Meet Michael Paukert: Founding Partner and Technical Operations Leader
Founding Partner, Coast Maritime | Aviation Ground Systems Expert | Eagle Scout
When Michael Paukert co-founded Coast Maritime, he brought an unexpected combination that perfectly suited the company's ambitious vision: the leadership skills of an Eagle Scout, the precision of an aviation mechanic, and the maritime foundation of a Sea Scout Quartermaster. His journey from the waters around Catalina Island to the flight lines of Los Angeles International Airport created the perfect background for building a professional marine support company.
Leadership Forged on the Water
Mike's maritime story began early in the Sea Scouts program, where he rose to the rank of Quartermaster—a position that demands both technical seamanship skills and leadership ability. But it was his experience as staff at Camp Emerald Bay, the legendary Sea Scout base on Catalina Island, that truly shaped his understanding of what professional maritime operations should look like.
"Working at Emerald Bay taught me that excellence in maritime operations isn't optional," Mike reflects. "When you're responsible for the safety and experience of Sea Scouts from around the country, you learn that attention to detail and systematic approaches aren't just good ideas—they're essential."
His achievement of Lifeline Mariner status, one of Sea Scouting's highest awards, demonstrated mastery of advanced seamanship, navigation, and maritime leadership skills. Combined with earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Mike's youth development showed a pattern that would define his career: pursuing excellence through systematic training and hands-on experience.
From Scouting to Aviation Excellence
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Mike found his calling in aviation ground support at Delta Air Lines, where he has spent over nine years mastering the complex world of aircraft ground systems. Starting as a Ground Maintenance Mechanic (GMM) in 2016, he advanced to Ground Maintenance Technician (GMT) in 2018, specializing in the diesel-powered ground support equipment that keeps one of America's busiest airports operating.
"Aviation maintenance teaches you that there's no such thing as 'close enough,'" Mike explains. "When aircraft operations depend on your work, you develop a mindset where precision and reliability aren't just goals—they're the baseline expectation."
His expertise spans electronics, mechanics, and ground support equipment (GSE)—skills that translate directly to marine operations. The diesel engines that power aircraft ground equipment operate on the same principles as marine diesel systems, while the precision required for aviation safety standards exceeds even the demanding requirements of commercial maritime operations.
The Bridge Between Aviation and Maritime
Mike's unique position working in aviation while maintaining his maritime roots through his Sea Scout background gave him insights that few in either industry possess. He understood that the systematic approaches, maintenance protocols, and safety standards that define aviation excellence could revolutionize marine support services.
"I saw how aviation maintains incredibly high standards for equipment reliability and operational safety," Mike notes. "I knew those same principles could transform marine operations, especially for clients in defense and energy who need that level of precision and dependability."
His media studies background provided additional perspective on communication and operational coordination—skills that prove essential when supporting complex missions where clear communication can determine success or failure.
Co-Founding Coast Maritime: A Vision Realized
When the opportunity arose to co-found Coast Maritime in 2024, Mike brought together all the elements of his diverse background. His Sea Scout leadership experience provided maritime credibility, his aviation maintenance expertise ensured technical excellence, and his systematic approach to operations created the foundation for professional service delivery.
"Coast Maritime represents everything I learned about what professional operations should look like," Mike explains. "We're applying aviation-level standards to marine operations, with the seamanship foundation that comes from real maritime experience."
As a founding partner, Mike oversees technical operations and maintenance protocols that ensure Coast Maritime's equipment meets the demanding standards their defense and energy clients require. His approach treats every vessel system with the same precision that aircraft maintenance demands.
Technical Excellence in Marine Applications
Mike's aviation background provides Coast Maritime with capabilities that typical marine operators simply don't possess. His understanding of complex electrical systems, diagnostic procedures, and preventive maintenance protocols ensures that Coast Maritime's vessels operate with reliability that matches their professional service standards.
"Whether it's troubleshooting an electrical issue or planning a maintenance schedule, the principles are the same," Mike observes. "You use systematic approaches, follow proven procedures, and never compromise on safety or reliability."
His expertise in ground support equipment operation translates directly to marine auxiliary systems, while his experience with aviation-grade electronics provides Coast Maritime with technical capabilities that support their most demanding missions.
From Camp Emerald Bay to Professional Marine Operations
The lessons Mike learned as staff at Camp Emerald Bay—where safety, training, and operational excellence are essential for successful youth programs—continue to influence Coast Maritime's operational philosophy. The same attention to detail that ensures safe Sea Scout training provides the foundation for supporting classified defense missions and complex energy sector operations.
"At Emerald Bay, you learn that preparation and systematic execution aren't just professional standards—they're what keep people safe and missions successful," Mike reflects. "Those lessons apply whether you're teaching Sea Scouts or supporting a UAV launch."
Building the Future of Professional Marine Support
As Coast Maritime's founding partner responsible for technical operations, Mike is positioned to ensure that the company's growth maintains the exacting standards that set them apart from typical charter operations. His combination of maritime foundation, aviation precision, and leadership experience provides the technical backbone for Coast Maritime's expansion into California's defense and energy sectors.
"We're not just providing marine transportation," Mike emphasizes. "We're providing professional maritime solutions that meet the same standards our clients expect in their own operations. That's what distinguishes Coast Maritime from everyone else in this market."
His vision for Coast Maritime reflects his understanding that success in serving sophisticated clients requires more than just maritime competency—it demands the systematic excellence and technical precision that he's spent his career developing.
Excellence as Standard Operating Procedure
Mike's approach to Coast Maritime's operations reflects his belief that excellence isn't an accident—it's the result of systematic preparation, continuous training, and unwavering attention to detail. Whether planning a complex equipment relocation or maintaining vessel systems, his aviation-trained precision ensures that Coast Maritime consistently delivers results that exceed client expectations.
"Excellence has to be your baseline, not your goal," Mike concludes. "Our clients trust us with missions that can't afford to fail, and that trust is built on our ability to deliver professional results every single time."
Under Mike's technical leadership and operational oversight, Coast Maritime continues to set new standards for what professional marine support should look like in California's demanding defense and energy markets.