CustomBytes

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I own a dating service called One on One Matchmaking. I founded the company 20 years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CustomBytes?

I’ve been working with CustomBytes for a very long time, but I initially hired them to build my first database.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built my first database. Seventeen years ago, I had it all in Excel, and I needed them to create an online database. When I created a second company, they built a second online database, both of which I used for 10 years.

Then, when I decided I needed to merge the two databases and update the technology, I worked with them again. I use the databases for complicated things like customer experience, customer history, attendance, and other personal, private logistics. Everything is completely custom-built by their team. 

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Andy (Founder). 

How did you come to work with CustomBytes?

I did a web search for database developers and found Andy online through Google Ads.

How much have you invested with them?

I think we’ve spent close to $200,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since July 2004. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

What’s great about working with them is that I can directly talk to the artist. Andy is both a consultant and database creator, so it’s saved me a lot of time. 

How did CustomBytes perform from a project management standpoint?

He’s excellent at project management. I’ve never sent him an email and not gotten a response within five minutes. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Andy is a very intelligent person. I don’t ever feel like I’ve wasted any time or resources working with CustomBytes. Based on what I’ve heard from others in my industry who have tried to build their own databases, it is always accompanied by a nightmare story. With CustomBytes, I’ve had such a beautiful experience — they’re just a perfect partner. I’ve never had to go find something else or anything turnkey. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing constructive I can think of for them to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You are the boss of the project but work together with Andy to get your list of things done. It works best when you produce your punch list and he responds. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of a staffing service that provides labor to the concert entertainment industry for shows.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CustomBytes?

In 2008, we wanted to have a program written that would assist us with scheduling, billing, and paying the workers we send out on these calls.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The system would show where and when they’re scheduled to work, takes it to the billing aspect, and then keeps track of hours for payroll purposes.

SQL Server is a key component of the system.

What is the team composition?

I’ve been in contact with Andy (President) over the years.

How did you come to work with CustomBytes?

We received a referral from a person who had done work with us in the past. They didn’t have time to work with us further and recommended CustomBytes.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $100,000 over the years.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2008. It’s an ongoing relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This system is the backbone of our company. Our business deals with people from beginning to end. The system is what makes it all work.

We came up with what we needed for this program but kept finding other aspects to add. Several times a year, we approach them for updates. What we’re using today is so much more diverse than what we’re starting with. A lot of the time, their input and feedback are crucial to our ideas. They’ve helped guide us in changes and directions for improvements.

How did CustomBytes perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re excellent. If we have agreed upon additions or changes, we have a set timeline and schedule for each version. They’re very good at managing all of that.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The highlight would’ve been my first meeting with Andy. Our experience with others in the past had been negative. In that discussion, my co-worker and I spent more time going over what we didn’t like about our existing program. Andy lit up, asking us questions that showed he truly understood what we needed. He helped us figure out better ways to do what we asked for.

That first meeting was an exciting moment in our company’s life. When I pick up the phone, I know CustomBytes is going to take care of us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’re very happy with how things have gone.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If anyone is looking for a custom design for a specific software, I can’t imagine anyone more thorough and detail-oriented than CustomBytes.