Why We Built LeadStairs: A Founder's Story
Published on July 15, 2025
I've spent over a decade in the world of software and consulting. Throughout my career, I've used countless tools, especially CRMs. I've seen the good, the bad, and the unbelievably complex. And I kept noticing the same pattern: the very tools meant to simplify our work were often the biggest sources of frustration. They were bloated with features we never used, required expensive consultants to set up, and felt more like a chore than a tool for success.
Small businesses and solo consultants, the backbone of our economy, were particularly underserved. They were stuck between two bad options: using a clunky spreadsheet that couldn't scale, or paying for an enterprise-grade CRM that was overkill, overpriced, and overwhelming. I knew there had to be a better way.
We're not trying to be the CRM for everyone. We're here for the small businesses, the freelancers, the consultants, and the teams who value their time and want a tool that just works. A tool that helps them focus on what they do best: building relationships and growing their business.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We're just getting started.
Small businesses and solo consultants, the backbone of our economy, were particularly underserved. They were stuck between two bad options: using a clunky spreadsheet that couldn't scale, or paying for an enterprise-grade CRM that was overkill, overpriced, and overwhelming. I knew there had to be a better way.
The 'Aha!' Moment
The idea for LeadStairs was born out of this frustration. I wanted to build the tool that I wished I had. A CRM that was as simple and intuitive to use as a spreadsheet, but with the essential features needed to effectively manage client relationships and a sales pipeline. No more, no less.Our guiding principle became 'Everything you need, nothing you don’t.' We focused on the core problems: tracking contacts, visualizing deals, and managing follow-ups.
Obsessing Over Simplicity
We made a deliberate choice to prioritize simplicity and user experience above all else. We believe that you shouldn't need a training manual to use your CRM. It should feel natural from the moment you log in. Every feature we've built, and every feature we've chosen *not* to build, has been filtered through this lens.We're not trying to be the CRM for everyone. We're here for the small businesses, the freelancers, the consultants, and the teams who value their time and want a tool that just works. A tool that helps them focus on what they do best: building relationships and growing their business.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We're just getting started.