Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key is a St. Louis-based custom software development and business process consulting firm founded in 2004. Operating as Richman Holdings, LLC dba Skeleton Key, the company builds tailored business applications and database systems for organizations seeking to replace disconnected spreadsheets, paper processes, and legacy workflows with more durable operational tools.

The firm specializes in the Claris platform and is a Claris Platinum Partner, with work spanning FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, FileMaker Server, and Claris Connect. Its approach combines operational discovery and workflow analysis with custom application design, rapid prototyping, relational database architecture, and ongoing technical support.

Software and workflow capabilities

Skeleton Key develops systems that connect teams, data, and external services across desktop and mobile environments. Its supported capabilities include:

• Custom FileMaker applications for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Windows
• Relational database design, remodeling, performance tuning, and secure data consolidation
• Business workflow automation and process optimization
• API and systems integrations, including HubSpot, Twilio, ERP tools, and Claris Connect
• Secure client portals, information architecture, cloud hosting, and managed support
• Legacy-system modernization and platform-stability work

Industry applications

The company serves organizations in manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, municipal government, education, energy and utilities, contracting, archival media, healthcare, and professional services. Its work includes permitting, inspection, and licensing automation for the City of Florissant; production-tracking and workflow systems for Seyer Industries; archival cataloging tools for Historic Images; and operational database work for schools, utilities, retailers, and trade contractors.

Skeleton Key also provides consulting around software strategy, systems audits, workflow bottlenecks, licensing, hosting, and maintenance. Its long-term support model includes proactive infrastructure monitoring and tiered maintenance arrangements, helping clients sustain and evolve custom systems after deployment.

With its headquarters in St. Louis and a distributed U.S. team, Skeleton Key focuses on bespoke business software for organizations whose operational needs are not well served by off-the-shelf applications.