Chris Abbott

Chris is the founder and Chief Product Officer of Public Products, a company dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through innovative software and franchise solutions. With a strong background in business development, Chris oversees key ventures including Utilasoft, which generates recurring revenue through software development, and Dusted, a seasoning brand rapidly expanding its market presence. He is currently building version 3 of his franchise software and recently launched the first of 24 concepts, StayCoolTonight, while onboarding their first beta clients into his association software, Kaloop. Chris leads a dedicated team of local employees, along with 20% of their workforce working in two overseas offices, ensuring a solid infrastructure for growth. In addition to his role at Public Products, Chris is passionate about sharing his insights and experiences as co-host of the podcast "Business and Belly Laughs," where he and his wife explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with humor and candor. Chris believes in the power of hard work, creativity, and collaboration to achieve success, and he is committed to helping others navigate their own business journeys. With a focus on fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork, Chris strives to build a fulfilling and impactful environment for both his team and the entrepreneurs he serves. A Brief History Chris grew up in Naples, Florida, and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his journey in software development at the age of 14 and continued to hone his skills throughout his career. After serving in the Army and exiting as a Captain in 2004, Chris held various CTO and Product roles at both national and local levels. Over the years, he has successfully deployed more than 30 platforms, with four achieving significant sales in the tens of millions. With two decades of experience in product development, Chris has also explored physical products, toys, and most recently, the food industry. Now residing in downtown Sarasota with his wife, Becky, and their French bulldog Pepper, Chris enjoys summer weekends at their lake house in the middle of the state. You can often spot Chris, Becky, and their dog bouncing between bars and restaurants in their blue golf cart, affectionately named Birdie. An avid hunter and water sports enthusiast, Chris loves to unwind by soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors.