Chris Gali and Chris Doggett are serial entrepreneurs who have partnered on a variety of ventures. After getting to know each other during their time in AIG, and encountering problems that did not have solutions, they struck out together to start their first venture, Admin Server, an insurance industry software firm. Over almost ten years, they grew the firm from a start up to a multi-million dollar company that was eventually sold to Oracle. Chris and Chris then decided to move into the spirits business, and launched Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, a speakeasy style establishment that serves top-notch cocktails, which has enjoyed considerable success with their clientele. In 2012, Chris and Chris established their third venture together, Graphite GTC, a No-Code platform for financial services and large institutions. In this interview, Chris and Chris share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from their ventures. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:24] Kevin does a speed round with Chris and Chris.

[9:56] Where did Chris and Chris meet?

[10:46] What prompted Chris and Chris to leave AIG and start Admin Server?

[14:47] How long did it take Chris and Chris to develop a viable product? They share their process and how they generated income along the way.

[18:55] Who was the first investor in AdminServer?

[21:05] In 2008, the company was sold to Oracle for $125 million. How did the company grow from a start up in a basement to a multi-million dollar company?

[27:43] Chris and Chris share more about the "Mystery and Intrigue Weekend" that they hosted for their employees.

[30:12] What problem was AdminServer solving?

[36:25] Chris and Chris reveal the details of the sale of AdminServer to Oracle.

[40:41] How did the idea for Franklin Mortgage and Investment come about?

[44:10] What is Chris and Chris' vision for Franklin Mortgage?

[46:08] Why did Chris and Chris decide to go with a speakeasy for this venture?

[46:53] What does the name Graphite GTC mean?

[49:35] How does Graphite GTC solve the problems of its industry?

[52:38] Chris and Chris share some real life examples of how they serve their clients at Graphite.

[55:46] Who are Chris and Chris' audience?

[1:01:04] What is Visual Studio in comparison to Graphite?

[1:04:33] Chris Doggett has been working in a separate but related company serving the Department of Energy in D.C. He shares his experiences there.

[1:08:06] What would be the natural progression for VG IT?

[1:15:13] What are Chris and Chris' biggest hopes and fears for Graphite and the larger space they operate in?

[1:17:39] What do Chris and Chris love about Philadelphia?

[1:19:03] What would Chris and Chris change if they were mayors for a day?

Links:

Chris Gali

Chris Doggett

Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company

Graphite GTC

Milton Friedman

AIG

Oracle

Larry Ellison

Visual Studio

Elon Musk

VG IT Services