University of Wyoming Director of Golf Joe Jensen announced that Rick Gasser, a University of Wyoming alumnus, is joining the University's Golf Program as an assistant coach, beginning in the fall of 2023. Gasser has been a long-time successful businessman and donor to the university and UW Athletics. He now has chosen to impact his alma mater in a new way by committing his time to work directly with student-athletes as a coach. Gasser has served in a volunteer coaching role with UW the last few seasons before now joining the golf program as an assistant coach.
“I’m honored by the opportunity Coach Joe (Jensen) has given me to serve as his Volunteer Assistant Coach for the past few years and now, with the recent NCAA regulations change, his Assistant Coach,” said Gasser. “Coach Joe is one of the very best college golf coaches in the country evident by the success his players have in the classroom and on the course. Last season, his team had six Academic All-Americans and recorded a Runner-up finish at the postseason Golfweek NIT Golf Tournament. This golf program is special and well respected across the country. I’m simply humbled to be a small part of it and the University of Wyoming."
Gasser is an American entrepreneur, founding many businesses over the past 30 years. His most accomplished business was founded in 1987, West Texas Plastics, Inc., a plastic sheeting manufacturer/conversion business which began with four employees and grew to 192 associates in four separate locations. The manufacturing facility was located in Houston, Texas, and three Conversion Plants were in: Midland, Texas; Pleasanton, Texas; and Miles City, Mont. Gasser sold controlling interest in West Texas Plastics, Inc., to Tailwind Capital from New York City in September of 2012, and he continued to serve as President/CEO until April of 2015.
He is currently the majority shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Café Ventures, LLC. Café Ventures, LLC owns and operates 12 Fuddruckers franchise restaurants located throughout Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, employing over 300 associates. He’s a Founding Partner of Cornerstone Funding, LLC in Midland Texas, which serves the region’s leading Accounts Receivable Financing / Factoring Company. Gasser was a member of the Board of Directors at Security State Bank for 12 years until the bank was purchased by American Momentum Bank. He was 50% Shareholder and operating GM/President of the Odessa Jackalopes Professional Hockey Organization from 2006 thru 2011, the Double A affiliate of the New York Islanders.
Gasser is affiliated with the following organizations; Stonegate Fellowship; AOPA Private Pilot Association; Midland Country Club; The Plantation Golf Club; The Alotian Golf Club; The Life Center- Advisory Director/ Golf Tournament Co-Chairman; Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center – Board of Directors 1991-93; Permian Basin Basketball Officials Association 1987 -1999; Outstanding Young Men of America 1985; Who’s – Who’s Among American Business Men 2001; Dallas Cowboys Founders Club Member; and the University of Wyoming Cowboy Joe Club.
Gasser graduated from Midwest High School in Wyoming in 1980, Casper College in 1982 with an associate’s degree in Petroleum Technology and then from the University of Wyoming in 1985 with a bachelor of science degree from the College of Commerce and Industry. Rick and his wife Kim reside in Midland, Texas, and have three children and four grandchildren.