Custom software for Flathead Valley businesses.
I'm Kelson. I build simple tools that replace the spreadsheets, copy-paste and group texts your team runs on, at a fixed price. If an off-the-shelf app fits you better, I'll tell you that instead.
Based in Columbia Falls. Happy to meet in person in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork or anywhere in the valley, or over video.
Where the hours go
Most small teams don't need more software. They need the few tools they already use to talk to each other, and one place to see the work.
- The same data, typed three times
A job comes in by email, gets copied to a spreadsheet, then re-entered into invoicing.
- Status lives in someone's head
Finding out where a project stands means a phone call, a text, or a walk across the shop.
- Reports take a whole afternoon
Month-end numbers get pieced together by hand from four different places.
What a simple tool looks like
Here's the kind of thing I build: a job tracker for a small remodeling contractor that replaces a shared spreadsheet and a whiteboard.
| Job | Stage | Next step | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel, Hwy 2 | In progress | Countertop install | Nov 19 |
| Deck replacement | Estimate | Send estimate | Nov 17 |
| Basement finish | Scheduled | Framing inspection | Nov 21 |
| Bathroom tile repair | To invoice | Final invoice | Nov 16 |
| Garage addition | New lead | Site visit | Nov 18 |
A sample tool with made-up data, built to show what's possible.
What changed for the team
- New leads from the website form land here automatically
- Everyone sees the same job status from the office or a phone on site
- Finished jobs flow straight to invoicing, with no retyping
- The owner's weekly numbers are one click, not one afternoon
Services and pricing
Every project has a fixed price agreed in writing before work starts. You own what I build for you.
Workflow Audit
Find the hours you're losing.
- Conversations with you and your team
- A review of your current tools, spreadsheets and handoffs
- A written report of your top 5 to 10 opportunities, each with estimated cost, time saved and payback
- A walkthrough meeting to decide what to do first
The full $1,800 is credited toward a build if you start one within 60 days.
Internal Tool Build
Replace the spreadsheet.
A custom tool built around how your team already works: intake forms, job trackers, dashboards, client portals, connections between the systems you already pay for, and AI-assisted workflows.
| Size | Typical scope | Fixed price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | One workflow or integration | $4,500–$7,500 |
| Medium | Multi-screen tool with a database and integrations | $9,000–$15,000 |
| Large | Multi-department tool or client-facing portal, delivered in phases | $15,000–$24,000 |
Every build includes deployment, a user guide, team training and 30 days of fixes.
Support Retainer
Keep it running.
| Plan | Includes | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Monitoring, updates and up to 2 hours of changes | $350 |
| Standard | Up to 6 hours, next-business-day response | $850 |
| Partner | Up to 12 hours and a quarterly improvement review | $1,600 |
How it works
Small steps, working software early, and no surprises on the invoice.
- Free 30-minute call
Tell me what's slowing your team down. I'll tell you honestly whether custom software is the answer.
- Fixed price, in writing
You see the scope, cost and timeline before anything starts.
- Build in small steps
You use working pieces early and shape the tool as it comes together.
- Clean handoff
Training, documentation, and the option to keep me on for support.
Who I work with
Small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits and local organizations that have outgrown spreadsheets and email, but don't need a full-time developer.
- Construction and trades
- Agriculture
- Real estate
- Professional services
- Nonprofits
- Local organizations
About me
I've spent more than a decade leading technology for a growing company, designing, building and running the software it depends on, from architecture and integrations to security and compliance.
With 2 Cranes, I bring that same experience to local businesses. The person on your first call is the person who builds your tool and supports it afterward.
Common questions
Isn't custom software too expensive for a small business?
It doesn't have to be. Most of what small teams need is one focused tool, not a big system. Small builds start at $4,500 at a fixed price, and the audit shows you the expected payback before you commit to anything.
Should I just buy an off-the-shelf app instead?
Sometimes, yes. If an existing app fits how you work, I'll recommend it and help you set it up. Custom tools make sense when you're bending your business around software that almost fits, or paying for several apps that don't talk to each other.
Who owns what you build?
You do. The tool, your data and the accounts it runs on belong to your business. I keep the rights to my general-purpose building blocks so I can keep costs down for everyone.
What happens if something breaks after launch?
Every build includes 30 days of fixes. After that, a support retainer covers monitoring, updates and changes, or you can call me as needed.
Do you only work in the Flathead?
No. I'm based in Columbia Falls and happy to meet in person around the valley, but most work happens over video and I work with businesses anywhere.
How do you handle our data and security?
Carefully. I use secure, reputable hosting, limit access to what the work needs, and never use your information for anything other than your project.
Book a free 30-minute call
Pick a time that works for you. We'll talk about where your team is losing time and whether a simple tool could help.
Prefer email? Send a few lines about your team and what's taking too long, and I'll reply within one business day.
hello@2cranestech.com2 Cranes Technology, Columbia Falls, Montana. Serving the Flathead Valley and businesses across Montana.