Faces of Shift With Cairnstack Software

Hi Reid, Introduce us to Cairnstack Software. What does the company do, and what is your role

Cairnstack Software is a software development company focused on logistics tracking of people, processes, and products. We have three different applications, each focusing on different markets that share similar tracking needs but require different use cases and starting and ending points.
I am the managing member, or CEO, of what is now a fully remote company with employees in many different time zones around the world. My day-to-day responsibilities are to manage my support, marketing, accounting, and development team leaders.

What inspired the name “Cairnstack,” and how does the concept of a cairn reflect your company’s philosophy?

A “cairn” is defined as a stack of stones used as a trail marker, used for thousands of years by many cultures to share knowledge with a predefined group of people about the path ahead. The method of stacking different sized rock or items, along with colors of the stones, had different meanings. Some patterns were used to highlight a shortcut, while others were intended to guide competitors toward rough trails or dangers.
The philosophy of the cairn is used in a similar way in today’s digital world. We create digital versions of product paths or lifecycle maps of people, processes, or products. The use of cairns can be attributed to how we publicly share collected information with users. Some information is important to be archived, but not necessarily fit for public consumption.

Can you walk us through the client experience – how do you support companies through implementation, training, and ongoing support?

We bring human interaction and service back into focus for companies who are implementing software. We understand that nobody really wants to purchase software. Right from the start, we ensure we listen and document what leadership wants, then work with the daily users to ensure training is conducted in a way that maximizes buy-in from daily users. With this approach, we can offer a smoother transition to new tech while giving management the best information to make future decisions

What have you learned from listening to client feedback over time, and how has that shaped your continuous‑improvement approach?

Companies large and small all struggle with the same issues; the only real difference is scale. From managing inventory and people to providing a product or service, large and small organizations all rely on product buy-in. Strong workflows multiply efforts and can showcase where to make improvements.

What aspects of the Shift community have been most valuable to you, whether professionally or personally?

I am new here, but I like the movement in the office. Seeing other companies working and interacting has been eye-opening on what is important.

Who is your ideal client, and what challenges are you helping them overcome?

Our ideal client is an organization that has a product or service that must be tracked at a higher level than just +1 or -1 on a spreadsheet or accounting system. We provide item-level resolution with the ability to save more information, such as item-specific documentation (example: MSDS sheets, firmware, testing results, and photos). Some products require knowledge of their lifecycle during manufacturing, navigating the sales process, and ensuring brand security while in the end user’s possession.

What makes Cairnstack different from other inventory or tracking platforms on the market?

We have several different products, but overall we focus on companies who have either moved beyond the functionality an accounting system’s internal tracking tools can offer. Alternatively, we work with companies who provide specialized services or create products that don’t follow a parallel path with a standard financial model.

What led you to choose Shift Workspaces as your home base?

Living nearby, I was looking for an office space with a more active environment, as well as a space that I can add to if needed. Coming from a much larger space, I needed somewhere that I can still have access to a conference room and other amenities without the constant need to manage the associated maintenance.

If you could give one piece of advice to another startup or founder just beginning their journey, what would it be?

Start with an exit in mind. Document your processes, because you cannot sell what is in your head. Buyers don’t want to buy something that isn’t repeatable without you.

What’s next for Cairnstack—are there any new features or goals on the horizon?

We are growing pretty fast this year. Hanging onto momentum during this growth stage is going to be the largest challenge. We are always looking for good people who find value in knowing where their products come from, or want to protect brands through inventory and asset tracking technology and software.

Ready to find your place in a community that values connection, growth, and authenticity?
Join Shift Workspaces today and experience the difference.