Cassidy Corrosion Control Finds Home in DAEDF Incubator

August 19, 2015

By Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner

A recent layoff has led a new business to find a home in the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation’s incubator.

Following a downturn in the oil industry, Dr. Juanita Cassidy, who has spent over 20 years working as a chemist for Halliburton Technology, was let go from her laboratory job, according to a press release.

When one door closes, another door opens. And that door was in Duncan.

Just one week after her time ended with Halliburton, Cassidy had already formed her own company – Cassidy Corrosion Control, LLC (CCC).

Before finding a home in DAEDF’s incubator, Cassidy spent time under the direction of Jackie Jacobi, a business development specialist from the Business Development Program at Red River Technology Center, according to a press release.

Cassidy, who spent several weeks working with Jacobi, states the business development specialist helped her find her way when establishing CCC.

“I specialize in developing corrosion inhibitors and Jackie specializes in helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams,” Cassidy said.

After establishing the foundation for her company, it became apparent Cassidy would need a space to get it operational.

That’s where Duncan Center for Business Development  came in to play.

“Locating in the DCBD provided me all of the essentials such as furniture, office equipment, phone and Internet, so I can focus on acquiring other items necessary to get my company started,” Cassidy said.

President for DAEDF Lyle Roggow says it’s natural for some companies to start after layoffs occur, especially when it comes to securing a future.

“Entrepreneurs are born from uncertainty and choose to use their knowledge to create and invent marketable products and services,” Roggow said. “Juanita is controlling her destiny by starting Cassidy Corrosion Control. DAEDF Established the DCBD for individuals just like Juanita, it is why the incubator exists.”

Incubator Manager Nicole Punneo said the purpose of DCBD is to help support companies that are just starting out. She looks forward to continuing work with Cassidy, saying, “Working with Juanita has been great.”

“During the last economic downturn several Duncan companies were formed and located in the DCBD,” she said. “They’ve done well and are ready to move to larger facilities. As a result we have a vacancy in the incubator and look forward to hearing from other entrepreneurs.”

Cassidy’s company will create “corrosion inhibitors to prevent the acids, that are pumped into oil wells to improve production, from corroding the metals they touch,” according to a press release. She will also spend time “consulting, advising, performing R&D” while creating a lab space to conduct testing, the press release states.