.
Why did you decide to settle in Dayton?
BRENT: I settled in Dayton because I grew up just South of Dayton, and it was affordable. My first apartment was in the Oregon District on Hess Street. I've always been a fan of the city. Of a mixed bag of people and experiences. Dayton provides that. I call Dayton the land of opportunity. I couldn't have done what I've accomplished in any other place!
JOSH: I live in Dayton because I honestly love what it has provided me. I am grateful to this community and its people. I want to give back as much as I can.
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