About the CEO
Meet John Richard – Visionary Leader and Industry Expert
John Richard, the founder and CEO of RichTide Contractors, is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in marine engineering, underwater construction, and project management. With a background in civil engineering, John has been instrumental in shaping RichTide Contractors into a trusted name in the industry, known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability.
John began his career as an Operational Consultant Manager for Caltex, a subsidiary of Chevron, where he honed his expertise in the energy sector. Over the years, he transitioned into underwater engineering, working as an independent contractor on projects both at home and abroad. Today, his focus lies in the depths of the ocean, where he specializes in underwater pipelines and subsea equipment. John is passionate about designing, maintaining, and repairing these complex systems, ensuring they remain safe, efficient, and functional even under the most challenging conditions.
As the CEO of RichTide Contractors, John commands an all-encompassing knowledge of a multitude of construction disciplines. He serves as the primary point of contact for all contract-level issues and is responsible for managing the overall performance of every project. John supervises the work order estimating process, ensuring accuracy and precision in estimates and materials. He negotiates, executes, and closes out work orders, monitors administrative support, and provides final approval for all work order activities.
John is also responsible for maintaining managerial foresight for all work performed. He is in direct communication with project staff on a daily basis, monitoring reports and ensuring the timeliness and quality of work. Throughout his career, John has effectively managed workforces ranging from 10 to 150 personnel, allocating resources in response to requirements and workloads. He has completed hundreds of projects in both the private industry and Job Order Contracting (JOC) arena, with an impressive track record of delivering contracts on time and on budget.
John’s resourcefulness, innovative problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt quickly to challenges have made him a respected leader in the industry. He draws on his two decades of experience in design, management, engineering, and construction technologies to advise clients on a wide range of building methods and means. His deep understanding of the relationship between contractors, clients, and subcontractors ensures that every project delivers quality and best value to the client.
Under John’s leadership, RichTide Contractors has participated in projects worth over 180 million with an average of 11 million in annual returns. John believes that the future of underwater construction lies in sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, and he is deeply committed to protecting marine ecosystems while delivering exceptional results.
"At RichTide Contractors, we don’t just build structures – we build a better future for our oceans and our planet." – John Richard