Abt Electronics CEO Robert 'Bob' Abt dead at 77

Bob Abt’s father, David Abt, was a showman who wasn’t above a little razzle-dazzle to grow his business.

He “would do handstands on the washer, dance around the [sales] floor with women” customers, said his grandson, Michael Abt.

In Abt Electronics’ second generation of family ownership, Bob Abt promoted the company by promising quality and trust. And he was always open to the ideas of the third generation, said Michael Abt, one of Bob Abt’s four sons, all of whom work for the business.

When his sons sought an online retail presence, or they suggested expanding into sales of mattresses and luxury watches, Bob Abt responded with three words.

“ ‘Just do it’ was his motto,” Michael Abt said.

Nearly 80 years after the family business was founded in Logan Square on $800 saved by Bob Abt’s mother, Jewel Abt, the company has fended off big-box stores, changes in technology and economic ups and downs.

One of the largest independent electronics stores in the nation, Abt employs 1,300 people and has a 100,000-square foot showroom on 37 acres in Glenview. The atrium, planned by Bob Abt, “evokes the famed Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas,” according to the company’s website.

Mr. Abt, 77, who died Thursday after a three-year struggle with kidney cancer, was remembered as a man of integrity.

Bob Abt, CEO of Abt Electronics | Company photo

“He was inspiring in his vision to bring the best and most innovative retail experience our industry has ever seen and had an unrelenting commitment to his customers and partners,” Sony Electronics president Mike Fasulo said. “He touched many people at Sony, both here in the U.S. as well as Japan.”

He “clearly set the ethical bar higher for others to follow,” said Steve Bernas, president of the Chicago area Better Business Bureau.

Mr. Abt was still emailing the office a week before he died, and he visited Abt a month ago, his son said.

Young Bob Abt went to Peterson grade school and Von Steuben High School. He enjoyed trips to Riverview amusement park and loved the game of golf.

He was on the golf team at Drake University in Des Moines but transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville because he thought he might get more playing time. Like his father, he had a touch of the gambler, Michael Abt said. “He paid for part of his college spending with poker,” his son said.

He met his future wife of 54 years, Oak Park native Alice Bernards, at a party. They married at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, but couldn’t afford a honeymoon for a year. When they did go, it was an incentive trip to Europe from a firm grateful to Abt for buying its wares.

The company, originally named Abt Radio, sold radios, washers, heaters and ovens. It moved several times before settling at 1200 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview.

“He was open about getting online right away,” his son said. “He was open to letting us do what we wanted to do, which I think is rare. Watches, mattress [sales] was the next generation’s idea.”

Mr. Abt didn’t allow their four sons to just walk into the company, his wife said. He had a firm rule that they first work outside the business for two years. Michael worked for Outward Bound. Billy Abt did cold calling to sell stocks in California. Ricky Abt worked at an appliance store in Huntington Beach, California. Jon Abt was involved in the music business and the Grammy Awards.

“Today, they’re all in the business. Each one has their own division,” their mother said. “Michael is in the finance part of the business and new ideas. Jon is public relations and Internet. Billy does merchandising in the store . . . . and advertising, print and TV. Ricky is customer service and personal relations.”

“The most amazing thing to me is how they all get along,” said Alice Abt, who also credits the compatibility of her four daughters-in-law for the company’s success.

Mr. Abt was often busy working when their boys were young, “but any time the kids were going on the ice, basketball, whatever, he always managed to be there,” his wife said.

He was a “health nut” who exercised every day and watched his diet, she said. Until his illness, “he never took a pill in his life.”

Mr. Abt was close to his mother. He opened a restaurant and bar a block from ABT and named it in her honor, Jolane’s.

He was a fan of Drake alum Zach Johnson, who won the British Open, his wife said. Mr. Abt golfed at some of the finest courses in the world, including in Ireland and at St. Andrew’s in Scotland.

In addition to his wife and four sons, Mr. Abt is survived by his sister, Diane, and 11 grandchildren. Services have been held.