ChopDawg.com

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO and founder of Steps Insitu. We provide scenarios and educational programs for medical professionals, training them for high-risk deliveries and natal situations where they need interventions. Our program is an open-ended software that unfolds differently based on a user’s situation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg?

I needed a vendor to help me build a non-functional prototype for my mobile application. I wanted to use it to seek out funding and investors.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed a prototype in InVision. Initially, I wanted to build five or six different pathways to show what the application could do, but we went above and beyond what the contract originally stated. We ended up creating 200 screens instead of 10, so I was able to run a whole scenario without any coding. They also tested the prototype and dealt with a group of medical personnel, pushing the current technology past its boundaries.  

What is the team composition?

I mostly worked with one designer.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg?

It was my first experience developing an application, so I was looking for a local company. I wanted to be able to have a face-to-face meeting with their owner, get their ideas, and learn from them. That was the main reason I chose them.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent about $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them between September 2018–January 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I recently attended a National Convention for the American Academy of Pediatrics. I was able to share a poster presentation based on the application use for education resuscitation program. I provided a couple of screenshots, demonstrating what my application looked like and the feedback was very positive. People liked how clean and easy to use the interface was. The response from the leaders in the field was also very favorable.

How did ChopDawg perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated back and forth via email or phone almost every other day to make sure the project was going smoothly. We also used UberConference to stay in touch. They were very responsive and quickly addressed any issues that came up.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very patient and accommodating to my last-minute changes. They really went above and beyond to meet my needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. It was a bit rough at the beginning because they didn't have any medical background and I didn't have their level of technical skills. But we worked through all the challenges successfully.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm currently a partner at a venture capital firm in the Silicon Valley area. I'm also the founder and CEO of a spatial computing company in Menlo Park.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

When we engaged them, I was working at a startup. My co-founder discovered brick and mortar cuddling shops during a trip to Japan. We decided to make a first to market cuddling application for iOS. We didn’t have any iOS developers on staff, so we considered our options outside the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app was for iOS only. We came up with the idea, but they did everything else. Their involvement included wireframes, the entire design, coding, development, fulfillment of Apple Store requirements, and working with AWS. From conception to rollout, they supported us through every step of the process. Once we launched, they stuck around and resolved any issues we had with version updates or bug fixes. They were always willing to help, even after their contract was done.

What is the team composition?

In all, we worked with three or four full-time developers and engineers, including a full stack developer, backend specialist, and a few other team members. They were committed throughout the whole duration of the project.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

After we decided to use a vendor to help us build the app, we met with over 25 teams over the course of three months. ChopDawg was very sharp and hands-on, so we had a follow-up call with them. They flew cross-country to meet with us face to face, so we knew they would go out of their way to help us. Their excitement, passion, and intelligence were all factors in choosing them as a partner.

How much have you invested with them?

We were one of their first iOS projects, so we got a good deal. In all, we spent less than $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started around January 2013 and took less than nine months to complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Once we launched, ChopDawg went out of their way to reach out to their network about our app. We were featured on several big sites and market headliners. With their help, we saw a lot of organic growth and significant product virality. They weren’t required to do that, but they took extra steps to help us go viral. Thanks to that early success, we were acquired two years later.

Aside from the parameters of the collaboration, they taught us a lot about every step it takes to build an application. We gained a tremendous amount of respect for them and still have a good relationship with them. They’re always happy to help us and our communication is great.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

We were completely pleased with their communication overall. They sent us updates on various platforms and made sure everything was user-friendly and easy to use. If we didn’t understand something, they sent screenshots or walked us through tutorials. When we had a question or needed help, I could email, text, or call them and would get a response almost immediately, even though we’re on opposite coasts.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Communication was amazing, and they solved a lot of the problems we faced as a startup. They were incredibly trustworthy, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for them. If we ever proposed a deadline that was unreasonable, or if we had an idea that wouldn’t work, they leveraged their experience and offered more realistic alternatives.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I only wish they were closer to us. They’re a solid team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a company that has a chatbot that helps people find a lawyer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

We needed a cutting-edge app developer who could develop a quality app and effectively leverage AI technology.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

ChopDawg.com is developing an app that essentially acts like a chatbot on lawyers’ and law firms’ website. The app utilizes AI to answer users’ questions and provide information on which lawyer or law firm is the best fit for their needs.

What is the team composition?

The team is about four people.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

We did some research and spoke to a few different people who highly recommended ChopDawg.com. We met with them and liked their attitude and knowledge about AI, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $750,000–$800,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m satisfied with the work they’ve done so far.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

We have weekly meetings where they update us on progress and provide deliverables. They take time to walk us through their process so that we can verify that all the details are handled correctly. They’re currently ahead of schedule, which is great.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re enthusiastic about their work and use outside resources to improve our product. They’re a cutting-edge development company that’s ahead of the curve. I can easily see them being one of the most preeminent developers in the world.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, our relationship is great, and I’d recommend them to anyone.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO of GyftMasters, a gifting app for people to exchange presents, food, or drinks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

Once our app goes live, we wanted to make sure the transactions between users didn’t burden us with added fees. We needed someone to help us build the app from scratch for both iOS and Android.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re building a prototype and doing all the coding. We provided them with the scope and they created wireframes and structural elements from scratch. Everything is coming up from nothing, so their responsibilities include the UI design, coding, data storage, and automation. When the prototype is finished, we’ll convert the engagement to full development for both operating systems.

What is the team composition?

Right now, we’re working with a project manager and a designer.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

We did a web search for companies with favorable reviews. Once we had an idea of who we wanted to work with, we did another search to check if there were any negative reviews that might impact our work together.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $15,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in July 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I love what they’ve created so far. We’re excited to get into production to see how the app will work and are looking forward to full production and launch.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is awesome and they always follow up with us. We communicate through phone, email, and UberConference, and we do a lot of screen sharing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re all on the same page and operate with full transparency. Every step of the way is clear and we know where we’re going. Companies we worked with previously were never as responsive or proactive. They give us full schedules ahead of time and reach out to us before we notice any issues or discrepancies.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any problems with them. We met in person several times before we began and they never asked for any payments until we started to build the prototype.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Reach out to them. They're well versed in app development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO and founder of a company that's in the process of creating a mobile real estate app that automates the purchasing and selling for individuals without the need of a real estate agent.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

My partners, advisers, and I tried to create an app, but didn't have the technical expertise to create a usable platform, so we were looking for a developer to help us bring our idea to life.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

ChopDawg is designing a mobile app on iOS, including both front end and back end development. Once that version is completed, we plan to work with them to build an Android version a well.

What is the team composition?

We work with two full-time dedicated staff on their team and a project manager. We've also been in touch a lot with Joshua (Founder, ChopDawg.com).

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

We looked for top mobile app developers in the local area, from Philadelphia to Boston and Washington, DC. After a lot of research, we narrowed our list down to 10 firms and starting calling and meeting with each one. Out of the five proposals we received, we were most impressed by ChopDawg's approach. They weren't the cheapest vendor, but they did the best job of taking the knowledge of what I shared with them about our business and model, incorporating it into a scope of work that was above and beyond what I expected.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $100,000 in the iOS version of the app.

What is the status of this engagement?

We signed an agreement with ChopDawg in March 2018 and started working on the app in early April.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

ChopDawg's team provides invaluable feedback that's significantly improved the overall design of the app. They contributed greatly to the design and flow of platform, incorporating features that we never would've thought of.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

The team's level of openness in communication has been excellent. Their approach is very collaborative and proactive. Our project manager has been great about managing deadlines, arranging weekly calls, and sending follow up emails to make sure everyone's on top of tasks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everything's been fantastic thus far. I can't think of anything they could improve upon.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of Niche Sports Connect. I am building a social network for niche sport enthusiasts all around the world to connect together in virtual tournaments and schedule in-person competitions.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg?

I needed to develop and design and iOS application and website that focused on membership and communication.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

ChopDawg developed the iOS application and used Wordpress to build and design the website.

What is the team composition?

A project manager led three developers and two designers.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg?

I found them through their blog and loved their article about how to best work with agencies.

How much have you invested with them?

I have invested around $75,000 for everything.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in Jan 2018. The project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thus far, the designs have been incredible. What I loved about this whole process is that they have turned everything I envisioned into one large picture, and I am very happy with the progress.

How did ChopDawg perform from a project management standpoint?

At the beginning, they mapped out the project plan from start to finish, setting up deadlines that they have consistently met.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I feel like I’m not working with an agency, I am working with good friends. The project management is both fluid and timely, and they have been very respectful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I can think of, I have been very impressed with everything so far.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My business is the Crypto Currency Database (CCDB). We educate people how to invest cryptocurrencies, understand the relevant technologies, and follow the latest news.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

We needed a vendor to develop web and mobile applications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed native iOS and Android apps in React. The team built the web app with Laravel and helped design the UI. ChopDawg.com also provided branding services. Work completed in early 2018, but we’re not launching the apps while the cryptocurrency space is in a downturn.

What is the team composition?

The team included one project manager, a developer, and two designers. I interfaced with the CEO on a monthly basis.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

I found them in a Google search for app development firms with cryptocurrency experience. I spoke with a few agencies, but found them the most personable and detailed. They were familiar with cryptocurrencies and submitted the best project proposal.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent approximately $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started in June 2017 and ended in January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They helped me piece the project together. Since I didn’t have app development expertise, I relied on them to implement my ideas. Their attentive service made me feel like their only client.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated via Google Hangouts, texts, and email. They were also available 24/7 via phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their comprehensive services included design, programming, and support; the team also helped me with the servers. They even taught me a few things about app development.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I was very satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing manager for an award-winning home remodeling company that specializes in kitchens and bathrooms.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

We wanted to create a CRM system to help with day-to-day operations.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted the application to include a number of features to help us stay in touch with our clients. It needed to include a scheduling function so we could coordinate consultations between our clients and designers. Additionally, it needed to assist with 3D modeling throughout the course of any given project. We’ve worked closely with ChopDawg’s designers and developers to outline the look and feel of the system.

What is the team composition?

We were assigned a project manager, two interface designers, and developers.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

Choosing a developer is not a decision to be made lightly, especially when part of the project will be done remotely. We conducted extensive research, finding ChopDawg and a few other companies through Google.

After meeting with Josh Winkles [Chief of Staff, ChopDawg.com] and his team, our decision was easy. They seemed to be on a completely different level than the other vendors we’d spoken to.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2017 and our relationship is ongoing. We’re on schedule to complete the project in the fourth quarter of 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

On our end, one of the biggest challenges has been staying within the scope. When building a CRM, there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of, on top of the fact that I still have to run my business. ChopDawg has played a crucial role in keeping the project on schedule and ensuring that we focus only on features we really need. They’re a reliable resource.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

We have the contact information for everyone on our team and communicate through phone, email, and text messages. They’re also available at all times through Slack. Our project manager is always very responsive. They keep us updated throughout the week and we’re able to provide feedback as needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really care about the success of our application, which is important when investing the time and money necessary to build a complex system. You can hear their passion when they talk about the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re doing an excellent job. Thanks to them, we’ve even adopted Slack for our own internal use, as we found it to be more efficient than our previous project management tool. They’re a great option if you’re seeking development work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Think carefully about the features you need to include. ChopDawg helped us scale back so that we focused on the necessities, but the more prepared you are, the better the outcome will be.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO and founder of Sprouts Investments. We help clients move their government currency into cryptocurrencies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ChopDawg.com?

We were looking to develop a mobile app for our financial services business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed my prototype on InVision. The mobile app links multiple banks to one source of funding. I can use an algorithm to determine what investments the people would like to invest into and what infrastructure development to use off of a few variables. The crypto market can be broken down into different segments. In the crypto market, there are people that want to focus on energy development or educational development. Depending on a few questions, it will resource their fiat dollars into an escrow system that turns them into crypto and into a fund that they will be able to access within six months. It is similar to Vanguard.

What is the team composition?

We have had four people working on the MVP. Two of them are designers. One is the CEO who is working with me through the process of how to develop the app from start to finish. The other person is the programming head who is not involved yet but is staying in touch with the progress of the product. When we switch over from the non-functioning to the functioning, he will start developing.

How did you come to work with ChopDawg.com?

I went to four or five different consultancy firms on how to start a business and used some resources I have. ChopDawg was recommended to me by a colleague. I tried out about four businesses and am still working with two of them. ChopDawg is one, but since they have not completed my project yet, I still have another group working on the product in case they do not succeed.

How much have you invested in them?

I have spent $15,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in October of 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They created the non-functioning prototype for four different theories that they could do for the applications. The workflow that it goes through is very intuitive, and I can definitely see my customers using this and being able to make it through the process, as well as having a good understanding of what they are doing.

They have helped me refine and develop the business model that I want to use for this app. Since this is a financial app, there are a lot of logistical and legal ramifications that they have brought to light for me that I can now take into consideration as we move on through this project.

How did ChopDawg.com perform from a project management standpoint?

We have mainly communicated through email and Google Hangouts. It works pretty well, but the only problem is that my schedule changes often and they were not too flexible. I have two or three other team members that are also in different parts of the world, and it was very hard for our schedules to meet up. We now have it ironed out to where the communication is a lot better, but it took a few months to get it right.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They don’t move too fast or too slow. They do a very good job of looking at the scaling of the product from a 3,000-foot view and a 3-meter view. They see what I want to accomplish on the large scale and then see where adjustments need to be made to make it work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just do it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a real estate company. I built an ecosystem that will make the buying and selling of real estate a lot easier and the cycle time quicker.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Chopdawg?

We wanted to develop an ecosystem to combine everything into one platform, tying in seamless communication. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed an app for us using React Native. I’m not in tune with some of the technical language, but they do a good job of explaining it. They built APIs for the app and make it possible to connect to other sources of data. 

Now, I have a non-functioning prototype, which was the first step. We built that to put a roadmap together for when it got into actual development. I funded that phase of it, but to get it out to market, it was going to cost significantly more.

What is the team composition? 

There are 5 developers. 

How did you come to work with Chopdawg?

The owner and founder lives in our neighborhood and we met while dog walking. We struck up a conversation about what we each do. When I learned he had his own app design studio, I told him I had a great idea for an app. 

How much have you invested with them?

$60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017 and the work is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The prototype is something I can present to show how the application will function, which is very powerful. We’re now programming and getting it ready for download from app stores. They took my ideas and dug deep in their research, along with my due diligence. They brought their perspective on how things are going to function and they offered us ideas to make it successful. They’re a great sounding board and the collaboration environment is very strong. 

How did Chopdawg perform from a project management standpoint?

We met weekly and have follow-up communication such as meeting minutes. We have visibility into the project status via a mutually stored platform. At all times, we know where the project is. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re working around the clock all the time. It’s nice to know that if I had a fire, they would jump in and put it out. They’re on top of their game, always on, always connected, and always available to deal with any new ideas or things I feel are challenges and they help outside the app. They interface with lawyers about certain pregnable items. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

So far, so good. This is my first experience with this type of initiative. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re approachable. If you communicate something that you like or don’t like, or would like to see, they’ll go above and beyond to make sure that you’re comfortable. I have the unique advantage of living close to the owner so we formed a relationship first. My project has been hands-on from the top down and I would assume any new clients would get that same treatment.