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Lee Osborne, President and Founder on Notable Men

FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE

Lee Osborne

President and Founder, Ceramic Technology, Inc.

“I attribute my success to having a strong work ethic, always striving to be fair and do the right thing, and staying focused on performance. I believe in getting out there, putting in the hard work, and consistently delivering results.”

BASED IN
Cedar Bluff, VA 24609
INDUSTRY
Mining and Mineral Processing

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About

Lee Osborne is the President and Founder of Ceramic Technology, Inc. (CTI), a multinational company specializing in the custom design, fabrication, and installation of ceramic-lined equipment for the mineral processing industry. With more than 40 years of experience, Lee has established himself as an innovator and leader focused on improving operational reliability, efficiency, and equipment longevity. He founded CTI in 1985 with a vision of bringing innovative solutions to the mineral processing market, particularly through the use of ceramic liners to reduce abrasion, minimize equipment wear, and lower maintenance costs. Under his leadership, CTI developed the CTI-X7® Performance Standard, which has become recognized throughout the industry for its durability, reliability, and strong return on investment.
Before founding CTI, Lee built an extensive foundation in mining operations, quality control, project management, and equipment design. He began his career with Clinchfield Coal, coordinating mine installations and assisting with engineering and design projects. He later served as Quality Control Foreman at Moss No. 3 and Superintendent of the 1,000 TPH McClure River Preparation Plant, where he coordinated more than 60 employees and helped maintain an impressive 97% operational efficiency. These experiences exposed him to the ongoing challenges of abrasion, equipment reliability, and operational downtime, ultimately inspiring him to develop better solutions for the industry. During his college years at Berea College, where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Technology, Lee also gained valuable sales and leadership experience working for Southwestern Publishing Company, selling encyclopedias and dictionaries door to door across several major cities and eventually leading his own sales crew.
Today, Lee continues to lead CTI with a strong emphasis on innovation, customer relationships, continuous improvement, and operational safety. He and his engineering team work closely with customers to develop customized, cost-effective equipment solutions, including cyclones, impact elbows, chutes, and processing screens. Lee believes that proper planning, quality installation, and proven ceramic standards are essential to reducing unnecessary maintenance risks and improving long-term performance. Through more than four decades of industry experience, he has built a company recognized for helping mining and mineral processing operations reduce downtime, improve safety, and achieve greater efficiency. His career reflects a lasting commitment to practical innovation, strong leadership, and delivering measurable value to customers.

Key Areas Of Focus

  • 01. Manufacturing
  • 02. Mineral Processing
  • 03. Maintenance Management
  • 04. Coal
  • 05. Minerals
  • 06. Metallurgy
  • 07. Engineering
  • 08. Project Engineering
  • 09. Safety Management Systems
  • 10. Energy

IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Q and A

  1. 01

    What do you attribute your success to?

    I attribute my success to having a strong work ethic, always striving to be fair and do the right thing, and staying focused on performance. I believe in getting out there, putting in the hard work, and consistently delivering results.

  2. 02

    What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

    The best career advice I've received is to make an honest effort to do my best every day, demonstrate that commitment through my actions, and positively influence the people around me.

  3. 03

    What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

    My advice to young men entering the industry is to develop a strong technical background, apply yourself, work hard every day, stay focused on your goals, and never let your ego get in the way of learning and growing.

  4. 04

    What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

    The values most important to me are honesty, being straightforward in my actions and communication, and motivating the people around me to do their best.

PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives by Lee Osborne

Original insights, ideas, and viewpoints shaped by real-world experience.

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CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, INC. CTI-X7® PERFORMANCE STANDARD Strategic Growth, Technology, and Executive Summary

CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, INC. CTI-X7® PERFORMANCE STANDARD Strategic Growth, Technology, and Executive Summary

Ceramic Technology, Inc. (CTI) is a 41-year-old leader in ceramic-lined process equipment, offering proven solutions to reduce wea…

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