Meet The Faces Behind Sipio Advisors
Daniel K. Astin
Senior Advisor
Daniel K. Astin is a trusted strategic advisor to leading corporations across the Americas and Europe, helping business leaders maximize returns, manage risk, and navigate complex legal and financial landscapes. A Navy veteran, founder, and Managing Partner Emeritus at Ciardi Ciardi & Astin in Delaware, Daniel has more than three decades specializing in guiding entrepreneurs and executives through high-stakes decisions in corporate strategy, litigation, and asset protection.
He serves as General Counsel and Strategic Advisor to national tech firms and acts as outside counsel to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), ensuring they stay ahead in an evolving digital and AI landscape.
Daniel has represented clients before federal, trade, bankruptcy, chancery, and appellate courts across the U.S., as well as in Navy Department proceedings at sea. His global business expertise in corporate and strategic advisory services in unparalleled.
With a sharp focus on strategies and risk mitigation, Daniel empowers enterpreneurs and corporations to thrive in international markets.
Joseph E. Brunsman
CEO
Joseph E. Brunsman – Joe is a strategist, author, and speaker with a talent for connecting business leaders to transformative opportunities. A graduate of the New Mexico Military Institute and the United States Naval Academy, he earned a degree in Systems Engineering (Robotics) before serving as a Naval Officer in roles ranging from Electronic Warfare to Combat Information Center Officer. His technical expertise, combined with a Master of Law in Cybersecurity Law from the Carey School of Law, gives him a unique edge in navigating complex business challenges.
As the founder of Brunsman Advisory Group, Joe has built a reputation for helping businesses mitigate risk, optimize strategies, and uncover opportunities others overlook. He is the co-author of three bestselling books and a recognized thought leader in cybersecurity, compliance, and business risk management. His work has been featured in national publications, peer-reviewed articles, and industry-leading courses for international trade groups.
Joe is a dynamic speaker and educator, regularly sharing insights on how businesses can stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape. You can find him on his YouTube channel, Joseph Brunsman, where he explores the intersection of business strategy, cybersecurity, and emerging opportunities.
Gary B. Elmer
Chief Operations Officer
Gary B. Elmer brings over three decades of legal and advisory experience to our consulting firm, specializing in corporate advisory services, contract management, and business entity formation. His career began as a law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence Ollason, Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Arizona.
In 1989, Gary joined a prominent San Diego law firm, where he honed his expertise in bankruptcy and transactional matters over the course of twenty-two years. His extensive experience in high-stakes legal environments has equipped him with a deep understanding of complex business challenges.
Gary works closely with business owners, IT professionals, and strategic partners to deliver tailored solutions for clients. He has extensive experience in contract risk management, mediation, business formation, strategic corporate advisory services and restructuring helping businesses thrive in competitive and developing markets. An accomplished athlete Gary is a former Ironman and an alumnus of the arduous Alcatraz swim. Gary is an avid sailor and an inductee of the University of Arizona Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Wayne Curtis Weldon
Special Envoy Geo-Political Affairs, Intelligence and Developing Technologies
Wayne Curtis (Curt) Weldon – Curt, a former U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s Seventh District, brings extensive experience in national security, research, technology, energy, and environmental policy. A 20-year member and Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Weldon chaired the Research & Development and Procurement Sub-Committees and served as Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, overseeing billions in research funding for military and civilian institutions.
Weldon’s legislative achievements include restoring the V-22 Osprey Program, creating the National Oceans Partnership Program, establishing the Congressional Fire & EMS Caucus, enacting the U.S. National Missile Defense System, and securing $12 billion for First Responder Organizations. He championed technology commercialization and small business innovation through the SBIR Program.
Leading over 60 bipartisan congressional delegations to more than 100 countries, Weldon fostered peace and stability, authoring Strategic Relationship Agreements with nations like Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia. His 48-page Strategic Plan, endorsed by prominent U.S. leaders, emphasized research and technology collaboration. He also founded the International Energy Advisory Council, Oceans Security Initiative, and SMART Caucus to drive regional technology cooperation.
Before Congress, Weldon served as Chairman of Delaware County Council, Mayor of Marcus Hook, and an executive at INA/CIGNA. Raised in a blue-collar family, he was a volunteer Fire Chief and fought organized crime as mayor. Since leaving Congress, Weldon advises emerging technology firms in IT security, healthcare, energy, and EMP protection, serves on the Mistras Group Board, and supports global First Responder initiatives.
Weldon is CEO and Founder of Jenkins Hill International--an international consulting firm. He is a best-selling author and holds an AAS in Fire Protection/Risk Management, a BA in Russian Studies and Political Science from West Chester University where his official personal papers and writings during his time in Congress are catalogued and housed. As a Congressman Weldon is the recipient of multiple honorary doctorates. Inducted into the Russian Federation Academy of Sciences and a member of the Dubai Royal Club, he has received over 100 awards and is a frequent international speaker, and podcaster. Congressman Weldon speaks English and fluent Russian and continues to lead policy development in support of first responders the world over.