Christopher Caton

I am an experience participant in the world of brick-and-mortar start-ups with a focus on industry innovation. Thus far, I have founded or materially contributed to the creation of numerous entrepreneurial endeavors, including several professional service firms and an entertainment brand.

My most recent project is Trudo Realty, a real estate brokerage firm specializing in residential leasing located in Chicago, Illinois. Entering into a fiercely competitive market with several well-established market leaders, Trudo Realty has already emerged as a trendsetter in team retention, market share acquisition, and brand identity.

My current pet project is a business model for a consulting firm focused on small businesses and low-capital start-ups. The central thesis draws from various prior endeavors, including alternative fee arrangements, brand identity, and carving out a market niche. Preliminary roll-out will be in late 2011, and the start-up phase will begin in mid-2012.

In the business community, my obsession is the alternative business model, but I have rivaling passions in customer service strategies and brand identity. I hope to continue studying the social media phenomenon, but I remain skeptical as to its applicability to the bulk of small businesses.