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Frankenstack: The Hidden Cost of Too Many Tools

Picture of Garrett Hunt

Every small business starts with the best of intentions.

You need a scheduling tool - grab one.
You need a quoting platform - add it.
Someone says, “This reporting tool will solve everything” - plug that in too.

Fast forward a year, and you’ve built a Frankenstack. A patchwork of tools that barely talk to each other:

  • Teams are juggling multiple logins and passwords.

  • Data scattered across apps, spreadsheets, and notes.

  • A CRM that’s supposed to be the single source of truth… but isn’t.

Instead of solving problems, your “helpful tools” are now creating them.

Why SMBs Fall Into This Trap

It’s not laziness or bad decision-making. It’s just human nature:

  • Point solutions feel easy in the moment. “We need X? Add X!”

  • Integration overhead is invisible until it’s too late. Every tool creates friction.

  • Each new addition adds a little more complexity, until the stack becomes unwieldy.

At some point, the effort of managing tools outweighs the value they provide.

The Real Costs

A Frankenstack doesn’t just waste time - it hits your bottom line:

  • Time: Teams spend hours reconciling data across systems instead of working with customers.

  • Accuracy: Leaders make decisions based on incomplete or conflicting data.

  • Morale: Frustration grows. People blame the CRM when really, the system is failing them.

And worst of all? Growth slows. Every misalignment compounds over time.

The Fix: Simplify and Centralize

Here’s how we help SMBs untangle the mess:

  1. Audit your tech stack. Quarterly is ideal. Ask, “Does this tool truly add value?”

  2. Centralize around a system of record. HubSpot works for sales, marketing, and service - and it keeps all your data in one place.

  3. Choose integrations carefully. Each add-on should support your core CRM, not compete with it.

When the stack is clean, the business hums. Teams work faster. Data is reliable. Decisions are easier.

The Huntscape Take

Complexity kills momentum. For SMBs, simpler systems always win. A clean, well-aligned tech stack doesn’t just save time - it keeps your team productive, motivated, and focused on the work that drives growth.

If your stack is feeling like a Frankenstein monster, Huntscape Operations Partners can help you simplify, centralize, and scale without the chaos.
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