About Us
At BW&CO, we make innovation simple.
We are a specialized consulting firm dedicated to helping innovators, businesses, and government partners accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Our team combines strategic insight, technical expertise, and operational precision to deliver exceptional results in funding strategy, proposal development, and commercialization support. Whether you’re seeking federal grants, state incentives, or streamlined contracting pathways, BW&CO connects the right innovators to the right opportunities — ensuring breakthroughs reach the people who need them most.
Our Leadership
Josiah Wegner
Chief Executive Officer & Director of Defense Strategy
Josiah serves as both the firm’s CEO and Director of Defense Strategy where he helps startups and technology ventures gain traction and secure funding within the U.S. Department of War. With nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience, Josiah has co-founded and advised multiple ventures across sectors and continents. Josiah holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Gateway Seminary, graduated valedictorian from Liberty University, and is currently pursuing an MBA through One Day, specializing in Startup Development.
Kristian Mueller
Chief Grants Officer
Kristian is an aerospace engineer with over 20 years of experience in aerospace project management. He has worked on NASA, DOD, and DOE projects and held leadership positions at Paragon and Honeybee Robotics. He started his career at NASA as a test director for the International Space Station Robotic Arm Training Facility. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a PMP certification. Mueller has also worked as a Project Manager in Switzerland, developing electromechanical actuators for space and aeronautics applications.
Robert Wegner
Chief Revenue Officer
Robert Wegner is the Chief Revenue Officer at BW&CO, where he leads business development and client success initiatives to help our clients secure non-dilutive funding and scale within the federal and commercial sectors. With a background spanning medical and technology sales, non-profit leadership, and scientific publishing, Robert brings a unique combination of analytical insight and relationship-driven strategy. After earning his Master of Education, he served as Managing Editor for a peer-reviewed scientific journal, developing a deep appreciation for research, commercialization, and innovation impact.
Barbara Serafin
Chief Operations & Compliance Officer
Barbara serves as Chief Operations & Compliance Officer at BW&CO, ensuring seamless operations and regulatory compliance across the firm's federal funding portfolio. With over a decade of experience in high-stakes international environments, she brings meticulous attention to detail and exceptional adaptability to ensure compliance with agency requirements across all federal agencies. She holds a Master's in Interactive Marketing and Journalism and a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management.
Our Values
At BW&CO, our name reflects the principles that guide every engagement we undertake:
Build Trust
We build trust by operating with transparency, integrity, and accountability. From clear pricing to open communication, our clients always know where their projects stand. We welcome questions, explain our processes thoroughly, and maintain full visibility at every stage. Trust is not assumed — it’s earned through consistency, reliability, and exceptional results.
Work with Purpose
Every project we pursue has the potential to make a meaningful impact. We intentionally partner with organizations and innovators who aim to advance science, technology, and social good. Each member of our team shares this commitment — working not just to complete a task, but to contribute to progress that benefits communities, industries, and the world at large.
Care for Our Clients
We treat each client’s organization as if it were our own. This mindset drives us to make thoughtful, strategic decisions and to go above and beyond expectations. Whether advising on complex research funding or navigating compliance challenges, we approach every engagement with genuine care and a focus on long-term success.
Optimize Persistently
Excellence is a moving target — and we continuously evolve to stay ahead of it. Our team never stops refining our methods, updating our tools, and improving how we serve our clients. Every project is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and raise the standard of what’s possible.