1898 & Co. Company Profile

Background

1898 & Co. is a global business, technology, and security consultancy that specializes in serving critical infrastructure industries. Established in 2019 as a subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell, the firm leverages over 120 years of experience in engineering, construction, and consulting to provide strategic insights and solutions. Its mission is to future-proof clients' portfolios and turn data into actionable strategies across the entire asset lifecycle. The company's vision is to drive smarter decisions, improve performance, and maximize value for clients navigating complex challenges in sectors such as energy, utilities, manufacturing, and government.

Key Strategic Focus

1898 & Co. focuses on delivering comprehensive business, technology, and security solutions tailored to asset-intensive industries. Core objectives include:

Business Optimization & Strategic Asset Planning: Utilizing business architecture frameworks and deep asset knowledge to provide data-driven solutions that enhance infrastructure portfolios and optimize business outcomes.

Digital Transformation & Software Solution Development: Delivering software solutions, digital roadmaps, and integration services to equip enterprises with advanced digital strategies aligned with business objectives.

Security & Compliance: Developing systematic, structured, and holistic strategies for risk management against cyber and physical threats while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The company employs key technologies such as cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, advanced data analytics, and cybersecurity frameworks to address the evolving needs of its primary markets.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell, 1898 & Co. operates within the financial structure of its parent company. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is primarily utilized to expand consulting services, enhance technological capabilities, and support strategic initiatives aimed at driving modernization efforts for clients.

Pipeline Development

1898 & Co. has developed several key initiatives to support its clients:

AssetLens: A cloud-based SaaS technology that aggregates existing data, enriches it with key health algorithms, and provides priority metrics to inform capital expenditure decisions.

Oil, Gas & Chemical Consulting Team: A specialized team delivering business and technology solutions to the oil and gas industry, focusing on accelerating client project development and increasing profitability through techno-economic services.

Cybersecurity Services: Expanding managed threat detection and response services into the manufacturing sector, leveraging partnerships with cybersecurity firms to enhance protection against industrial adversaries.

Technological Platform and Innovation

1898 & Co. distinguishes itself through several proprietary technologies and methodologies:

AssetLens: A cloud-based SaaS platform that integrates operational data with financial decision-making processes, enhancing asset management and investment strategies.

Consequence-Driven, Cyber-Informed Engineering (CCE): A discipline developed in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory, focusing on enhancing risk assessment for cybersecurity by combining first-principles thinking with engineering ingenuity.

Managed Threat Detection and Response: A service that delivers operational technology network monitoring and incident response for critical infrastructure environments, utilizing advanced cybersecurity platforms.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at 1898 & Co. comprises seasoned professionals with diverse expertise:

Chris Underwood: General Manager, leading the firm's strategic direction and client engagement efforts.

Matt Morris: Managing Director, Security & Risk Consulting, overseeing the cybersecurity practice and expanding managed security services into new sectors.

Rick Mena: Managing Director, Oil, Gas & Chemical Consulting, focusing on accelerating client project development and increasing profitability through techno-economic services.

Martin Brandt: Director, leading opportunity definition for the oil and gas industry, with extensive experience in executing early phases of major capital projects.

Dirk Mahling: Principal Consultant, specializing in digital transformation strategy and technology integration for utility and energy sectors.

Joey Nichols: Managing Director, Grid Modernization and Distribution Planning, leading the practice focused on modernizing grid infrastructure and distribution systems.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The consulting industry for critical infrastructure is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing digitalization, regulatory compliance requirements, and the need for modernization in sectors such as energy, utilities, and manufacturing. Companies are seeking integrated solutions that combine business strategy, technology, and security to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this space include:

Booz Allen Hamilton: A global consulting firm offering services in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and business strategy.

Cognizant: Provides IT services, including digital, technology, consulting, and operations services.

Deloitte: Offers a wide range of consulting services, including strategy, analytics, and technology solutions.

Accenture: Provides services in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations.

These competitors offer similar services but may differ in their specific focus areas, technological capabilities, and industry expertise.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

1898 & Co. has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its service offerings:

Idaho National Laboratory: Collaborated to apply the Consequence-Driven, Cyber-Informed Engineering (CCE) discipline, enhancing cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure.

Armis: Partnered to implement advanced cybersecurity programs, expanding managed threat detection and response services into the manufacturing sector.

Dragos Inc.: Collaborated to expand managed threat detection and response services into the smart manufacturing space, enhancing protection against industrial adversaries.

Operational Insights

1898 & Co. differentiates itself through its deep integration with Burns & McDonnell, leveraging over 120 years of experience in complex industries. This integration allows for a comprehensive approach to client challenges, combining strategic consulting with engineering and construction expertise. The firm's focus on critical infrastructure sectors positions it to address the unique needs of asset-intensive industries, providing tailored solutions that drive modernization and resilience.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, 1898 & Co. aims to:

Expand Service Offerings: Develop new consulting services to address emerging challenges in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Enhance Technological Capabilities: Invest in advanced technologies and platforms to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients.