Dr. Brent (Smokey) Weinhandl, DDS has been a Director since December 2010 and is a co-founder and initial investor of Hyper Scratcher, Inc. Dr. Weinhandl has owned and operated Brook Trout Dental, PC in Casper since July, 2004; prior to that he owned a dental practice in Wetaskiwin, Alberta outside of Edmonton. Dr. Weinhandl completed his general practice residency at Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 1997. Dr. Weinhandl is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alberta, summa cum laude, and holds degrees in both Zoology and Dentistry. Dr. Weinhandl is currently President of Hyper Scratcher, Inc (HSI) and Chairman of the Board.
Mrs. Marlys Bias has been a Director since December, 2010 and is a co-founder and initial investor of Hyper Scratcher, Inc. Mrs. Bias grew up on a homestead her father obtained outside of Riverton, Wyoming. She attended nearby Shoshoni High School and later Parks Business School in Denver, Colorado. She worked for Northern Utilities/Kinder Morgan Natural Gas Companies in Riverton for 23 years in the capacities of cashier, secretary and office manager. When her husband, Elwood, retired, they formed a gas pipeline installation company where they focused on laying miles of gas pipelines in the Gas Hills and Jeffrey City/Green Mountain areas for nuclear mining companies. Among her many duties as co-owner of their company, Mrs. Bias was the secretary/bookkeeper. She also worked alongside their employees wrapping welded pipe joints and unloading pipe as well as operating backhoes and dump trucks. Now retired, she loves to quilt and make custom jewelry. Mrs. Bias’ business experience has been drawn upon numerous times in making wise decisions for HSI.
Mrs. Melody Weinhandl has been a Director since July, 2016 and, along with her husband Dr. Weinhandl, is a co-founder and an initial investor of Hyper Scratcher, Inc. Mrs. Weinhandl is office manager of Brook Trout Dental, PC in Casper. Mrs. Weinhandl was born in South Texas and grew up the daughter of a civil engineer with an Oil & Gas Technology degree who became a contract gauger in the George West area where she lived. She assisted in logging water versus oil content in tank batteries and watched him repair pumping units but now wishes she had paid closer attention to his work when she did go with him to run leases. A 1990 honors graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas, Mrs. Weinhandl obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism on full scholarship. She functions as both Board and Corporate Secretary as well as Treasurer for HSI.
Mr. Doug Haupt has been a Director since April, 2018. Mr. Haupt is a successful businessman in Casper with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has been President of Haupt Investments, LLC. since 1983 during which time he has purchased, owned, leased and sold over 750 properties in Casper. He is also President of Haupt Construction, LLC which he has successfully owned and operated since 2000. He recently acquired Casper Industrial Center, LLC in 2016 after selling Casper Clinic Investments, LLC which he operated for eleven years. Mr. Haupt is originally from Rudolph, Wisconsin and moved to Casper to work as a Land Surveyor for Pathfinder in 1983. His business acumen has been an appreciated contribution to HSI.
Mr. Des Bennion has been a Director since September, 2018. Born and raised in Casper, Mr. Bennion graduated from Brigham Young University and began his employment with the Bon Agency Insurance Company over 40 years ago. Mr. Bennion is now the owner. He has been President and Vice President of the Casper Insurers Association and the State Education Chairman for the Independent Insurance Agents of Wyoming. As Chairman he was involved with educating insurance agents throughout the state of Wyoming. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Wyoming Symphony, Central Wyoming Hospice, Make a Wish and the Natrona County School Education Foundation as well as being involved in leadership positions with The Boy Scouts of America, church and school parent associations. His is married to his wife Carrie, has five children and seven grandchildren. Mr. Bennion’s insurance background has particularly provided invaluable insight into that aspect of HSI’s business.
Mr. Paul Mogen has most recently been a Director since October, 2020 and is a co-founder and initial investor of Hyper Scratcher, Inc. Born in Webster, SD, he attended Waubay High School along with his high school sweetheart, Deb, who later became his wife. He is a graduate of Northern State University in Aberdeen and is a Marine Corp veteran. Mr. Mogen was a cashier and later Vice President of two different banks prior to his move to Casper. He worked with his uncle’s insurance agency and his purchase of Mogen Agency was completed upon his uncle’s retirement. His son is now the owner upon Mr. Mogen’s retirement.
Mrs. Deb Mogen has been a Director since October, 2020 and, along with her husband Mr. Mogen, is a co-founder and an initial investor of Hyper Scratcher, Inc. Born in Webster, SD she attended Waubay High School with Mr. Mogen whom she married not long after graduation. Mrs. Mogen has an extensive history in banking and is active with the Wyoming Rescue Mission. The Mogens have three sons and six grandchildren and both are enjoying the flexibility of retirement.
