The person behind
the signal
Software engineer, founder, and connector — building quality software and the relationships around it since 2005.
Who I am
I’m Chris Hess — a software engineer and product builder based in Phoenix, AZ. I’ve spent more than two decades writing software across the full stack: from low-level Windows kernel drivers and system tools to consumer web applications and AI-powered products.
I started HessWare in 2005 as a vehicle for quality software and consulting work. Over the years it’s evolved from a traditional software shop into something broader — a platform for the products I want to build and the network I want to grow.
What I’m focused on now
Right now I’m most focused on Similar Thinking — a daily-question social app designed to help people reconnect with friends through their real opinions and values, not a curated highlight reel.
Alongside that, I’m writing in Field Notes about building in public, AI in practice, and the craft of shipping software. And I’m slowly growing The Network — an informal community of engineers, founders, and builders I want to keep connected to each other.
How HessWare started
- 2005 Founded HessWare as a software consulting and tools company. First clients were small businesses needing Windows driver development.
- 2008–14 Expanded into web development and cross-platform tools. Built shareware and freeware desktop applications distributed through hessware.com.
- 2015–22 Shifted focus toward web platforms and mobile. Continued consulting in C/C++ and Windows systems while building new product ideas on the side.
- 2023 Began working seriously on Similar Thinking — first public AI-integrated social product under HessWare.
- 2025–now Re-envisioning HessWare as a network of products and people, not just a consulting brand. The signal is going out.
Open to
I’m genuinely open to collaboration, co-founding conversations, interesting consulting engagements, and connecting people who should know each other. If something here resonates — reach out.