If a company like Radiant chooses Natrona County, what actually changes?
In this episode of Wyo Business Spotlight, I sat down with JoAnn and Shane True of Wyld Gear to talk safety, jobs, and why saying “yes” (or “no”) to big industry sends a message about Wyoming’s future.
Note: Radiant later decided not to move forward in Wyoming; the reasons weren’t discussed in this conversation. The themes here focus on what projects like Radiant could mean for our community.
The Safety Question: “We Want Everyone to Go Home at Night.”
Both JoAnn and Shane are University of Wyoming-trained geologists with decades of experience in oil and gas and hands-on time around rigs, plants, and industrial projects.
Their view on uranium-related or nuclear-adjacent work is rooted in science, safety, and firsthand experience.
“We’ve had uranium mining in the state since the 1950s… and have done that safely.” — JoAnn True
Wyoming’s industrial sectors — oil & gas, mining, and manufacturing — have matured a strong safety culture and tight regulation over time. The Trues see that culture as transferable across industries, including any future Radiant-type project.
Why Projects Like Radiant Are a “Jobs Multiplier”
When people hear “250 jobs,” they picture one facility. The Trues picture a ripple effect across the whole community:
- Highly paid roles that support families and careers
- Spillover demand for doctors, dentists, flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail
- Sales and property tax growth that strengthens local services
- A longer runway for local makers and manufacturers already here
“Those people coming in… it’s a job multiplier.” — Shane True
Escaping the Boom-Bust
JoAnn’s take: Wyoming has lived through the boom-bust reality for decades. Tying too much of the state’s tax structure and employment to commodities amplifies the swings.
“We’ve geared ourselves for 50 years to welcome industry. If we can get projects like this right, it’s a generational change.” — JoAnn True
Diversification isn’t anti–oil and gas — it’s pro-Wyoming. As Shane puts it, energy will always matter here, but it can’t be the only thing.
The Real Fear: Becoming “Closed for Business”
The loudest social media posts often focus on fear — nuclear waste, risk, or regulation.
The Trues worry about a different risk: signaling that Wyoming is anti-industry.
“If we turn Radiant away — and others like it — we accelerate the brain drain.” — Shane True
Wyoming already fights a small labor pool; many graduates leave and don’t return.
Saying “no” broadly can cement a reputation that keeps future employers — and our kids — from betting their lives here.
Why This Matters to Families (and Wyld Gear)
The Trues raise six kids here in Casper and run Wyld Gear, a Wyoming-born brand known for rugged coolers and drinkware. Like every small business owner, they feel community tailwinds (or headwinds) immediately:
- More stable, well-paid households = more local spending
- Industrial growth = more manufacturing and logistics work statewide
- A broader set of employers = more reasons for young families to stay
“I don’t want Wyoming to be a place our kids only visit for holidays and brandings.” — JoAnn True
Listen to the Full Conversation
🎧 Watch or listen to the full Wyo Business Spotlight episode featuring JoAnn and Shane True of Wyld Gear to hear this discussion in full.
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