Lauren Heerschap Named Wyoming 2025 Small Business Person of the Year

Lauren Heerschap – Owner, CEO, Sales & Marketing Director at Brunton International

In Wyoming, where the spirit of innovation and resilience thrives, Lauren Heerschap and Brunton International LLC has emerged as a beacon of entrepreneurial success. Lauren has been recognized as Wyoming’s 2025 Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Association, acknowledging the dedication and the growth of her business and commitment to the community.

Lauren’s story began in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, where she was inspired by the landscape and her favorite activity, rock climbing, to study geology. During a Wheaton College geology field camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the summer of 2000, Lauren was first introduced to a Brunton geological compass, a tool that would later play a pivotal role in her life. “It became an essential part of my toolkit,” Lauren recalls, “Little did I know, years later, I’d be leading the very company that made it.”

After earning her master’s degree in geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003 and marrying David Heerschap in 2004, Lauren worked for the Colorado Geological Survey and a small oil and gas firm. In 2007, she accepted a position teaching at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she taught introductory geology, geographic information systems (GIS), field methods, and summer field camps. In 2013, while teaching a field methods class, an idea sparked: a new model of the Brunton compass that could take geological measurements more efficiently and intuitively. David created prototypes in their garage and in 2014 they approached Brunton with their innovative product, resulting in the successful Axis Transit, which hit the market in 2016.

“We saw an opportunity to improve a classic tool,” Lauren explains. “We wanted to make geological measurements more efficient and intuitive.” This innovation brought them into the folds of Brunton, and after moving to Wyoming to help launch the Axis, they were eventually asked to take over the brand in 2021, bringing it back to U.S. ownership after 25 years.

Taking the helm of Brunton International LLC, based in Riverton, Wyoming, Lauren became the first female geologist to lead the company in its 130-year history. “Taking over a historic brand like Brunton was a huge responsibility,” Lauren says. “We wanted to honor its legacy while also driving innovation and growth.” Brunton’s compasses are manufactured in Riverton, Wyoming, where strong effort is made to source materials regionally through local partners like Legacy Molding.

The local Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided support to Lauren for certification information. “The SBDC has been an absolute lifeline for us,” Lauren emphasizes. “Audie Cunningham, our local advisor, provided invaluable guidance and support, especially with SBA certifications.”

The SBDC’s assistance proved pivotal in navigating the complex process of obtaining Woman-Owned Small Business and HUBZone certifications. “Janean Forsyth and the APEX Accelerator were instrumental in helping us wade through the certification process,” Lauren notes. “Their expertise made a significant difference.”

Both long-standing and new military contracts are an important part of Brunton’s business. “These contracts are vital for our growth,” Lauren explains. “We’re enthusiastic about our strong relationships with the military and are very excited about launching Brunton’s first mil-spec lensatic compasses this spring.”

Under Lauren’s leadership, Brunton has seen significant growth. Website sales have surged, and the company has expanded its workforce, now employing 28 people. Moreover, Brunton has tackled ambitious projects, including the illumination of the M2 military transit and the development of a digital GPS-enabled transit.

Despite facing obstacles, Lauren has remained steadfast. “Financial challenges and legal hurdles are part of running a business,” Lauren reflects. “But we’ve learned to navigate them, thanks to our resilience and the support of our community.”

Brunton International LLC is committed to giving back to their community. The company donates engraved transits to geology students, supports field scholarships, and contributes to organizations like Big City Mountaineers and Disabled Veterans of America. Lauren and David also actively participate in local charitable events to help raise funds for community services.

Lauren serves on the Board of Trustees for the Geological Society of America (GSA) Foundation and is a founding board member of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance (WYORBA). She also co-leads her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, demonstrating her commitment to community and leadership.

Janean J. Forsyth, Program Manager of the Wyoming APEX Accelerator, highlights Lauren’s exceptional qualities. “Ms. Heerschap has demonstrated a unique ability to collaborate and innovate with others. Her integrity and grit are apparent in her leadership of Brunton and in her charitable endeavors.”

Lauren Heerschap uniquely represents important entrepreneurs across Wyoming, overcoming challenges, taking risks, and strategically growing. Congratulations to Lauren and Brunton International LLC on being awarded Wyoming’s 2025 Small Business Person of the Year.

Lauren will be formally recognized statewide and at the National Small Business Week Award Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.