John Thielst

John is the managing principal for the Honolulu and Guam offices, where he provides support to a team of discipline managers as well as coordinates business development, project management, and office operations to position Coffman as a preferred local engineering firm. John’s approachable leadership style focuses on empowering staff and encouraging multidiscipline collaboration to develop thoughtful and innovative ways to execute projects and schedules that focus on client success.

Before John was the managing principal at Coffman, he was a client in the oil and gas industry. John found Coffman’s employees walked the talk by developing lasting relationships and striving to exceed client expectations. This eventually attracted John to Coffman, and it has been his focus to continue to deliver this experience ever since.

As a long time Hawaii resident, John brings an intimate knowledge of the local business environment to guide and grow the Honolulu office. His experience includes more than 20 years of corporate management and consulting, and 30 years as a commercial diver in the oil and gas industry. John has managed projects and clients in more than seven countries, and throughout the Pacific Rim, and is committed to building relationships with his clients.