The MacGuys+

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the Creative Director for a Creative Service department. Our company is a fortune 500 international financial service company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The MacGuys+?

We hired the MacGuys+ on a yearly basis for on-going support of our creative team's Mac work stations as well as our server, backups, and network connectivity with the larger IT network.

SOLUTION

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

We selected the MacGuys based on RFP pricing comparisons and based on my previous experience with their team. I had contracted the MacGuys when I managed a team at HealthEast Care System and similarly when I managed a department at ING Financial Services, now Voya.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Our request was for initial consult regarding purchase and installation of a reliable server and back-up solution as well as weekly maintenance visits. The MacGuy proposed a contract that covered the implementation as well as the visits and also allowed of emergency remote support or in-person visits.

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

We worked with the owner Tim as well as two or three of their support technicians

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The MacGuys proactive maintenance and support solved our previous problems with intermittent data back-ups, network incompatibility and frequent work station down time. I never had to deal with paniced designers or clients due to an unresponsive computer or server.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was very consistent and reliable. MacGuys technicians were always available either remotely or in person. They knowledgeable, prompt, and friendly.

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

I was pleased to find that they were willing to educate us as well as support. They often taught us how to prevent issue and informed us of new solutions that some of their other clients were using to great success. They were also excellent at working with our corporate IT and seemed to be as knowledgeable of the Microsoft world as they were of the Mac world.

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

I don't have any ideas for their improvement. They were very patient with some of our more difficult co-workers, I was impressed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a graphic arts studio that deals with comic artwork, comic books, prints, and private artwork.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The MacGuys+?

Going into the business, I knew that it would be hard to keep up with technology, especially in the graphic design industry where specific programs could quickly change. As a result, I needed external help to advise me in terms of technology; otherwise, I’d be spending money on unnecessary technologies. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The MacGuys+ takes care of my network, computer, software, and platform bases. The team also advises me on when and how to update our solutions. They also help my people get through any problems or hang-ups they experience, such as when an app doesn’t work or doesn’t play well with another app. They decipher what should be done by looking into the backend. Moreover, the team also tells me what to buy in terms of technology. Then, they also handle their installation. 

What is the team composition?

I work with 3–4 people from The MacGuys+. Apart from the owner, I also work with their technicians. They answer the phone whenever I have a problem, and then they take care of the problem.

How did you come to work with The MacGuys+?

I met Tim (Owner) many years ago. At that time, I was using another brand of computer, and he told me that I should try something else. That was when I switched brands. From there, he always advised me on what I needed to do. After dealing with him for a while, I realized he knew exactly what he was talking about. That was when our engagement with The MacGuys+ started.  

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the partnership in January 2010, and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The recommendations I receive from The MacGuys+ have affected around 98% of the jobs and business decisions I’ve made. For one, they’ve sped up the time it takes for me to process customers from start to finish. That also involves billing and the exchange of information. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, their services have upped my game in a way that a small business like mine can compete in a bigger pool. 

How did The MacGuys+ perform from a project management standpoint?

In terms of project management, I have the utmost faith in Tim and his crew. If I tell them what I want, they get it done. They’re good at delivering tasks on time. As a result, I can be hands-off with the engagement. To communicate, we use texts and calls. 

Moreover, Tim is highly business-oriented, and he’s sharp at discerning situations. He checks what we have and backtracks if necessary. Then, he sets a course of action to take. Meanwhile, his team is also customer-oriented. I’m a computer person myself, so when I get into trouble, it’s nice to have somebody take a look at the problem and help me. That means the world to me, especially when I’m facing deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their personality distinguishes The MacGuys+ from their competitors. Tim and his crew are personable people, and they’re good at what they do. When they talk to me, I can tell that they’re aware of what’s happening. If I call them about a problem, they tell me that they know about it. Then, they provide possible explanations and solutions to such a problem before taking a look at the issue. As a result, my production has been greatly sped up. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. Every time I ask them to do something, they always do it. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a list of questions prepared for The MacyGuys+. They can go through all those questions and deal with everything you give them. Apart from that, do a little research and know what you want. That way, they can advise you directly about where you should go, how to pick up equipment, and how they can solve problems for you. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Chamberlain Lit LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Writing, ghostwriting, and editing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The MacGuys+ to accomplish?

• Get into my desktop again after a massive scam.
• Set up secure practices

SOLUTION

How did you find The MacGuys+?

Online Search

Why did you select The MacGuys+ over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The MacGuys+ were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The MacGuys+ CEO, Tim, came to my office, got my desktop up & running again, coached me as to how to avoid scams in the future. He's an excellent communicator. Thanks to Tim, I signed up for a monthly, reasonably priced, security subscription.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I'm now able to use my desktop. I've recovered all missing files, and going forward, I'm taking all advice about how to secure my data.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

I was amazed that the CEO came to my office a day after I reached out. He solved all my problems.

What was your primary form of communication with The MacGuys+?

In-Person Meeting

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

I was impressed with their quick responses, excellent communication, respectfulness, and humor.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The MacGuys+ could have done differently?

No, not at all. Kinda perfect, that's what they are.