Casey Osborn
Class of 1974
Graduating from Big Piney High School in 1974 was the beginning of a well traveled road to success for Distinguished Alumnus, Casey Osborn. Being the first of his family to attend college, Casey chose to attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Not totally understanding what an engineer was, he chose to pursue civil engineering at the Rapid City, SD, campus. To pay the college costs, Osborn worked roughnecking throughout southwest Wyoming during the summer months and school breaks. It was the enjoyment of working in the oil field that led him to pursue this career path.
While at South Dakota School of Mines, Casey met up with fellow student, Sue Reichert, a Chemical Engineering major. After their junior year in 1976, the two were married and a partnership was formed. On May 13th of 1978, Sue graduated summa cum laude then gave birth to daughter, Hannah, the very next day. Casey had left school for a year working jobs but he returned to his studies and graduated with his Civil Engineering degree in May, 1979.
Experience is a great educator as the next four years found Casey working for Chevron in Rangely, Colorado, then for Gary Energy in Belle Creek, Montana, and then a two-year stint in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for Hunt Energy. Until the stint in Oklahoma, it was oilfield camp living. A home was purchased in Oklahoma City in time for a second child, Casey Jr. to be born.
In 1983, the decision was made to move back to Big Piney to work with family in the Green River Basin Well Service. The Osborns quickly realized being self-employed was a preferable way of making a living. Oilfield opportunities were numerous so the company expanded their operations and experienced accomplishments at a number of locations including at Monument Butte, the Anticline and in the Jonah gas field. It was felt at the time that Big Piney would be home. A third child, Dawson, was born literally at home in October of 1992. No planned drive to Kemmerer!!
In 2000, EMIT Technologies was born. With all their experience in oilfield, it was decided to design, manufacture and market catalytic converters for compressor drive engines. A move to Sheridan, WY, was necessary to increase knowledge, to increase range of products and to diversify. EMIT Water Discharge Technology was formed to provide a solution to the coalbed industry associated with methane production. This EMIT endeavor proved successful and the water treatment business was sold. EMIT Technology continues to grow and diversify. The business currently employs more than 100 people. Creating these opportunities benefits both individuals as well as the community as a whole.
Casey has always found time to work for community improvements. In Big Piney, Casey designed and developed the recreation area behind the then new High School. The facility included an outdoor education area, a ball field, the walking path and hockey rink. In Sheridan, Casey continues his service to the community by serving on the Sheridan County Recreation District Board as well as the Senior Center Board.