The stack we actually use to build everything
The exact tools behind everything we build, from FairWayOS to this website. Why we chose each one and what we’d change.
In this post 4 parts
People ask about our stack constantly. Here’s the honest answer: what we actually use, why, and what we’d change if we started over.
The core
Next.js is our default for anything web. App Router, TypeScript, deployed on Vercel. We’ve tried alternatives. Nothing matches the DX and deployment speed for our use cases.
Supabase for databases and auth. PostgreSQL under the hood, real-time subscriptions, edge functions. It’s replaced Firebase for us entirely.
Tailwind CSS for styling. We were skeptics. Now we can’t imagine going back. The speed gain is real once you internalize the system.
AI layer
Claude (Anthropic) is our primary LLM for most tasks. Better at following complex instructions, more reliable for production use cases than alternatives we’ve tested.
OpenAI API for specific use cases where GPT-4’s strengths shine, particularly structured output and function calling.
Automation
Kaizen Shift CRM for CRM and marketing automation when clients need it. Not the prettiest, but incredibly powerful for pipeline management.
Custom pipelines using Supabase Edge Functions + webhook chains for everything else. We’ve moved away from Zapier/Make for production systems: too fragile at scale.
What we’d change
If starting from scratch today: - We’d adopt Cursor earlier. The AI-assisted coding speed boost is legitimate. - We’d standardize on Turborepo for monorepo management across projects. - We’d invest more in testing infrastructure from day one rather than adding it retroactively.
The best stack is the one you ship with. We optimize for speed to production, then iterate.
Scott Curtis
Founder, Kaizen Shift · Edmonton, Alberta
Scott started Kaizen Shift to get owners out of busywork. We tie your tools together, build what’s missing, then stay and grow with you.
More about Kaizen ShiftKeep reading
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