Brian graduated from Janesville Parker High School in 1974. He then completed a taxidermy apprenticeship with Dick Barr Taxidermy in Savage, MN in 1975. He then successfully completed an additional taxidermy training at the American Institute of Taxidermy in Janesville, WI. He and his wife Doris made their living in the taxidermy trade in Madison, WI from 1976 until 1986. During that time, the Johnsons opened an additional taxidermy business in Spring Green, WI, making them the owners of one of Wisconsin's largest taxidermy businesses. During this time, Mr. Johnson learned to sculpture animals out of clay. He then sold his taxidermy business and entered into a contract sculpturing animals out of clay for a private company. During that period of time Mr. Johnson began to sculpture animals out of wood using a chainsaw. He and his wife then opened a business in Hayward, WI, which he still operates today carving and selling his refined chainsaw sculptures.
