Leadership Track

How One Engineer Went From Intern to Principal in Less Than a Decade

Bohler’s Red Bank team sporting their ugly Christmas sweaters.

Want to know what rapid career growth looks like? Meet James Thaon PE, Principal and Branch Manager of our Red Bank office.

After joining Bohler as an intern from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in 2014, James has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of our youngest principals. We sat down with James to learn about his journey and what makes Bohler a unique place for ambitious professionals.

Your career path at Bohler has been remarkable. How did it all begin?

I actually discovered Bohler at a career fair at NJIT. What started as an internship in the Warren office turned into an incredible journey. The leadership team saw potential in me early on, and soon I was given the opportunity to run our Red Bank office. One of the most exciting aspects has been having an impact beyond my immediate team and being part of something bigger across the entire region.

That’s quite a leap from intern to office leader. How does Bohler support such rapid growth?

What’s unique about Bohler is the commitment to develop talent from within. When they saw leadership potential in me, the approach wasn’t “Are you ready?” but rather “We can put you in that role – now let’s figure out how to support you and help you succeed.” The support system here is incredibly powerful. My former manager and team were willing to restructure to enable my growth, which in turn created opportunities for others to step up and advance their own careers.

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How would you describe the leadership culture at Bohler?

It’s truly exceptional. Senior leadership doesn’t just offer verbal support – they back it up with action. They guided me to focus on people, strategy, and running a results-driven business in the most holistic way. They’re always accessible, and foster an environment of psychological safety where you can share ideas without fear of judgment. This promotes creativity and diverse thinking, which is crucial for innovation in our field.

The Red Bank team enjoying an evening on the boardwalk.

 

What makes running a Bohler office unique compared to other firms?

It’s incredibly entrepreneurial! As a Branch Manager, you’re essentially running your own business while having the support of a larger organization. You’re responsible for everything from team development and productivity to client satisfaction and growth strategies. What’s particularly exciting is that Bohler provides a framework for success while giving you the flexibility to lead in your own way. Plus, you have access to a network of other Branch Managers for mentorship and support.

If you want to make an impact, Bohler is the place to be.

— James Thaon, Branch Manager, Red Bank, NJ

Tell us about the work. What kinds of projects does your team handle?

That’s one of the most exciting aspects – we do it all! Our portfolio spans aviation, retail, mixed-use developments, office space, industrial facilities, self-storage, and convenience/gas stations to name a few. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. What’s particularly rewarding is seeing how our projects transform communities. We work with some of the industry’s top clients who truly understand and value our expertise.

A residential amenity space designed by Bohler’s planning, landscape architecture, and design team.

 

What would you say to talented professionals considering Bohler?

If you’re ambitious and want to make an impact, Bohler is the place to be. We take a holistic approach to career development, creating customized growth paths for each individual. You’ll work on marquee projects with top-tier clients while being supported by a culture that truly cares about your whole person. The opportunities here are limitless – my journey from intern to Principal is just one example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.

The opportunities at Bohler are limitless.

— James Thaon, Branch Manager, Red Bank, NJ

At Bohler, we empower the ambitious to become the accomplished. James’s journey from intern to Principal exemplifies how we help talented professionals move their careers forward. Our organic growth continues to create opportunity across our footprint – whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, there’s no limit to what you can achieve here.

Ready to write your own success story? We’re looking for driven individuals who want to make their mark in site civil engineering. Join a team where your ambitions are matched by the opportunities to achieve them.

Visit our Careers page or contact Michael Maggi at mmaggi@bohlereng.com to take the first step in your Bohler journey.