KDG

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges. This is a non-profit consortium of the six independent colleges and universities in the Lehigh Valley, PA.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a system that would allow students to search for and request to register for classes at a different institution. The request would need to be routed through an approval chain. We needed KDG to develop a customized solution and manage us through the development, training, and implementation process.

SOLUTION

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

We went through an RFP process, but we've worked with KDG in the past. We know their reputation for being a partner and treating clients as teammates. We have a small staff and knew we needed a vendor that would manage us through the process and drive the end goals to fruition.

We needed a partner that would communicate openly and frequently. Our decision was largely based on price, as well, and they were able to meet our expectations in every category.

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

KDG began by gathering our requirements and making sure they really understood our needs. We shared a detailed process map and they built out a solution in Zoho Creator and managed the project through Zoho Projects. This gave us a central location where they updated the project deliverable calendar, input estimated costs and updates.

In the initial phase, they framed out the process in the system and offered us a screen share meeting for feedback. In the second phase of development, they added features and enhancements with our feedback included.

We held a second screen share with all the end users to test the system. In the final phase, we allowed all of our users to test the system and practice both sending and approving/denying applications. After two weeks of testing and training, they made the final edits and plugged the system into our website.

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

We had two total - a developer and a project manager. Our project manager was our end-to-end contact who met with us initially and served as our main contact through the entirety of the project, which was extremely helpful. She knew us well and knew our project thoroughly before development even began.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The system is now online and operational. Our end users are working with the software and have overall had a positive experience. Anything that wasn't working as expected was addressed in a timely manner and anytime that happened was when we hadn't realized we needed an additional feature or workaround on our end. KDG has been very supportive to our on-going needs.

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

Our project manager communicated with us at least weekly with an easy-to -follow update. She included tasks that were completed, expected tasks for the following week, and any outstanding action items for us. Everything was managed through Zoho Projects, which kept all communications, meeting notes, timelines, and budgets linked together in one location.

We also had bi-weekly budget updates to keep us in check. They operate with weekly sprints, so at the most we were only ever a few days behind our original schedule.

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

I've never felt more heard or understood by a vendor. They treat their clients like partners and really take the time to understand our needs and build a solution that works for us. They're really great at what they do and they value relationships as partnerships for the long-run.

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

The only area that was a little challenging for us was understanding their proposal from a cost position. They offered us a tiered pricing system and we didn't fit into every category quite properly since we're such a small company.

That being said, they were able to work around that and make a custom solution for our billing that did work for us after we had some clarifications.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a telecommunications service provider in the Baltimore and Philadelphia areas. We have customers with thousands of locations and we’re their provider for all of their communication needs—phone, internet, private network services, and cloud services. I’m the VP of strategy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG?

They built a client portal for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a comprehensive web-based application from scratch. It’s hosted in Google Cloud and is written in Laravel PHP.  Our own folks use it internally, as well as our customers. It’s two-faced and has features that are applicable to our internal folks and other things that are exposed to our customers.

Our internal employees are able to see everything that is going on with an individual location, from projects and services we might be installing, to trouble tickets if an internet circuit goes down, and a billing component. So invoices are stored in our portal as well, so it’s all-encompassing for everything we do.

It has been a very collaborative project because we needed them to fix the problems we were having in our very nuanced industry, but we lean on them exclusively for the database. All of the technology aspects are them, but UI and design is more collaborative.

What is the team composition?

There are two primary developers, but we’ve probably worked with 4–6 others throughout the engagement.

How did you come to work with KDG?

We initially engaged with them to support Zoho, and Googled Zoho support companies. Once we outgrew them, we started looking at different software applications and had different conversations with KDG about what we needed and they decided to create

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in October 2016 and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They treat this project like it’s their number one priority. I completely trust that anything they build is going to be their best work.

How did KDG perform from a project management standpoint?

They have an incredibly high level of organization and pay attention to detail. They’re truly top-notch. We’ve been incredibly impressed with their professionalism and their ability to connect on a human level. The owner has driven down to spend more time with our team in our offices. It has proven to be more of a partnership than a vendor.

They’re very organized. They utilize Zoho to do most of their project tracking, so they have a ton of online tools. They’re incredibly communicative, deadline-driven, and know when their sprints are. They’re constantly improving and upgrading their project management and communication. Recently, they’ve put a lot of effort into being more transparent regarding the budget throughout the month.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re able to develop quickly and with a lot of agility while still ensuring that the product is scalable and reliable. We push them to work quickly, but they can meet our expectations while still creating a top-notch product.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that you’re committed to what you want to build and trust their advice and knowledge.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of The Highbar. We provide individualized tutoring for law students studying for the Bar Exam.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG?

We’re expanding to launch an online product that would be able to service a greater number of people. I partnered with KDG to help leverage technology to develop this product.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KDG has provided support building my custom web application. After guiding me through the process of creating wireframes, they’re currently developing the database that my information will live in. The platform is unique and customizable.

Further, they’re helping me establish a WordPress page that I’ll use to help market the application. They’ve supplied editors who’ve been able to provide assistance with marketing language and copy editing.

What is the team composition?

Typically, I interface with a team of about five to six people. There’s a UX/UI designer, a few computer engineers, and some others providing support. 

How did you come to work with KDG?

I came across KDG through an online search. I interviewed a few providers across the United States, but none of them felt like the right fit. KDG had done educational technology and worked with universities, so I decided to reach out. When I spoke to their founder, I felt very confident that they would be able to deliver my product.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $150,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement began in November 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of their work is exceptional. I’ve been so pleased with their deliverables; they make everything so easy. If we ever run into an issue, which is to be expected, KDG is incredibly responsive and makes fixing it seem like a breeze. The team is professional to work with; I’ve had such an overwhelmingly positive experience. 

Throughout the project, nothing has come up that KDG hasn’t been able to handle competently, easily, and calmly. 

How did KDG perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve performed really well. We use Zoho to track the project and email, phone, and Zoom to stay in contact. We have a weekly meeting to provide updates. KDG is very transparent and organized—we haven’t run into any issues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re just an exceptional team. Everyone I’ve interfaced with from KDG has impressed me with their skills and capabilities. It’s been a top-rate experience. I feel like I’m in good, smart, capable hands at all times.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t have any criticism.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have open communication and voice your thoughts. KDG is great at encouraging open dialogue to make the product the best it can be.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a human resources outsourcing company that serves small affluent companies across the US

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire KDG?

Create a brand new website

What were your goals for this project?

Create a clear picture of our brand

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met Kyle and his company as they came to seek HR solutions for their organization and I was very impressed with his operation, learning about it at a deeper level - so the timing was perfect!

Describe the project in detail.

They were very flexible as we had some of our own consultants that wanted to be involved to provide input. Never once did Kyle David's group flinch and they could have because we had some high demands going through the process.

What was the team composition?

Our main contact was so engaged and communicative that it felt like she was on this alone. But of course, there was a team behind her handling various areas of the process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It is complete now, but as noted above, the communication was exceptional compared to most vendors I use. The outcome was a beautiful website that represents our brand well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very. They were receptive beyond what you would expect and they notified us weekly of all progress and next steps in the process. Any delays were completely on our end.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Exactly what I noted above: 1. Communications that were consistent and clear

Are there any areas for improvement?

On our end we thought there were areas that they handled but they do not. Kyle David is a are business automation and technology and company vs. a branding/marketing firm so we brought in our own folks for this. It worked.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the controller of a staffing service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG?

We’re transitioning to another platform for our payroll system. The new platform doesn’t have invoicing capabilities, so KDG was engaged to transition our software and migrate our data to Zoho Books.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KDG transitioned our software from QuickBooks to Zoho Books. They’re also building a custom invoicing solution using Zoho Creator. It takes data from our payroll system, creates an invoice, and sweeps it into Zoho Books. We’re currently moving into the testing phase.

What is the team composition?

For the migration project, we worked with two people. There are three individuals working to create the custom invoicing platform.

How did you come to work with KDG?

They were introduced to us by our payroll company.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in September 2019, and the invoicing project is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The migration project was seamless, and a complete success. For our current project, the team has frequently followed up with us, so the process has been very smooth.

How did perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been excellent. We hold weekly calls, or more if necessary. We haven’t experienced any issues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication and customer service are absolutely stellar. I’ve never worked with a vendor that communicates that well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any negative feedback whatsoever.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The key to a successful working relationship is to ensure that everyone’s on the same page at all times. Don’t hesitate to tell them exactly what you need, because there’s no doubt that they’ll be able to find a solution.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Smart City Locating, where we find people apartments. We’re based in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

We were initially looking to improve our internal CRM system. We were working with a system called Zoho, but we found ourselves experiencing a lot of lead waste. Our real estate agents were forgetting to follow up with us, so we needed a platform that would incentivize their engagement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

While we were initially interested in adding custom features to our existing Zoho software, the team eventually built a custom CRM for us. This solution was very much the result of scope creep because after talking to their team for a while, we realized we needed an entirely new system to address our structural needs.

Kyle (CEO, Kyle David Group) and Zach (Software Developer, Kyle David Group) helped write custom scripts for Zoho. Eventually, we flew them down to consult with us about our system and decided to create a full-blown custom CRM. They were an obvious choice since we’d established a great working relationship.

They created an action-incentivized system where no lead could exist in the CRM without a follow-up date. That way, we could ensure that our real estate agents would update their progress in the software. This new system facilitates the apartment-finding process because it enables agents to keep track of their client connections.

What is the team composition?

I mostly worked with Kyle and Zach, who worked to architect the new software. I know that they managed a larger team on the implementation and development of it.

How did you come to work with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

We initially contacted KDG because they were certified in Zoho development. We decided to stick with them even after the scope switch because we had a great rapport.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent close to a million dollars.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2017 and launched the system in November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Through our new software, we increased our revenue-by-head by an enormous margin: 38%. They’ve created a phenomenal product that eases the administrative process for us and our agents. They were great through-and-through.

How did Kyle David Group perform from a project management standpoint?

Due to our specific business process, we hired an in-house product manager to oversee the project management. That way, the agents and the developing team could have a go-between. So, we only utilized their project management for the first 5­–6 months of the engagement, but it was very smooth. We communicated via weekly video calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re excellent at architecting a great product. I really like the way that they’ve built the system, and the engagement itself was very educational. I learned things I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for them.

Now, they’re even working with us to transition into having an in-house developer. They’re so helpful, and genuinely good guys.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d say that design isn’t their strongest suit. While they’re capable of building a powerful, sophisticated product, they could improve their visual design skills.

Since we’re a young and trendy company—and since great UX/UI seems to be an industry standard—we brought in a UI guy to design the frontend. While our software was for internal use and not customer-facing, I think they could benefit from hiring a great designer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d go into the engagement with a plan. It helps to wireframe your desired requirements so you can stipulate what you want.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CUPRAP is a voluntary organization of communications professionals from colleges, universities and independent schools dedicated to advancing the understanding of higher education and enhancing the professional development of its members.

CUPRAP members work in public relations, media relations, marketing, publications, sports information, web and graphic design, and more. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1980 as one of the nation’s few statewide organizations, CUPRAP members now come from many states. Today, CUPRAP has nearly 350 members from 100 institutions. I am the association's executive director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire KDG | The Kyle David Group?

In 2008, CUPRAP hired KDG to design a very basic website. Eight years later, technology had changed considerably as did our organization. To continue to grow, we needed a much more user-friendly and interactive website that also looked professional. We also needed it optimized for mobile use.

What were your goals for this project?

The site needed to be refreshed, redeveloped and redesigned to provide options for joining CUPRAP, learning about its offerings, registering for events, and keeping in touch with other members’ activities.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

KDG's founder, Kyle David, had been a long-time supporter of our organization and had spoken at our events for many years, sharing his expertise to our members during professional development events. Many of our member institutions had used Kyle and recommended his group very highly.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The team at KDG, who have spent over fifteen years in nonprofit website design, was focused on making the job CURPRAP members do easier so they had more time to make a difference in the world of higher education. KDG introduced CUPRAP to MembershipWorks, a data management software, in order to lessen a great majority of the workload. Before MembershipWorks, much of the membership data CUPRAP officials gathered had to be done manually. There were constant email reminders that had to be created in regards to collecting membership dues and notifying members of late payments. Forms were needed to register for various events. Throughout every step of the membership process, forms, payments, and data were gathered. CURPRAP needed a way to make this process not only easier for the members in charge of it, but also more organized.

What was the team composition?

Matt Harwick, AVP/Design led a team of designers and web developers. Matt continues to be our main contact and his customer service skills and technical expertise are outstanding.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With the new software, all membership data and news can be stored in one place and managed digitally. Collecting and processing payments is now easier and more efficient. Event registrations are now simpler. CUPRAP even has a way to manage and categorize their membership lists. In another effort to improve usability, the new site was also optimized for mobile.

Those using a cell phone or tablet were unable to access CUPRAP’s old site. Since practically every adult now uses a smartphone, CUPRAP was missing a sizeable amount of possible web traffic. By ensuring that the new site worked and looked well on mobile, KDG helped CUPRAP expand its audience.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Before starting the development of the project, the opinions and suggestions of the men and women using CUPRAP’s website every single day were sought. All CUPRAP members were sent surveys and polls in which they outlined the most important web features they believed the new site should have.

Topping the list were features such as updated events and recent CUPRAP news. Implementing the features members of CUPRAP both wanted and needed ensured that their experience with the site would be a positive one. The site was fine-tuned and tested over several months to make sure it was practically perfect before launch. It was a very smooth roll out.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Outstanding customer service and an amazing work ethic shared by all the employees at KDG. Everyone there is extremely knowledgeable in his or her particular area of expertise. At the helm is a very experienced, smart and people-focused leader with an exceptional work ethic who cares about his clients as individuals, not just revenue generators.

Are there any areas for improvement?

KDG, keep doing what you are doing. It is working out well for you and your clients.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of G Technology, an electrical contractor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG | Kyle David Group?

Our main challenge was communication between our office and employees in the field, so we reached out to KDG to help us develop a software to bridge that gap.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KDG designed and developed a field management software, connecting internal office communications from the field to the office. They initially met with our team to go over requirements and goals, and then provided wireframes followed by development. The platform allows employees to enter and track work orders, time, payroll, materials, equipment, and notes. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with about four people at first, but we now work with a couple more as we move into different phases of the project. 

How did you come to work with KDG | Kyle David Group?

We'd worked with a different firm in the past, but their deliverables were a complete mess. Then, a friend of mine recommended KDG, so we reached out to them and liked their solutions much more.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested about $50,000 on the first phase of work, which includes a foundation of a platform we've started to use, and we anticipate it will cost about the same for the next phase. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since April 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first version of the software they built has already streamlined many internal workflows, allowing our team to start inputting work orders and tracking time. Our new ability to track the status of different projects in one place has significantly benefited different departments throughout the business. 

How did KDG | Kyle David Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very attentive, proactive about following up in communication, and dedicated to ensuring the software is running properly. Whenever we experience any bugs or issues, their team is quick to fix them, provide testing, or even go back to the drawing board when necessary.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very professional and bring a lot of great ideas to the table. They apply their expertise to help us avoid pitfalls, providing feedback where they can improve the product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd recommend working with them regardless of whether or not the scope of work has been clearly defined. They're good at guiding clients and providing advice on different solutions specific to the organization's needs. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of advisor relations at Keystone Financial Management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

Our website became inactive, so we needed a vendor to redesign and develop it to not only restore our online presence, but also to improve it. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KDG redesigned our website after meeting with us to go over our goals and challenges. In addition to design and development, they also created content and completely managed the project on their end. 

What is the team composition? 

I worked with a marketing manager, designer, and the assistant vice president of design.

How did you come to work with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

KDG purchased and moved into our former office space, so we already had a personal relationship with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000 altogether.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2018–April 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received a lot of great feedback regarding the new website, which more effectively tells our story. We definitely have a higher rate of customer satisfaction online now thanks to the improved layout and functionalities they implemented. 

How did KDG | The Kyle David Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well above average, consistently tracking progress and staying in regular communication with us throughout the engagement. We spoke at least once a week and tracked milestones through Zoho Project. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Their communication and proactive project management sets them apart. They didn't let anything slip through the cracks and provided a lot of helpful feedback along the way. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can't name anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come prepared with project goals and as much information as possible, so their team has a lot to work with. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and founder of Exeter Orthodontics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

We wanted to build a new website to increase patient acquisition.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We didn’t have a clear vision for the website, so we allowed KDG | The David Group to lead every stage from conception to execution. They initiated the project with a brainstorming meeting and moved on to develop the site according to the specifications that they mapped out. After a successful first launch, we employed them to build a second company website. Their team currently monitors our social media accounts and promotes our business via PPC marketing.

What is the team composition?

Their owner is our main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with KDG | The Kyle David Group?

After working with them at past dental practices, I knew that they were qualified to help us.

How much have you invested with them?

To date, we’ve spent close to $1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership began in 2006. We launched our first site in 2011, and our second website debuted in 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We use a mix of direct mail, billboards, and TV commercials to promote our business, but none of those methods bring us success like KDG | The Kyle David Group’s digital marketing.

How did KDG | The Kyle David Group perform from a project management standpoint?

We used to speak multiple times a day during development, but we transitioned to biweekly correspondence post launch. Operating as an extension of our team, they share files and status updates through various G Suite apps.

What did you find most impressive about them?

KDG | The Kyle David Group is phenomenal at everything, but customer service is their greatest strength. They actually listen to our feedback and apply it to their work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They haven’t given us a reason to look anywhere else for digital marketing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Customer success is their top priority, so it’s a great idea to let them take charge.