When Karla Johnson sat down at her first HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Navigate meeting, she was ready to take a step back. Johnson Labs was in a slower season, the numbers weren’t adding up, and the weight of running a business had left her feeling defeated. Fighting back tears, she opened up about her challenges. Instead of judgment, she found encouragement. Her mentors rallied around her, even jumping on an emergency Zoom call two days later to help her prepare for a tough conversation with her largest client about raising prices.
Navigate is a program that allows entrepreneurs to be paired with mentors to help solve real world problems. HudsonAlpha Wiregrass’ mission is to push the boundaries in order to grow the agtech industry by growing entrepreneurship.
That first Navigate meeting was a turning point for Karla. “Without their expertise, I never would have had the confidence to approach the subject,” Karla says. “They’ve reviewed my business plan, helped me brainstorm new marketing ideas, and even recommended books that were just what I needed. Now we joke about that first tear-filled day and celebrate our triumphs.”
Johnson Labs’ story began long before Karla became CEO. Nearly 40 years ago, her husband Louis used his chemistry background to formulate a hunting industry product out of their kitchen. This would become Johnson Labs, located in Troy, Alabama. For years, Karla and Louis balanced other jobs while keeping Johnson Labs alive on the side. Eventually, Louis decided to step into the business full time, formulating products for other companies. The business remained small until 2019, when Johnson Labs finally secured a long-sought-after filling and packaging account. But with Louis transitioning into leading a church full-time, the business needed a new leader.
What Karla didn’t expect was to become that leader. A lifelong educator, she had just retired from teaching when Louis told her about the new account. Before he could ask her to step in, she volunteered. “No one will take care of your business like you do,” she recalls with a smile. Suddenly, Johnson Labs grew from six employees to nineteen almost overnight. Karla found herself overseeing operations, implementing new systems, and learning how to run a business she never expected to fall in love with.
“As a retired public school teacher, I’ve always felt called to help people be and do more than they think they can,” she explains. “Being CEO of Johnson Labs feels like an extension of that calling. To me, it’s not about the products we produce—it’s about the jobs we create and the families we support. It’s about giving people who need a second chance an opportunity to start over. It’s about creating jobs in Alabama and increasing the benefits for our employees. It’s all about the people.”
Over the last 18 months, her Navigate journey has mirrored the growth of her company. What once felt like crisis management has shifted into opportunity. “Our meetings have changed so much because I’m no longer in crisis mode,” Karla says. “Now it’s a joy to share where we are and what new projects we’re working on. As we grow, I know I’ll face new challenges, but I have experts I can lean on for guidance in finances, marketing, and production.”
That support has given Karla the confidence to dream bigger. What began as a kitchen-table idea has grown into a thriving company in Troy, Alabama—and now Johnson Labs is preparing to open its second location. From that first Navigate meeting to leading a company that’s expanding and creating opportunity across Alabama, Karla’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and community.
HudsonAlpha is honored to have Karla as part of their Navigate program. Her journey embodies why Navigate exists: to connect entrepreneurs with mentors who walk alongside them through every challenge and every victory. Stories like Karla’s remind us that with the right support, determination, and guidance, small business owners can transform obstacles into opportunities and dreams into thriving realities.
If you are a small business/ startup in the Wiregrass area within the agtech industry and want to sign up for Navigate, visit for more information contact Aliyah Shine at ashine@hudsonalpha.org!
HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is grateful to the generous business leaders and entrepreneurs within the community who make this program possible.