Grand Apps

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Marketing Specialist for T.R. McTaggart. T.R. McTaggart makes retail-ready apparel, gift & souvenirs, and candles for the tourism destination industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps, and what were your goals?

Our previous website was completely outdated and did not reflect the brand message/ambiance we wanted to portray. We hired Grand Apps to develop or existing website into the masterpiece that it is today. We wanted is to be user friendly and have a more modern and fun feel.

SOLUTION

How did you select Grand Apps and what were the deciding factors?

We selected Grand Apps based on their willingness and flexibility to take a broad idea and run with it. We gave them basic information as to what our vision was for the website and right out of the gate they blew our minds with the ideas and concepts for our site.

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

The steps it took us to get from point A to point B with the web development was as simple as we could have ever imagined. Grand Apps responds in a quick and exceptional manner.

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

We worked closely with three of the team members from Grand Apps. This included various email exchanges and virtual meetings.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website Grand Apps provided us has shaped the way we design our communication pieces for our customers. It truly has made making emails, sell sheets, and Facebook posts that much easier!

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

We conducted a lot of virtual meetings with Grand Apps, especially when they were showing us the site development. Otherwise, we stuck to email and that was as efficient and quick as ever to get responses.

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

Their creativity and timely responses/fixes to any issues we had come up.

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

I can't rave about them enough! Would recommend them to anyone who asked.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the president and CEO of Coupon-Traffic. We provide coupon receipt advertising for grocery stores, offering all of their receipt paper, marketing signs, and materials.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps?

Grand Apps is building a website, software for tablets, and a smartphone app.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted grocers and advertisers to learn about our unique approach via our website. The custom software will help us present to potential clients, and the mobile app will be for clients directly.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I've known Chris (Co-Founder, GrandApps) and Jon (CEO, Grand Apps) for quite a few years, and I’ve watched them grow their business at an incredible pace. But, most importantly, they grew their business with integrity. I chose Grand Apps because I can't imagine choosing anyone else.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They’re providing graphic design, website design, website development, copywriting, software development, and mobile app development.

What was the team composition?

The Grand Apps team is incredible and works together as well or better than any I’ve witnessed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We’re still in the design and build stages, so I’m unable to give quantitative feedback currently.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management is arranged by top-level management, and, as a result, is as efficient and effective as I could hope.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everyone on the Grand Apps team is in-tune, focused, and gets along with everyone else. They’re truly an elite group.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are areas for improvement in any company. Grand Apps ownership is always tweaking their operations and striving to be better and better.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of VADA Contracting LLC, a residential remodeling company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Apps?

In addition to refreshing our outdated retail website, we wanted to build a new corporate platform to better connect with our clientele.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Building the new corporate website is their first priority. Per our requirements, they are including a lot of content about our company and the products that we sell. They are also adding a contact form to promote open communication with our clients.

The second task involves renovating our retail website. Their team is updating the security features and integrating a more secure online payment portal to enhance the e-commerce experience.

What is the team composition?

We have interacted with several members on their team, including their sales agent, project manager, and web designer.

How did you come to work with Grand Apps?

We were referred to them by a trusted source within our network.

How much have you invested with them?

The project is valued at less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Development began in January 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although it is too early to measure the impact that their work will have on our business, their portfolio gives us confidence that they will do an amazing job. The work that they have delivered so far has been spectacular.

How did Grap Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

They are managing the entire project with minimal help on our end, which is great from our perspective. Their team has spent a lot of time listening to our goals, so their execution of our requirements is flawless.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The level of attention that they gave us was astounding. We gave them an exhaustive list of tasks to complete in a short time frame, but they made time in their busy schedule to truly learn about our business. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

As a visual learner, I wish they would adopt a project management tool that allows us to collaborate, share files, and track progress. It’s often difficult to keep up with our email chains.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We received a nice discount for employing several of their services at the same time. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of UNLEASHED Women’s Fitness. I have a fitness studio in Long Beach, California and offer online weight-loss programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps?

We needed assistance with design, development, and branding.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted customers to be able to interact with our studio in real time, using their mobile devices to schedule reservations.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After negative experiences with two prior vendors, I reached out to Grand Apps.

Describe the project in detail.

Grand Apps delivered a client-facing proprietary app. The platform allows clients to view the studio’s schedule, make reservations, and pay for services. We also offer a nightly check-in option, where users can speak with a coach to discuss their daily nutrition and exercise needs. We’ve been using the app for several years now, and Grand Apps updates the system annually with the newest technology.

What was the team composition?

I worked with their owner and a developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have a great app that my client’s love.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow is amazing. I shared my needs and requirements, and they listened carefully. They didn’t try to sell me things that I didn’t need. At the start of the project, they created a detailed workflow document. Then, they efficiently built an app that met all of my expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They understood the problem that I was trying to solve, and they delivered a solution that was useful, easy to use and cost-effective.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I love working Grand Apps. The team has outstanding customer service skills. They take responsibility for their work, and they deliver exactly what they promise every time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder and principal consultant at Davis Communication Strategies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Apps?

We had had our website for many years, so we needed a new website. I was looking for someone who is professional and skilled at web design to help me.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, they looked at my old site, trying to understand my business. Then, they came up with creative concepts and started designing the wireframes and the architecture. They've built an entirely new WordPress website with a modern home page.

What is the team composition?

Initially, I was in touch with a number of different people. Now, I mostly work with my project manager, a developer, and a designer.

How did you come to work with Grand Apps?

They were referred to me by a colleague who had worked with them in the past.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in May 2018 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team I'm working with was very excited about my business and some of the creative concepts. They went above and beyond to give me what I was looking for. The home page is very creative and I love the colors and the design.

How did Grand Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very responsive and followed my timeline. We mostly use Webex, email, phone, and text to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're passionate about what they do and want to make their clients happy. I felt comfortable with them from the beginning. Also, they're creative and think outside the box.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the communications director at the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Grand Rapids. We help builders showcase their talents to prospective buyers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps?

We needed to develop an app that corresponded with our Parade of Homes event, where people can tour homes and get a feel for the newest trends and technology in home craftsmanship.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to provide consumers with an easy way to decide what home they wished to visit, then provide directions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After reviewing their portfolio, we were impressed with the other apps they’d developed. They also offered a platform that would allow us to accomplish our goals while staying within our budget.

Describe the project in detail.

Grand Apps held an initial meeting to determine our goals. Soon after, they came back to us with a mockup of the application. We reviewed the draft, making appropriate changes and suggestions. The team made the necessary adjustments and resubmitted the design for our approval, and we launched it on the market.

They created an accessible platform that displays all of the homes we’re showcasing for a specific season, information about each, and directions to the locations. Since launching, we’ve added advertising opportunities and messaging features to the application. We continue to update the app before each Parade of Homes event.

What was the team composition?

We had one main point of contact, who worked with a larger background team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Immediately after launch, our first app was downloaded about 900 times. Since then, that number has grown to about 2,800. Parade visitors highly praise the product.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Grand Apps was extremely helpful and responsive throughout the process. They continue to support us as we work to improve the application.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re great communications, quickly and effectively pushing the project forward.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They should remain patient with us as we learn about the technical aspects of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

When we worked with Grand Apps, I was the assistant VP of retail operations for New Holland Brewing Co.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps ?

We hired them to build a mobile app for employees and members of our Mug Club, which offers customer perks in exchange for a membership fee.

What were your goals for this project?

We hadn’t tried anything like this before, so we wanted to test the waters with this app and see if it would be beneficial to users.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They offered the skills we needed at an affordable price and came across as eager to work with us.

Describe the project in detail.

Grand Apps helped us build a mobile app for iOS and Android. Our in-house team met regularly with Dan, our account manager, and other members of his team throughout the design and development process. We wanted something that could host our Mug Club subscribers’ membership data and display the perks they’d accumulated. The app also rolls out push notifications to inform users of upcoming events at our pubs and gives them live menu listings.

We ran into a couple of setbacks in terms of what we were able to develop, but the Grand Apps team worked quickly to offer other solutions.

What was the team composition?

Their team included our project manager and a few designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We successfully launched a base version of the app, but I know our in-house staff is still working to improve it and add more features that we want, like messaging.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked well together. Communication from their end was always very prompt and informative.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were always willing to help and came up with solutions that made our ideas functional. We also appreciated how well they continued to follow up throughout the development process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Kaboose, a mobility company that services seniors and those with disabilities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Apps?

We were looking for a customized platform to help service the needs of the groups we work with.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grand Apps are building an application for iOS and Android. Our team completed the wireframes and communicated what we are looking for with developers. They assisted us in brainstorming what to include in our platform and what services would make our clients’ lives more accessible and more comfortable.

The project is still in the development phase.

What is the team composition?

We work primarily with two team members and are in contact with several developers.

How did you come to work with Grand Apps?

We approached several companies all over the country, but most didn’t grasp what we wanted to accomplish. We wondered if the solution was a local company and met with Grand Apps. Our team felt comfortable with their sales person and got what we needed quickly.

How much have you invested with them?

We will spend under $75,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in May 2017, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As we go through this process, the attention to detail they have displayed during this engagement is impressive. Grand Apps is making sure we have a visually-simulating, professional application.

How did Grand Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

Dan (Project Manager, Grand Apps) is quick to notice things that go beyond the scope. I worked in project management over the years, and am aware of the challenges it presents. Grand Apps handles those issues exceptionally well.

We meet with their team in person and communicate through email or phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team is confident in what they do. Grand Apps is willing to go the extra mile.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Grand Apps could handle things differently, but overall, they are doing a great job. Initially, the wireframes weren’t well done, so our team took that over and gave that to them rather than going back and forth.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of City2Shore, a real estate franchisor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We offer mostly residential real estate brokerage services in Michigan, Florida, and around the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Apps?

We wanted a custom software program to house all our real estate transactions, pay commissions and automated clearing house payments (ACHs), and store our data. It would also increase our efficiency by streamlining commission processing, maintaining a past transactions database and a CRM database, and improving process reporting capabilities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The tool streamlines our entire process—from starting with a cold transaction to paying agents—without the brokers having to do manual work. It stores all our clients’ information, compares it to a required checklist, and then communicates it back to the client. The data from both our corporate and franchise offices are rolled up into a master account. 

Starting with just an idea of what we wanted the system to look like, Grand Apps created wireframes and designed, developed, and tested the system within 10 months. The commissioning algorithm is quite complex, and we spent a good deal of time helping the developers understand it. They did a fabulous job. After we rolled out this first phase, we began launching the contact management features. This is an ongoing process that we’re enhancing on a regular basis.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been in communication with 6–7 people throughout the process, including one project manager.

How did you come to work with Grand Apps?

We sent an RFP to 12 companies and received responses from a little over half of them. After narrowing it down to two companies, we polished our scope a bit more and discussed the project in detail. Eventually, we chose Grand Apps. 

My wife had worked with one of their co-founders years ago, and he and I have similar mentalities. When the two of us met, we hit it off, so I included him in the RFP process. That relationship didn’t influence our choice, however. It was strictly a question of who could provide the best service at the most effective cost.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $50,000-$199,999 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since July 2015, and we recently signed a new year-long contract.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The franchisees appreciate how the reporting capabilities provide them insight into the future. We included a forecasting system in the contact management phase, so real estate agents can determine future commissions based on the number of days a house is listed for. The system makes all the commissions, and the money shows up in people’s bank accounts after the office manager approves it. No one has to cut checks anymore.

We’ve run about $500,000 through the program, and it works. Grand Apps did a fantastic job. We created it from nothing only a few years ago, so we understand there’ll be a few bugs—even Microsoft Office still has bug fixes. The important part is that Grand Apps always steps up and fixes them.

How did Grand Apps perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been quite accommodating to our requests to meet in-person. We also text, email, and use a ticketing system. We’ve had to dive in and bring a few things to their attention, so there's an opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive. However, if it was truly bad, we’d have found a new provider. I’m an honest person and want to share the good and the bad in this review.

We’ve had to revamp a few things, but that's the case with all software. Similarly, we’re sometimes in bug-fix mode rather than enhancement mode. However, they’re always responsive and ready to jump on board to figure out what’s happening.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a younger, innovative group that’s hungry to make things happen. They know what they’re doing and how to connect the dots to get things done. The services they offer certainly make them worthy to highlight.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

They would benefit from being proactive rather than reactive. There’s nothing wrong with sending someone a message or updating them absent a major step forward.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the office manager of a meat processing plant that sells retail and wholesale fresh meats.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grand Apps?

We hired them to build a new website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to have a user-friendly and updated website for our customers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The owner of Grand Apps is a college friend.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Grand Apps built an attractive website that makes it easy for customers to order online.

What was the team composition?

Our project team worked with two people from Grand Apps.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

They met all of our needs, and we’ve seen good results so far. Not only did Grand Apps do exactly what we hired them to do, but they also went above and beyond to make it right.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Genevieve (Project Manager, Grand Apps) and Melissa (Lead Web Developer, Grand Apps) were productive, prompt, and easy to talk to. They were always willing to listen to our suggestions and quickly implemented changes.  

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their fast response time and willingness to go the extra mile. They were wonderful to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I see little need for improvement. They all did a great job.