Dennis J. Thein
Dennis J. Thein stands as a towering figure, a man whose innovative spirit and relentless drive have propelled him to the forefront of water well drilling and beyond. Under his visionary leadership, Thein Well Drilling transformed into one of the Midwest’s largest and most respected drilling operations. His groundbreaking methods and patented technologies have gained international acclaim, drawing attention from nations like the United Arab Emirates and India. Dennis’s entrepreneurial prowess extends far beyond well drilling—he co-founded Globex International Inc., launched successful ventures in real estate, farming, gemology, self-storage, and healthcare, and continues to pioneer breakthroughs in health equity with Core Health Partners.
Tracing their origins back to Luxembourg, the Thein family was known for digging wells and stone masonry. This rich heritage was brought to the United States by Dennis’s grandfather, Eugene Thein, who became a pioneer well digger for Minnesota’s early settlers. By 1893, this grand venture was formalized under the stewardship of Dennis’s father, Peter Thein Sr., whose vision, and hard work grew the business into a formidable entity. Peter Sr. ingrained a legacy of holistic diligence and exceptional craftsmanship in his sons—Lenard, Joe, Stanley, Dennis, and Peter Jr.—demanding mastery in every facet of well drilling and beyond.
They faced sorrow with the loss of Lenard, who passed away before his prime, and Joe, who tragically died in a drilling accident. Despite these losses, the remaining brothers stood resilient, expanding the company’s reach across multiple states in the Midwest such as Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Upper Michigan. Dennis and his brothers promoted a legacy synonymous with providing clean water, catapulting Thein Well Drilling into one of the Midwest’s largest and most respected drilling operations. A pioneer in producing clean, safe water for countless communities spanning Midwest states such as Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Upper Michigan.
Dennis credits their success to the robust work ethic and comprehensive business acumen instilled by their father. This philosophy, insisting that merely owning a drilling rig isn’t enough, has been the cornerstone of their continued triumph. Under Dennis’s innovative leadership as President, Thein Well Company not only guaranteed every job but also pioneered several patented drilling methods, achieving international acclaim. Nations like the United Arab Emirates and India, as well as mission efforts in Haiti, have sought to learn from Thein’s water well drilling techniques.
Dennis , along with two of his boys Mark and Paul (wearing hard hat), drill a municipal well.
Dennis and Marge Thein stand together with the Thein Well equipment in the background.
However, Dennis’s acumen isn’t confined to well drilling. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore diverse ventures. Under Dennis’s guidance, Globex International Inc. transformed from a startup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, renowned for its unique sports memorabilia, including the patented Stackerdolls™. His ingenuity in creating and licensing sports collectibles showcases his versatile knack for turning ideas into successful businesses.
Dennis also ventured into real estate, banking, farming, gemology, self-storage, and more, leaving an indelible mark of excellence and innovation across industries. In recent years, he has channeled his entrepreneurial insight towards health equity. Alongside his son Paul, Dennis co-founded Thein Well-Ness LLC, a holding company that provides insight and guidance to companies designed to strengthen the community, specifically by improving the health, wellness, and education of the underrepresented. Together, Dennis and Paul own and manage Core Health Partners and Nutrition Pathways LLC. Dennis is also on the Board of the Core Health Partners Foundation and the Togetherhood Initiative Inc., both non-profits that support providing health services and education to the underrepresented. In 2023, Core Health Partners was named a top 100 company for serving the needs of Health Equity in America.
Married to Marge for 61 years, Dennis has successfully raised four children—Mark, Paul, Teresa, and Craig—all college graduates who have each charted their own paths of success. Mark and Craig have continued the family tradition in well drilling, with Mark also serving in local public service as a Commissioner on his local County Board, while Craig is an avid volunteer with the area’s youth sports programs. Teresa, strong in her faith, has excelled as an entrepreneur and business administrator while always finding time to serve the needs of the Catholic Church.
Stackerdoll and the Bobble Heads were Trademarked sport collectibles produced, licensed, and distributed by Thein’s company, Globex International.
Thein family photo L to R: Dennis, Paul, Teresa, Mark, Craig, and Marge
Dennis Thein’s story is not just one of business success but also of a relentless quest to make a difference, blending a rich family legacy with a passion for innovation and community welfare. His remarkable journey from the dusty fields of well drilling to diverse entrepreneurial landscapes remains an inspiring testament to his indomitable spirit and visionary leadership. Ultimately, Dennis Thein’s legacy is anchored not only in his ability to excel but in his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others along the way. By working alongside his family, mentoring his children and many grandchildren, Dennis passionately champions a mission of doing well while uplifting those around him—a legacy built on family, community, and the relentless pursuit of bettering the world.