Begin Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Qikpix is a mobile platform where you can find and book professional photographers on demand. I am the CEO and founder of Qikpix.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Begin, LLC?

Beg.in performed a range of services for Qikpix. My work started out with Beg.in to build a landing page that would act as the MVP to test the market for validation. After market testing was performed and our theory was validated we moved to full production the a website and mobile app.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals for this project were ever changing. Goals when building a startup are ever changing as they should be. Pivoting pieces of your company to point in the right direction is absolutely necessary.

I wouldn't have been able to reach the goals I had set for myself without the dedicated work from Begin, LLC. They didn't help me just reach my goals they helped me achieve better than what I had even thought possible at times.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met the members of Beg.in through a co working facility. I didn't want just a dev team, I wanted a real team. Beg.in was reasonably priced and they showed the passion and dedication that I was looking for in team members. Team members helped me navigate the murky waters that are web and mobile development.

Describe the project in detail.

Qikpix was a project of many levels. The first part of the project included building an MVP product that was a website with a few basic selection options for customers.

Beg.in helped me monitor and change the MVP as needed and helped me reach my product validation goals of customer acquisition and photographer acquisition. We then went on to build the website which was the first part of the product.

The website allowed customers and photographers to sign up and register with Qikpix. Customers were also able to submit photos fro editing through the website. The mobile App was developed for both android and iOS. The app works in conjunction with the website. 

Users find and book photographers through the app and photographers are able to accept request that are submitted. Customers had the ability to search for photographers within any geographical area and photographers could accept request as well.

What was the team composition?

The team was composed of 4 software developers. Two team members were UX/UI developers and two were full stack developers. The team did grow over time to about 12 people. This included an admin team from my side of the company. Beg.in members communicated with everyone on a daily basis and were involved in every meeting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Qikpix went on to raise over $100K with the help of Beg.in. We achieved a CAC of about $3.5 and we had over 150 photographers nationwide that had signed up through the platform along with roughly 100 editors located overseas.

We received great customer feedback, customers who used the platform loved how easy and simplified the process of hiring a photographer had become. We would have liked to see more adaptability but this was due to lack of funding for marketing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The work relationship couldn't have been better. Team members from Beg.in went to speaking events and advertising engagements around the country with me. they were always ready to fix any problem or bug that was found.

We used many different communication tools such as slack on a daily basis. There were quite a few tools that we tried to weigh the benefits, begin members helped me understand some of the communication and development tools better.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The dedication was what was most impressive. The energy that all the members had made it a great work environment. Having a dynamic team that can be cohesive is something every founder wants, I was lucky enough to find this first and that is what helped me even create Qikpix in the first place!

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement, just ask them!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO at GovFlex, where we produced an e-commerce platform that connects service providers or freelance consultants with government contractors and agencies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Begin, LLC?

We hired Begin, LLC to develop a set of functionalities for our analytics tool to enhance it. Our team calls it opportunity analytics. It’s a tool that allows our customers to forecast the probability of wins against a given federal opportunity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially had an introductory conversation in which we explained our requirements. That was followed by an evaluation and quote. The first phase of the project consisted of us getting them up to speed the technology. There are several data sources needed for the analysis, so they needed to understand where they lived and the various APIs associated with them. 

Once they had access to the appropriate data, we provided them with a business logic algorithm that would produce calculations on the probability of winning. They digested that information, integrating and refining their code.

The third part of the engagement concerned the UI and how users interact with the interface. Their team laid out the solution graphically to most effectively visualize our conclusions and recommendations. They helped us present the findings in a web-based report format for our customers’ benefit.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four of their teammates in total. That included a project manager, a database specialist, a UI designer, and an analytics professional. Brandon (Managing Director, Begin, LLC) was my main point of contact.

How much have you invested with them?

To date, we’ve spent between $25,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2019, and our teams continue to collaborate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Statistics on the utilization and feedback from our users is not yet available, but consumers are activating it in high volumes. 

Internally, it’s reliable. Some of the underlying data we use comes from systems we don’t control. They deserve credit for looking into calculations that weren’t working properly and writing specialized code that will alert us if these external systems suddenly stop working. Their code is protecting us from the repercussions of that. We feel very confident in the work they did.

How did Begin, LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked closely with their project manager, who provided us with updates each week. Even though we made some changes to the project along the way, they were able to accommodate our adjustments and deliver an ideal solution in the end. 

Their team was very honest, even with their shortcomings. There was one instance when the project manager informed me of a cost evaluation oversight, and it was corrected from there. I understand that it happens and was appreciative of their transparency in that error.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They showed an authentic interest in the problem we were trying to solve. Several past partners focused only on the technical details of the project, without achieving a basic understanding of why we’re building what we were building. From the very beginning, they had a legitimate understanding of what we wanted to create and the product’s implications. They wanted to know how the product was designed to work before jumping right into the code, details, and technology.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything—they deserve a very good score. Their team communicated well and was responsive throughout. Sometimes, when you work with an outsourced team, figuring out how to schedule meetings can be challenging. They delivered without any difficulties.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be available for communication because issues in that area often cause real problems downstream. Make sure your requirements are clear. As things change, communicate them swiftly and effectively.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Business Development, Americas of Suntera Fund Services

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Fund Administrator in the US

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Begin Software to accomplish?

• Create a database of alternative asset managers
• Review data and create lead scores for the individual managers
• Create cohort table to use as case studies for prospects

SOLUTION

How did you find Begin Software?

Other

Why did you select Begin Software over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Begin Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Begin Software was contracted to architect, design and develop a dashboard to analyze SEC ADV data with the purpose of identifying high level prospects. 

1. UI/UX Design
2. Prospect scoring functionality based on data analsis 
3. Search functionality for specific funds/ADV numbers. 
4. Cohort table to create visualizations for prospective clients

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The Begin team created a stage completion calendar and hit every mark.  We are able to use the platform to create targeted marketing campaigns and find high probability prospects.  

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The team was very responsive and kept the project on time. 

What was your primary form of communication with Begin Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The team is very knowledgeable and the level of service was fantastic.   

Are there any areas for improvement or something Begin Software could have done differently?

Nothing comes to mind after working with the Begin team. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Member of a healthcare company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Healthcare services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Begin Software to accomplish?

• Development of mobile and web applications
• Automation of scheduling and matching of clients with practitioners
• Automation of payment services

SOLUTION

How did you find Begin Software?

Referral

Why did you select Begin Software over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Begin Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Develop web/mobile application platform for automating healthcare services for our clients, practitioners, and payers.
They were meant to deliver demos every 2 weeks with the launch date being August 2021. As of December 2024 they have failed to deliver.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The delivery date was August 2021, they have yet to deliver the product as of December 2024

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

No, they failed to fulfill their obligations. In fact, they refused to continue working on the project and demanded an additional tens of thousands of dollars to proceed, despite already receiving 80% of the budget and completing only 40% of the product.

What was your primary form of communication with Begin Software?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their failure to take ownership.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Begin Software could have done differently?

Everything

Company Responses

The service provider responded on June 11th, 2025

We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this project outcome. Unfortunately this client is being untruthful in their review.
Project delays occurred because the client couldn't finalize core specifications despite multiple facilitation attempts.
When the client requested features outside our contracted scope, we explained additional work required separate agreements. The client became hostile and insisted we deliver unspecified extras at no additional cost.
Contract termination occurred after these scope disputes.
Our timeline was contingent on timely requirement decisions from the client. The August 2021 date became unachievable due to specification delays on their end.
We maintain transparent communication about project boundaries and follow established change management processes. Our work quality and professional standards are documented across our entire client portfolio.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I handle the social media and marketing side of the company, as well as some customer interaction and design for a custom carpentry and woodworking company. We are currently trying to grow our custom closet business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Begin, LLC, and what were your goals?

We hired Begin to create a questionnaire that a customer can go through in order to start the design process for a closet in their home. This wizard will give us the information needed to start a project without the back and forth questions. Our hope is that this wizard will both expand our online customer base as well as help us to streamline our process from building to shipping.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

A contact that had helped us with some other content suggested that we contact the company when I spoke with her regarding some things we had hoped to do. Once we met with Cody and Brandon it became clear that they were very knowledgeable and could help us with several of the projects we are hoping to complete.

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

We started with an initial introduction meeting to make sure that we were comfortable with them and that they were able to do what we were wanting. Once that was established we started with a kick-off meeting to create the initial ideas of what we were wanting. The team then came up with different concepts of the wizard and we met again to make sure they were working towards what we were wanting.

We had weekly meetings to create the questions and flow that was needed to provide us with necessary information. From there a wireframe was created so that we could see a prototype before we went to the next step of having it coded so that we can put it into action.

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

Kendra was our main point of contact throughout the process. We initially worked with a developer to create the concept and then worked with 2 other developers to code the wizard and start the CRE portion.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The wizard has not been full launched yet; we are waiting for a website revamp as well. We do not yet have any numbers on how this will affect our business but are hoping it increases our online sales.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We had weekly meetings with the project manager as well as whoever else from the team was involved in that process. Our meetings were held through google meet so that screens could be shared and real time questions could be asked. E-mails were sent between meetings if other information was needed or questions needed to be answered.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The whole team is very knowledgeable about what they are doing. They were able to put into place exactly what we were wanting and were great at communicating throughout the whole process. I appreciated the patience and time they took to explain things as I had questions along the way.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

During some meetings some of the talk got pretty techy and a bit over my head, but when I asked questions they were quick to slow down and answer them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder of PolitiCard a political mobile application based in Florida

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Begin, LLC, and what were your goals?

to build a functional prototype

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

There are tons of companies it this field, but the deciding factor is the honesty and trust that Brandon and his team displayed.

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

We had a series of discovery sessions to understand any challenges and developed a plan to accomplish the functional prototype. Begin used Figma an app platform.

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

I was assigned a project manager - Seth and David. They were very professional and knowledgeable and responded well to changes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The prototype was completed in 3 months. no significant milestones yet

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We had weekly reviews and communicated via email during the week. for the most part communications was effective

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The honesty and level of detail and knowledgebase

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Once the project was completed, the handoff was a little unpolished.