Justin Hansen, Bellevue East Class of 2001, has turned determination and perseverance into a career focused on helping businesses grow and communities thrive. From his days in wrestling and ROTC to running nonprofits, organizing comic conventions, and working with celebrities, Justin has continually challenged expectations and found success by embracing accountability, resilience, and service to others.

Bellevue Alumni Association - Alumni Spotlight:

Justin Hansen, Bellevue East Class of 2001

Q: What was your most memorable experience in high school?

A: Hanging out with Friends at the Mall

Q: Tell us about a teacher, coach, or staff member who significantly impacted you

A: Mr. Kory Hill and Steve Pelzer both taught me to take accountability for my actions and to not see my weaknesses as a detriment but as an asset and opportunity in different ways. 

Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during high school, and how did they influence your path after graduation?

A: I did wrestling. Wrestling taught me how to work as a team, but how to take personal measurement and improve myself. I also loved being a part of ROTC with Chief Parente, he taught me self-respect and personal accountability. 

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: When I graduated, I went into the Army for a brief time. I got into Business vetting, fintech, and business analytics. It led me into a great career path, being able to see where the future of business is going and to help build local businesses. 

Q: What has been your proudest achievement since leaving high school?

A: My proudest achievement has been being able to conquer what I was afraid I couldn't become. Being able to prove myself and others wrong. Being in Special Education, there was a stigma at the time. Now I have been able to run two nonprofits, build local comic cons, help grow my friends' businesses, and give back to my community in ways I could never have imagined. And I get to work with Celebrities!  

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I have a daughter Ellie, age 8, and Jett, age 16. Engaged to Keeley. My mother Peggy Hansen. My Aunt Mary Hansen and Aunt Michelle Boyce have been with BPS since I was a young teen. My Aunt Cinda. And my Uncle JR, who is also with BPS. Everyone is doing great, and we try as best we can to give back to BPS and Bellevue the community as much as possible.  

Q: What advice would you give to current students in Bellevue who are trying to figure out their future paths?

A: Be patient, be humble, and be kind. You would be amazed at how small this world is and how many people you will see later on. Be patient with yourself because you won't know it all and you shouldn't. It's what helps you grow every day. And lastly, be ok with how things are right now because later in life everyone ends up on different paths and everything you thought would happen or turn out likely doesn’t, but it's for a reason, and it's to keep you humble. 

Justin’s Favorites…..

Movie: Jack (so many lessons about life in there) 

Book: I love Business books and Bios! Nitro by Guy Evans is a great read! 

Song: Kingdom by Downstait 

Food: I'll take Mexican food any day (just not spicy) 

Bellevue Business: Take me back to TOP Dog or the old Southroads mall any day! Currently, I would say Bellevue Tire and Auto bc My family helped start that, so it holds a Special place to me. And BJSA!

Justin (right) with actor Erik Estrada (left), best known for his role as Ponch in the hit TV show CHiPs.