Building a Strong Foundation: A Q&A with James Thaon, Bohler’s New Regional Leader in the Carolinas

Driving culture, stability, and client value through open, transparent leadership 

As Bohler continues to grow in the Carolinas, strong leadership and a cohesive team culture have never been more important. We spoke with James Thaon, PE, who recently transitioned from Bohler’s New Jersey region to lead the Raleigh and Charlotte offices, about his approach to leadership, team development, and client experience.  

From fostering a transparent, engaging culture to driving consistency and innovation across the region, James shares how he’s building a strong foundation for both our people and our clients. 

How would you describe your leadership philosophy and the values that guide you day-to-day? 

My goal is to empower people to become leaders and help them be the best they can be. I focus on facilitating the team’s success — identifying root causes of challenges, engaging the right people, and aligning everyone toward a shared vision. For me, the greatest success is when the team looks around and says, “We made this happen together.“ 

Can you share examples of how you’re implementing this philosophy in the Carolinas? 

Engagement is key. I hold one-on-ones at all levels, conduct breakout meetings with project management and branch teams, and collaborate with support teams in BD, HR, and marketing. We rolled out a regional focus plan that included team input at every step, ensuring alignment, clarity, and collective ownership of our goals. Being involved in the details and listening to the team’s perspectives has helped us drive meaningful change and build a culture that supports growth, retention, and client success. 

In moments of challenge or uncertainty, what leadership qualities do you lean on the most?

I rely on trust — trust in my instincts and in the people around me. Stepping into a new role, there can be self-doubt, but balancing humility with confidence in my gut helps me make the right decisions. I focus on adaptability and clarity, ensuring the team understands the solution and their role in achieving it. 

How have you built and maintained a strong, collaborative culture during periods of growth? 

Intentional leadership is key. As an example, when I opened Bohler’s Red Bank office, we evaluated challenges, opportunities, and growth plans frequently. Engagement is crucial — our team is part of the process, not just recipients of decisions. Transparency, trust, and psychological safety are essential to retaining talent and driving growth. 

How do you create a sense of belonging and shared purpose between Raleigh and Charlotte? 

While each office has its nuances, we maintain alignment through consistent vision-setting, frequent communication, and targeted engagement. I ensure both locations are included in strategic planning, one-on-ones, and team meetings. The shared goal and regular touchpoints create a sense of belonging and a collective purpose across offices. 

How do you identify and nurture talent within your team? 

It begins with hiring top talent and providing growth opportunities through mentorship, training, and intentional development programs. Bohler emphasizes both technical skills and leadership development. Nurturing talent is about creating an environment where people feel supported and can continuously grow, contributing to the overall success of the region. 

How does building a strong culture and team stability translate into a better experience for clients, and what intentional changes are you making to enhance that experience?

Retaining experienced people ensures consistency and predictability for clients — they know the same high-quality professionals will manage their projects, building trust and confidence. We’re also focusing on internal alignment and engagement, streamlining processes, and integrating our in-house survey team for faster, more accurate deliverables. By involving staff in planning and decision-making, clients experience a cohesive, responsive team that understands their needs and can execute efficiently. 

What excites you most about the future of Bohler’s Carolinas offices?

The Carolinas are one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, offering enormous opportunities in development, talent acquisition, and strategic client partnerships. My vision is to replicate Bohler’s strong culture here, expand thoughtfully into both North and South Carolina, and continue building high-performing teams that deliver exceptional client outcomes. 

As the Carolinas continue to grow at an unprecedented pace, Bohler’s renewed leadership focus and strengthened team culture are creating the foundation for what comes next. Under James’s guidance, Raleigh and Charlotte are stepping into a new chapter—one defined by transparency, engagement, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for both our people and our clients. With a unified vision and expanding opportunities across the region, now is the time to join a team shaping the future of development in the Carolinas. 

Explore open roles in North Carolina: View Bohler NC Careers