Announcements
Indiana Earth Announces Keith J. Crone as New President and General Manager, Celebrates Founder Mark Osler's 36 Years of Leadership and Retirement
Leadership transition honors the company's founding legacy while positioning Indiana Earth for its next chapter of growth.
OSCEOLA, IN — October 23, 2026 — Indiana Earth, Inc., a leading excavation and site development contractor serving Northern Indiana, today announced the appointment of Keith J. Crone as its new President and General Manager. Crone succeeds company founder Mark Osler in overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, marking a new chapter for a business built on more than three decades of hard work, craftsmanship, and commitment to its customers.
Founded in 1990 by Mark Osler, Indiana Earth began with a single rented backhoe and an entrepreneurial vision. What started as a one-man operation grew into one of the region's established excavation and site development contractors, providing services across earthwork, underground utilities, demolition, trucking, and commercial construction.
Over 36 years, Mark's determination, hands-on leadership, and unwavering commitment to quality helped establish Indiana Earth's reputation throughout the region. Under his leadership, the company earned numerous Excellence in Construction awards and developed lasting relationships with customers, employees, and industry partners.
"Mark's contributions to Indiana Earth cannot be overstated," said Babawole Akin-Aina, representing the company's ownership. "Building a business from a rented backhoe into the company Indiana Earth is today takes extraordinary determination, resilience, and dedication. Mark has devoted more than three decades of his life to this company, and the foundation he established is something we deeply respect and value. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership, the opportunities he created for so many people, and the lasting impact he has had on Indiana Earth and the communities it serves."
Indiana Earth entered a new chapter in May 2026 following its acquisition by Obsidian Acquisition III LP, an affiliate investment vehicle of Obsidian Point Partners, with equity backing from Barrel Rate Capital and other investors. The appointment of Keith Crone as President and General Manager represents the next step in that transition, reinforcing the company's commitment to building on Mark Osler's legacy while strengthening operations, supporting its employees, and positioning Indiana Earth for long-term growth.
As Indiana Earth enters its next chapter, the company welcomes Keith J. Crone, a seasoned construction executive with 34 years of experience in construction management, field operations, and project leadership.
Crone joins Indiana Earth following nearly two decades with Tonn and Blank Construction, where he served as General Superintendent and Construction/Operations Manager. Throughout his career, he has overseen major commercial, healthcare, industrial, and public-sector construction projects, managing large teams and coordinating complex operations with an emphasis on safety, quality, accountability, and execution.
In his new role as President and General Manager, Mr Crone will lead Indiana Earth's daily operations, strengthen project execution, support employee development, and build upon the company's longstanding customer relationships and reputation for delivering quality work.
"I'm excited to join Indiana Earth and build on the strong foundation that Mark and the team have established," said Crone. "This company has a proud history and a talented group of people who care deeply about the work they do. My focus will be on supporting our employees, strengthening relationships with our customers, and ensuring we continue to deliver the quality, reliability, and service that have defined Indiana Earth for decades."
The leadership transition reflects Indiana Earth's commitment to preserving the values that have shaped its success while investing in the people, processes, and capabilities needed to serve its customers for years to come.
About Indiana Earth, Inc.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Osceola, Indiana, Indiana Earth, Inc. is an established provider of excavation, site development, underground utilities, demolition, trucking, and related construction services. The company serves municipal, commercial, and industrial customers throughout Northern Indiana and has earned numerous industry awards for excellence in construction.
For more information, visit www.indianaearth.com.
About Obsidian Point Partners LLC
Obsidian Point Partners LLC is a New York-based financial sponsor focused on lower-middle market, cash-flow-generative businesses across North America. Earlier this year, its affiliate, Obsidian Acquisition III LP, acquired Indiana Earth with backing from Barrel Rate Capital. Obsidian works with portfolio company leadership to support long-term financial, operational, and strategic growth.
For more information, visit www.obsidianpointpartners.com.


