Build Labs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the marketing manager for a cleaning product brand. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Build Labs?

We needed to update our website's coding for accessibility purposes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Build Labs updated the coding of our website to enhance accessibility.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a remote team.

How did you come to work with Build Labs?

A few vendors we’ve been working with recommended Build Labs. Their pricing and work style ultimately led us to contract their team.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from August until September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Build Labs completed their work efficiently. Their communication was fantastic throughout the process. They gave helpful descriptions of what they were doing in a way we could understand. We could tell that they were getting work done without having to get involved in the technical pieces.

How did Build Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Build Labs was excellent at complying with the project and meeting deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication and responsiveness were fantastic. We were never waiting for answers to our questions or requests for days on end. Build Labs always followed up quickly, asking extra questions and identifying issues that we may not have spotted. Their proactiveness was appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of any at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO and owner of Taina Coaching and Training. We focus on promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our services include training sessions with staff, strategic planning, equity audits, and executive coaching.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Build Labs?

I’m interested in finding ways to support doctoral students from different backgrounds that find themselves unable to complete their program. In order to support them, I wanted to design a web application that has resources for students to create a sense of community and also have a direct line to online coaching services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They have designed the entire infrastructure of the web application, with the eventual goal of creating a traditional app as well. We did a lot of market research in terms of the needs we’re looking to fill. During this, they’ve been behind the scenes working on responsive coding and setting up a base that will prepare us for the future as we continue growing. 

What is the team composition?

I’ve been working primarily with JD (Founder, Build Labs), along with another individual who has been doing a lot of the coding behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Build Labs?

I made a connection at a tech boot camp with the person who helped me create the original idea. She went on to work at Build Labs and suggested that I work with them in order to continue pursuing the project.

How much have you invested with them?

Our budget so far has been $10,700.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2018 and are currently in the beta version of the app to work out some kinks and get as much feedback as possible before launching.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The main performance indicator has been the delivery of the actual web app. The beta version has been very well received so far. People have been really excited about the design so far as well as about the possibilities of where this could grow.

How did Build Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Throughout the process, JD has been incredibly communicative. We were able to set some very clear goals, and as I began meeting with their team, we were consistently focusing on making tangible progress toward those. They were very good about asking clarifying questions to fully understand my vision and its context, as well as who the end-user was going to be.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What really speaks to me about Build Labs is the care and investment that they put into the vision. This isn’t only about the product or its delivery, but it’s also about the belief that our goal really aligned with their core values. At all times, they’ve been highly committed to the vision of our project. As a first-time entrepreneur, it’s extremely encouraging to see their reaction and positive reinforcement, keeping the process really exciting.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only delays we had were due to changes in staffing on their end, which I know happens. I wouldn’t say there was anything they could do better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I think they’re an excellent option if you’re a startup like me, working in your basement with a lot of excitement but with a small budget. Working with Build Labs is an excellent way to start framing your vision and putting in some of the critical infrastructures in a way that’s very financially accessible.