Biernath Consulting, Inc.

25534 Heritage Ln
Wyoming, MN 55092
Work Phone: 612-400-4004
Cell Phone: 612-400-4004
rolf@biernathconsulting.com
http://www.biernathconsulting.com
LinkedIn Profile

I work alongside leadership teams to ensure innovation efforts are focused, fundable, and built to win. I’m trusted for clear communication, technical fluency, and rapid, unbiased judgment when product decisions carry real risk.

I help CEOs of product-focused companies pressure-test, prioritize, and accelerate the right innovations before major time or capital is committed. My work replaces gut feel and internal politics with evidence-backed Go, Pivot, or Stop decisions.

With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley, 58 U.S. patents, and decades leading innovation at 3M, I bring both strategic insight and deep technical fluency to every engagement. I’ve led and advised dozens of product development programs across hardware, software, materials, sensors, and AI-enabled systems.

My core services. The Pressure-Test Sprint, Prioritization Workshop, and Innovation Roadmap. Are designed for product-focused companies that lack full innovation teams. These engagements accelerate the best ideas while preventing wasted effort on those that don’t deserve investment.

I also serve as a Fractional Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), guiding high-potential ideas from concept to prototype to IP strategy while reducing risk, protecting margins, and accelerating time to market.

EXPERTISE & CAPABILITIES
New Product Strategy and Development
Lead the definition, validation, and development of new-to-world products and product lines that drive growth.
·   Guide leadership teams through systematic, evidence-based innovation.
·   Identify the highest-risk assumptions early and focus effort on resolving them quickly.
·   Rapidly prototype critical components and systems to enable informed decisions.
Technical and Scientific Problem Solving
Solve complex science, technology, and engineering challenges with practical, attainable solutions.
·   Translate emerging science and technology into viable product concepts.
·   Diagnose root causes efficiently and move teams from ambiguity to action.
Intellectual Property and Competitive Defensibility
Develop intellectual property strategies that protect profitability and long-term advantage.
·   Identify competitive IP gaps and weaknesses.
·   Define and execute targeted patent strategies aligned with business goals.
Applied Innovation and AI-Enabled Product Enhancement
Identify and integrate product enhancements using AI and emerging technologies.
·   Evaluate where AI meaningfully improves customer value and differentiation.
Execution and Value Delivery
Work strategically and tactically to achieve rapid, cost-effective progress.
·   Deliver near-term value while building toward long-term product platforms.
·   Provide clear, unbiased guidance that supports confident executive decision-making.

Education and Background:
CAREER HISTORY

Biernath Consulting, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
2016-present

3M Corporation
St. Paul, MN
1990 – 2022

IBM Corporation
Essex Junction, VT
1981-1985

EDUCATION

Univ of California, Berkeley
Ph.D. Chem Eng.
1985-1990

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
B.S. Chem Eng.
High Honors
1980-1985