When Kai Stone and Michael Vanhoutte launched their software startup just over a year ago, they didn’t have MBAs, mentors, or Silicon Valley connections. They had no investors, no funding, just raw ambition and a willingness to figure it out as they went. Fast-forward 18 months, and their company, StoneSystems, has scaled to over seven figures in revenue, redefining what’s possible for first-time founders doing things on their own terms.
Kai Stone, the CEO, is the face of the company, a charismatic frontman who’s fast-talking, brutally honest, laser-focused on growth, and seemingly a little reckless at times. He drives the brand with a no-nonsense marketing style that cuts through the fluff, especially in an industry saturated with overpriced, overpromised solutions. At the heart of their success is a partnership built on contrast and complement.
Michael Vanhoutte, the COO, is the silent operator. He is intensely calculated, highly analytical, and known for his obsessive attention to detail. He ensures the back end of the business runs like clockwork, translating Kai’s high-speed vision into structured, scalable systems. Kai sets the fire. Michael contains it and builds around it.
A Bootstrapped Breakthrough
Today, their startup StoneSystems serves hundreds of paying clients, all bootstrapped, with no outside funding.
“I was making alright money working for my parents, but working for mommy and daddy isn’t a cool story — so I figured I should probably build a software company,” says Kai, the visionary CEO who drives the company’s growth strategy and marketing.
Complementary Strengths, One Shared Mission
Behind the scenes, COO Michael builds the systems that keep everything running smoothly. Their dynamic is straightforward: Kai brings the fire; Michael contains it and builds around it. This partnership wasn’t born in business school or a Silicon Valley incubator but was forged through necessity and a shared intolerance for the status quo.
“I was just so miserable working 12 hours a day for somebody else,” Michael recalls of his factory days. “I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew I couldn’t keep doing that.”
Their early days weren’t pretty. The product was rough. They had no clients. They weren’t even sure if anyone wanted what they were selling.
What separated them from countless other failed startups wasn’t genius or connections — it was their relentless willingness to fail forward.
“I promise you I’ve failed more times than you’ve even tried,” Kai states bluntly. “Failure isn’t even failure unless you quit.”
Rejecting Startup Hyper in Favor of Profitability and Peace
While many SaaS founders chase venture capital and hypergrowth, Kai and Michael took a different path. They offer simple, effective software for home service businesses at $297 per month, a price point accessible to clients and sustainable for them.
This approach flies in the face of conventional startup wisdom, where “bigger is better” often rules the day. StoneSystems.io isn’t trying to be the next unicorn. They’ve built a lean, profitable machine that prioritizes freedom over fame.
“We’re not trying to chase big revenue numbers just to feed our ego,” Michael explains. “We’re focused on profitability, systems, and peace of mind.”
Cutting Through the Noise with Substance Over Flash
The home services market has been bombarded with overpriced, overhyped marketing solutions. Kai’s no-BS approach cuts through that noise with straightforward talk and measurable results. Michael’s operational expertise ensures those promises are kept through reliable systems.
Their definition of success might surprise those steeped in startup culture: no private jets, billions in valuation, or 100-hour work weeks.
“Our goal is a few million dollars a year each in profit, living freely, and building something we’re proud of,” says Kai. “Neither of us believes more money will make us happier. The process and pride in what we’ve built is the real goal.”
For young entrepreneurs intimidated by polished success stories, Kai offers perspective: “I’m willing to suck. I’m willing to look stupid. And I’m willing to fail more than everyone else. That’s why I’m going to win.”
In just 18 months, these two first-time founders have proven that experience, connections, and funding — while helpful — aren’t requirements for success. Their secret? Relentless action and a willingness to learn through doing.
Freedom Over Fame: Reshaping Success
As they look toward the future, Kai and Michael aren’t chasing unicorn status. They’re building a sustainable business that serves clients well while giving them the freedom to live life on their own terms, perhaps the ultimate measure of entrepreneurial success.
Visit StoneSystems to see how Kai and Michael’s no-nonsense software can help grow your home service business.