Ascendix Technologies

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a Los Angeles-based real estate capital advisory firm, helping our clients structure their capital for their commercial real estate assets. We provide advisory services for debt and equity.

As the VP, I work for some of our managing directors in addition to being a field manager, client manager. I also support our technology implementation team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ascendix Technologies?

We’ve been around for quite a few years, so our database is one of the most important things to us. That’s why we hired Asecendix Technologies to set up a new database solution within a tight timeframe.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Ascendix Technologies developed a custom database solution for us that would serve as a project management tool. First, their team built out the base-level functionality to ensure that we could use the new system. They then worked to transfer over 15,000 legacy contacts to the new system.

Since then, we’ve done monthly iterations to improve the database, ranging from customizing the interface to cleaning up the data in a quick, concise manner.

What is the team composition? 

Working with Melissa (Application Developer & Consultant) has been key to hitting our deliverables. She’s willing to jump on the phone at any time to explain aspects of our system. What’s more, she’s so knowledgeable about our project that I don’t feel the need to interact much with other members of the team much.

How did you come to work with Ascendix Technologies?

After evaluating 30–40 groups, we felt that Ascendix Technologies offered the best combination of money for the work, high-quality database services, and project management services.

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work started in November 2019 and is ongoing. The first four months were particularly intensive, but they’ve since transitioned into more of a maintenance and improvement role. Our database system is always expanding and evolving, so we’ll continue working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Currently, we’re tracking 52–53 out of 55 employees on the system, which indicates a high user implementation rate. Over 90% of our employees are using the system at least once a week, whereas our previous database only had a 20% user activity rate.

How did Ascendix Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

One of the biggest joys of working with Ascendix Technologies has been having a rep who responds almost immediately in a clear and concise way. Not only that, but Marissa is able to interpret our communication in a way that makes sense for her team.

We used to engage them multiple times a week during the initial implementation work but have slowed down to once every two weeks. Our primary lines of contact are phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Like I’ve said, Marissa is fantastic. She’s willing to jump on phone calls and will rearrange her schedule to make our system as fast as possible. 

Getting into the system itself, it’s clear that they spend a significant amount of time developing our database. They understand our business and know how to drill into it, which is why they’ve designed the solution to be easy to customize and adapt.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This is less about them and more on our side. They’ve done such a great job of interacting with the system that we’ve relied on them as a clutch. We haven’t spent enough time becoming true administrators to our own system. In that sense, it would be helpful if they could wean us off to make us more self-sufficient.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re contracting Ascendix Technologies, you need to have dedicated individuals who can work with them consistently during implementation and customization. I don’t think our engagement would’ve been as successful if we didn’t have a core internal group dedicating time to the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an analyst at Black Bear Capital Partners a commercial real estate structured debt & equity advisory. My responsibilities include underwriting debt and equity and maintaining the firms database & CRM infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ascendix Technologies, and what were your goals?

Ascendix was hired to upgrade a preexisting CRM platform with their new Capital Markets upgrade. The challenge was to have the ability to store information on the criteria of various capital sources using fields that could then be indexed or queried to facilitate procurement of capital for our debt/equity projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select Ascendix Technologies and what were the deciding factors?

The Capital Markets upgrade gave us the ability to store information on the criteria of various capital sources using fields that could then be indexed or queried to facilitate the procurement of capital for our debt/equity projects. 

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Ascendix made changes to the Salesforce-based platform creating a new Capital Source record. Within the record, multiple fields were created to store important information and relate to existing records such as accounts and contact for ease of use.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Two individuals worked on this project - Marissa Mills and Chris Peterson. Chris Peterson assisted in managing the project, consulting, negotiating pricing, and solving problems that came up during development. Marissa Mills acted as the project manager and consulted with us to develop a plan. Marissa then executed that plan making the upgrades and adjustments to the system.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our users are still becoming acquainted with the platform so i have nothing measurable to share yet. However, qualitatively the upgrade has absolutely met our expectations in organizing our capital source information in a dynamic way that is collaborative and accessible to everyone

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of marketing at Stiles Corporation, a full-service real estate developer. We specialize in both commercial and residential properties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ascendix Technologies?

The divisions within our company were unknowingly pursuing the same prospects because we didn’t have a central platform to share client files. As such, a new CRM system was integral to our business development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We already had a basic CRM system but needed Ascendix Technologies to make the platform more user-friendly. Their team followed our specifications, streamlined the Microsoft Dynamic CRM, redeveloped existing features, and integrated new developments. The renovated CRM allows users to store client data and share the files with other departments. Although development has concluded, Ascendix Technologies remains an active advisor on new developments.

What is the team composition?

The company’s president and CEO was our main point of contact, but we also interacted with the assigned project lead.

How did you come to work with Ascendix Technologies?

We included them in the bidding process to build our first CRM system but decided to hire one of their cheaper competitors. After realizing our mistake, we reached out to Asencdix Technologies to retool the complicated system.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our relationship with Ascendix Technologies spans several years, but they’ve been our partner since 2016 from a contract perspective.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The previous CRM was difficult to navigate and impossible to adopt, but the new system has proven to be an essential operating tool. The shared client files have maximized business opportunities and enriched our lead generation techniques. Our progress wouldn’t be attainable without Ascendix Technologies’ continued support.

How did Ascendix Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

Their approach to both execution and communication surpassed our expectations. Most vendors that we work with require some degree of micromanagement, but Ascendix Technologies managed the entire project independently. Whether they were sending follow-up questions via email or calling us to clarify directions, they were careful to avoid miscommunication. Even now, they’re respectful of our time and plan meetings around our schedule. Ascendix Technologies is undoubtedly the most trustworthy company that I’ve ever worked with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a solution for every problem we send their way, which can be credited to their extensive CRM knowledge. They’re also very familiar with our industry, so they can tailor the system to accommodate our unique business needs. We never worry about changes to their staff because they have an excellent track record of curating a diversely talented team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The work that they produced for us is outstanding, and they deserve nothing less than praise.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ascendix Technologies doesn’t have the lowest rates on the market, but their expertly designed work is more cost-effective in the long-run.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the lead for the Indiana office for Colliers International, a real estate services company. We provide brokerage and property management construction services to businesses that want to move to, buy, or sell a building. We help with anything in the commercial real estate arena.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ascendix Technologies?

We had an old CRM platform that we wanted to replace with something savvier and technically up to date.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ascendix Technologies migrated our business from our old CRM to Microsoft Dynamics, customizing it for both our industry and our specific workflow at the time. They perform regular updates on the platform every 2–3 years and execute any technical improvements that Microsoft pushes through.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with the same team for the past 10 years, including leadership representatives, a project manager, 2–3 developers for updating, and 2–3 for maintenance.

How did you come to work with Ascendix Technologies?

We searched online for companies that worked with Microsoft Dynamics with a background in real estate. We found Ascendix Technologies and liked what they’d done for their other clients, so we interviewed them. They were skilled, responsive to our pitch, and willing to customize the platform to our needs, so we hired them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been partners since 2007.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The platform gives us tremendous recruiting abilities because it’s customized to our workflow and is incredibly appealing to brokers. The system is unlike any other; it keeps track of deals, communications, and knowledge specifically tailored to the real estate industry, putting our brokers ahead of the competition.

Beyond recruiting, the platform makes us much more efficient and effective. Our process is more streamlined because of Ascendix Technologies.

How did Ascendix Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re detailed and precise in establishing project expectations and the scope of work. They’ve guided us through the project, making sure all deadlines were met from both sides. We’ve never had any issues with their project management.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, none come to mind.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Do as much work internally as possible and make sure to have an in-house person who can lead the partnership.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of technology solutions for Transwestern. We’re a commercial real estate firm providing management, leasing, and consulting services for our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ascendix Technologies?

We were having some trouble with our CRM in the commercial real estate market and were looking for a company with that expertise.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped set up, configure, and now support our CRM. They’ve helped us build a more user-friendly interface so that we’re cognizant of who our users are and how they best interact with the CRM.

Additionally, they helped us move to an updated version—which was a huge conversion—and increase adoption across our brokers on the platform. We leveraged their expertise on best practices and how to best communicate the change with our users.

What is the team composition?

Our main points of contact were the project manager and technical architect. We spoke with them on an almost daily basis. They have a development team backing them, and we would occasionally interact with Ascendix’s president.

How did you come to work with Ascendix Technologies?

I’m not sure how Transwestern initially found Ascendix, but they were selected because they offered us a developed solution. They had started building a commercial real estate overlay for Microsoft Dynamics. When we first started working together, we needed that commercial real estate expertise and solution. Over time, they have become a true business partner and helped us enhance our solutions to meet our business needs.

What is the status of this engagement?

Ascendix began working with Transwestern before I was hired, but I believe it was in 2012, and we are ongoing partners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They test everything before handing it to us, so everything we receive has minimal errors. The quality is always great. They act as a real business partner and take the time to work with us, understand what we need, and give feedback on what they think is the best approach. They walk with us through the entire project.

How did Ascendix Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate over the phone, email, or online meetings—whatever is best for the situation. They’re very accessible. We talk with the project manager on a weekly basis at least, sometimes closer to daily. They’re always quick to deliver.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have very open and honest communication and are always willing to go the extra mile to get our product to the next level. They do more than just the work they’re assigned; they look out for our best interests and care about us as a company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s always something a company can do better, but there’s nothing I can pinpoint as negative. Sometimes I wish they could be on-site with us at all times, but that’s obviously not cost effective for either of us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Always be open with them as to what you’re trying to achieve and your team's strengths and weaknesses. Ascendix will adapt to whoever they’re working with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an executive for a global commercial real estate company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ascendix Technologies?

Our initial challenge involved poor CRM adoption. We needed help integrating our real estate information into our system, so we could track properties, leases, sales, and other opportunities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ascendix integrated our Microsoft CRM into one of their products initially, but we also now use several of their products for many of our locations around the world. They provide services from three different teams: support, concierge, and operations. If we ever want to do additional work, they'll help us scope it out and provide a plan for implementation.

What is the team composition?

We work with three separate teams that are each supported by a lead manager. Their operations team and concierge teams handle a lot of support for us, while the data team provides developers and data team members. They also handle any communication needed to Microsoft regarding questions about integrating their tools into our CRM. I work with up to five developers, depending on the size of the project, as well as a QA analyst and engineer.

How did you come to work with Ascendix Technologies?

I believe my predecessor met them through a conference. She had been looking for a real estate embedded CRM solution for a while and wanted to work with Ascendix because they had the tools to accomplish the task.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them for about eight years and counting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The quality of work they provide is second to none. They've provided CRM solutions that no one else has been able to. Their efforts have helped both our sales force and the dynamics of our practice. The technologies they've employed have significantly simplified our CRM usage. Many of our locations require customizations that Ascendix has been able to provide solutions for not available in our native CRM. Their work has driven our adoption, which has increased by about six times what it was before we started working with them.

How did Ascendix Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very organized and responsive. We're somewhat of a difficult client, consisting of multiple regions with varying requirements and we're constantly moving things around at the last second, but they do a great job of juggling and prioritizing the workload. I work closely with them if they ever have any questions and we meet regularly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're true consultants, meaning they don't just do as they're told without providing feedback and input where they feel it would be helpful. They actually think through the process and are knowledgeable about commercial real estate. Not many consulting firms can offer that kind of expertise and industry knowledge.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I just wish their team was a little bigger, so I'd have more resources to pull from for last-minute requests.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open to their suggestions and trust their knowledge and expertise in CRM and even in commercial real estate—it's top-notch.