Storm Brain

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I was working at a retail company at the time of my engagement with Storm Brain. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storm Brain?
We were building our new Shopify-based microsite and hired Storm Brain to work on the site’s SEO, design, and development. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?
We initially had consultation calls where Storm Brain asked us about our goals as they learned about our business. They walked us through their process and how they worked with clients through their designers, developers, SEO specialists, and project managers. After that, they mapped out a plan and scheduled how things were going to progress.
For SEO, we already had some keywords, but they did their own research as well — they helped us optimize and upgrade what we already had. Additionally, they did backlinking tasks for the website. The team also helped us with advertising.
We’ve worked through the project from there. The website hasn’t fully launched yet, and the team provides ongoing support and maintenance. It’s a Shopify website, but they’re using WordPress, too. They’re still helping my former company get more traffic and customers. For features and functionality, we ensure that available products show up on the website. It helps us track inventory easily.
What is the team composition?
I worked directly with 5–6 teammates, though more may be working behind the scenes.
How did you come to work with Storm Brain?
Another person used Storm Brain and had a good experience with them. As a result, they recommended the team to me.
How much have you invested with them?
We invested around $50,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project started in May 2023, and their engagement with the retail company is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Storm Brain’s work was great. All their designers had great design sense, and their developers were truly smart. They were buttoned up and highly detail-oriented. Moreover, their leadership was great — Blake (Founder & COO) was a great leader for the team. He was on top of everything, so they were organized and technically savvy. They also helped answer many of our questions when we didn’t know where to start.
How did Storm Brain perform from a project management standpoint?
Their project management was great. They were on top of meetings and calls. Their teammates ensured deadlines were met. If we were late to give feedback, they shifted the schedule accordingly. In other words, they were flexible and stayed on top of everything. To communicate, we used phone calls, emails, and Zoom.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Storm Brain was strategic and design-oriented, and their web development expertise was strong.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, there weren’t any.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Follow the process that Storm Brain has developed. They have a great process, so give their designers the freedom to do what they do — the results will pay off. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of communications at Alport Syndrome Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free educational resources to anybody affected by the disease. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storm Brain?

We hired Storm Brain to rebuild our website from scratch using the same URL as our old website. A different company developed the old website, which wasn’t good, so it had to go. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we came to Storm Brain, the information on our website was difficult to find. It wasn’t organized in any manner, so we told them we wanted to start from scratch. From there, they built our homepage with a burger menu, which could collapse and expand into sub-menus. They gave us direction on how to lay out content on the website in an easy-to-navigate way. 

The only things that we actually provided them were our style guide and color palette. We did provide them with 3–4 websites of other nonprofits that we thought were pretty good. Our teams went back and forth over the course of seven months to see various design options. Once we landed on a design we were happy with, they implemented it to all the sub-pages of the website. They helped us think of good ways to present content with imagery and videos on the site.

Since we were not technical people, we needed Storm Brain not only to put the website together but also to maintain it. We contracted them for maintenance to get their help whenever we needed to implement changes to the website. Our team was able to make minor edits, but we used their services any time we needed to create new pages. For technologies, the website’s backend was WordPress. 

What is the team composition?

In the early stages of the project, Blake (Founder & COO) served as the project lead alongside 1–2 teammates from his development team. At most, 3–4 teammates held our hands through the process. 

How did you come to work with Storm Brain?

My boss found Blake and Storm Brain through word of mouth. Their names came up when we asked around from some of our nonprofit partners. They were local in San Diego, which was even more of an incentive for my boss to start a conversation with them. She went to meet the team in person and liked them, ultimately hiring them.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from January 2018–January 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Two years after launching our website, we received a grant from Google Ads. They were gracious to nonprofits like us. The first thing they told us was they appreciated our website — it was constructed in a way that allowed ads to function better. On top of that, we gained a huge increase in traffic. Data from Google Ads showed us that people from 84 countries viewed our website. In other words, people from around the world visited the site. 

This was partly because we were sharing so much about the website in our newsletters, social media, and communications. We were proud of it. The site allowed us to shine a spotlight on our nonprofit. The Storm Brain team laid a solid foundation for us, and we reaped the benefits of all that. 

In terms of quality, Storm Brain always asked us for ways to improve things. I appreciated their attention to detail. We gave them content and photos, and they ensured everything was appropriate. For instance, they ensured that people with vision issues could use our content. They also made sure our website was up to date and compliant with all regulations in place for running a website. 

Overall, they delivered the highest quality of work to us. I couldn’t remember when I had to correct them about something. If anything, they corrected me.

How did Storm Brain perform from a project management standpoint?

Storm Brain was detail-oriented, and I loved that they were communicative. I could send the man an email any hour of the day or night, and Blake or his team would get back to me right away. My team and I didn’t know what we were doing in the beginning, so we put our trust in their team. Five years later, I reached a point where I could share my ideas with them, and they’d give us an entirely different perspective on what to do. Simply put, we gained a good sense of collaboration. 

Further, there was never any question that was too big or too small for Blake. I appreciated that 5–6 years after the project, I could still talk to him. We couldn’t talk to the founders of other companies. Blake, on the other hand, was extremely personable. We never felt that he was removed from us in any way. He was also always hands-on with his team, so that made us feel good — we were collaborating with a good team. 

In terms of budget, they met our requirements. The budget was important to us since we didn’t have many sponsorships at that time. On top of that, we appreciated that they were willing to make something from scratch for us on our nonprofit budget. We were grateful to Blake and his team for doing that. For deadlines, they met our goal of having everything in place by January 19. 

In terms of communication methods, we had some in-person meetings in the beginning. Then, we had a lot of Zoom meetings during the design phase since we were sharing images and other visual content. After the first year, we mainly communicated over the phone or emails. Emails were the primary way I communicated with them because I was always sharing hyperlinks, images, and other content. Overall, they were fast at getting back to us whenever we needed them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

One impressive thing about Storm Brain was that they were so good at what they did that I didn’t need a team of 10 people or more. They always assigned a small team, and everyone knew what another teammate was doing. As a result, we never had any miscommunication. For the most part, we worked with the same people throughout all the years. They were with us since the beginning, so they knew what we liked and disliked. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. There was a staff change at one point, but they quickly brought the new teammate up to speed. There wasn’t any alarming major transition since they were so open to us about everything. We never had a single complaint about working with them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make that first phone call. Don’t be afraid that you’ll be asking too much or that they can’t be bothered with a small client. Don’t be concerned about the size of your project or organization. Have confidence in Storm Brain’s development to make something work for you. They’ll let you be involved in the creative process and listen to everything you say. Overall, don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have web development needs. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a sales manager at Marketing Jive, an SEO and lead generation company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Storm Brain?

We needed help with web development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Storm Brain is helping us develop a group of microsites for our company. We’ve started the process by having initial conversations to outline the project, and now they’re creating landing pages that help us track the customer traffic coming to our website.

What was the team composition? 

We mainly work with three members of Storm Brain’s team, including Blake (Founder & COO).

How did you come to work with Storm Brain?

We were doing research and came across Storm Brain. We chose them because they have good reviews, and we had good initial conversations and relationships with them once we reached out.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent $25,000–$50,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in January 2023, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Storm Brain's work has been important in helping us increase traffic through the new, high-quality landing pages. We can also track where people are coming from, where they're going, what they're doing, and other marketing data. The team has also provided helpful insights and tweaks to update our website.

How did Storm Brain perform from a project management standpoint?

Storm Brain's team has been able to meet deadlines and stay on budget. Regarding tools and communication, we use phone calls and email.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review? 

Blake is awesome because he's very hands-on with his work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Storm Brain's industry knowledge and ability to help us are impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think there's anything they can improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Reach out to them and initiate a conversation to share your ideas and develop a plan to make your goals happen. They have a friendly team that's easy to talk to.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a project manager for a nationwide IT services provider. Our network comprises approximately 250 offices.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storm Brain?

Storm Brain consulted on a website design project for one of our clients. Our expertise lies in IT systems; however, website design and marketing materials are not within our scope of services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Storm Brain can fill the gap where we don't offer services. For this project, we were implementing a set of new IT systems. We put a new domain into place, and there was an opportunity for a new website within that domain. We provided them with the hosting and DNS information for the domain and the marketing materials from the client. 

Storm Brain took care of the standard services for a new domain setup on the technical side. Their team created the design from scratch and implemented it into the site and the domain. We worked together to ensure we covered our bases between the two companies. 

What is the team composition?

I work with three people from the Storm Brain team. Blake (Founder & COO) is my primary contact.

How did you come to work with Storm Brain?

We received several bids but ultimately discovered Storm Brain through a referral.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Storm Brain in March 2023, and it's ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Storm Brain has created an excellent, user-friendly web design that's easy to navigate. I don't have any hard data to show if there's been an improvement, but I would venture to imagine that there has been because the site is significantly improved.

In general, the Storm Brain team is very friendly and personable. They've made the technical aspect of the project very easy to digest for the average person. 

How did Storm Brain perform from a project management standpoint?

They've met all the key milestones for the project. We primarily communicate through email and Zoom calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Not only are they very knowledgeable in their area, but they're just very kind, understanding, and down-to-earth, and that's a big thing in the IT business. There are a lot of technicians that struggle with that. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We're satisfied with Storm Brain's work. They've done an exceptional job, and I can't think of any specific areas for improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask a lot of questions and engage with them. The Storm Brain team knows their stuff and will happily work with you to build a product you're both pleased with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at an advertising & marketing company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Online Marketing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Storm Brain to accomplish?

• Develop a website portal to communicate with our clients

SOLUTION

How did you find Storm Brain?

Online Search

Why did you select Storm Brain over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Storm Brain were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Customized Website Portal: The company successfully developed a bespoke website portal tailored to our specific requirements, aligning with our branding guidelines and embodying a user-centric design philosophy. 
• Client Registration and Authentication System: The website portal features a secure registration and authentication system, ensuring that only authorized clients can access the platform. This safeguarded our data and provided a sense of exclusivity for our clientele. 
• Interactive Communication Channels: The website portal offers a range of interactive communication channels, including messaging, document sharing, and real-time notifications. These features have greatly enhanced our ability to engage with clients, share vital information, and collaborate effectively. 
• Analytics and Reporting Tools: The incorporation of advanced analytics and reporting tools empowers us to gain valuable insights into client behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns. This data-driven approach enables us to make informed decisions and optimize our communication strategies.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Through their exemplary expertise and commitment, the company successfully developed a remarkable website portal that has revolutionized our client communication processes. The scope of work covered a comprehensive range of activities, ensuring a tailored solution that perfectly aligns with our needs.

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

The company's project management approach was commendable throughout the development of our website portal. They displayed excellent organizational skills, ensuring a smooth workflow and timely delivery of key milestones. Deadlines were consistently met, demonstrating their commitment to meeting project timelines.

What was your primary form of communication with Storm Brain?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

One of the most impressive and unique aspects of this company was their ability to truly understand and embrace our business objectives and translate them into a customized website portal solution. They went beyond simply meeting our requirements; they took the time to deeply comprehend our industry, target audience, and specific communication needs.

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

Throughout our collaboration with Storm Brain, we found their performance to be exceptional, leaving us with very few areas for improvement or suggestions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an operations associate for SENTRE

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a commercial real estate investment management firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Storm Brain to accomplish?

• Refreshed brand identity / logo for an industrial asset
• New logo

SOLUTION

How did you find Storm Brain?

Referral

Why did you select Storm Brain over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Storm Brain were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Storm Brain provided us with a refreshed brand strategy for a property in our portfolio, including logo design and brand guidelines. The project took less than a month, and we are so pleased with the results.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• We had a virtual meeting to discuss the initial logo concepts and from there communicated further expectations and provided feedback via email. The team was very timely in providing us with key deliverables.

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

Storm Brain promptly provided us with the key deliverables, such as logo concepts and eventually the brand guidelines, and they regularly updated us via email in between meetings, clearly communicating expectations and deadlines. They made sure we felt supported and always welcomed feedback and adjustments to the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Storm Brain?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their team was very easy to work with, and they created such an amazing product for us. We love how engaged they are with what we do, and we can't wait to work with them again in the future!

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

I think Storm Brain did everything great - no complaints!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at a marketing consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Storm Brain?

One of our customers asked us to build a website for them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Storm Brain revamped and modernized our Shopify site. Currently, we have a maintenance deal going forward.

What was the team composition? 

We mainly worked with two members of Storm Brain’s team, including one of their co-founders and a project manager, but around a dozen developers were working behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Storm Brain?

Someone referred them to us.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $250,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–October 2022. The main project is done, and they’re currently providing maintenance to the platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our conversion rates have increased, and people seem more excited about our products.

How did Storm Brain perform from a project management standpoint?

Storm Brain met deadlines and stayed within budget even after we asked for several changes along the way. Regarding tools and communication, we used Zoom.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were experienced and had a successful track record, which made a difference.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I didn’t think there was anything they could improve on — they knew what they were doing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared upfront to avoid delays on the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Director of Strategic Partnerships at BankCard USA. We're a Merchant Service provider in business since 1993.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

BankCard USA's goal was to be able to find a premium digital marketing agency with an aligned vision of providing a "white glove" level of services to clients. We needed a partner that paid attention to detail, shared the same values, and work diligently to satisfy customers. We've worked on many projects together combining our expertise to impact brands with positive experiences.

SOLUTION

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

StormBrain was one of the 5 providers we were looking at using. They surpassed every other outfit tremendously in every aspect. Blake runs an amazing operation there and knows how to create results for the customers that end up on his door step. His team is outstanding and everything is streamlined between them all internally. It made for a pleasant and highly efficient experience.

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

Our work together has included a multitude of platforms like Shopify, Word Press, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Their branding strategies hooked every client we've worked with - they would breathe life into an idea. Every detailed was thoroughly planned for the Ecommerce design, content strategy, and down to the user interface - Everything worked well in unison. Their eCommerce marketing, ads, SEO experience, and social media management has been nothing short of positive results. - Their campaigns are impeccable.

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

I've worked with the whole team over at StormBrain over time and I've never had a single negative experience with anyone. Everyone is about efficiency and results.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every project we've worked on has exceed all expectations. Our clients have experience high increase of traffic to their website, massive increase in sales/revenue, and engagement on social media platforms. We wouldn't have used them if the results weren't impactful as they have been. I've entrusted them with many clients and large book of business.

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

Our work together only needs weekly follow ups on all projects that are all quick, efficient, and detailed. I never walk away from our meets confused about anything going on and I know exactly what our game plan entails to get work done. Communication is so key in these situations and they don't fall short in this regard. I'm constantly getting updates on everything in between on our weekly calls. Naturally challenges or road blocks occur...I've been nothing short of impressed when it comes to overcoming anything that may not go "as planned." I've never felt like things are falling a part or worried about not meeting deadlines. They work so diligently to produce results and present solutions.

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

They have tons of experience working with amazing brands that they've help launch. Their portfolio is unique in it's own way with every client they work with. Everything is custom tailored to fit the client no different than going to a tailor to get a suit made. There is no "one size fits all" mentality involved with the work these guys do.

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

I have nothing constructive criticism about Stormbrain as they are constantly looking at how they can improve themselves. Blake is looking at innovating himself as well as his company at a high level. This is why he's gained my respect and trust.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO and Founder of a probiotic water company, Kaylee's Culture.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Storm Brain to start the website for Kaylee's Culture from the ground up. They exceeded every expectation I had and handled every request any time of day in a very timely manner. They helped us integrate and plugged in every platform our product was sold on.

SOLUTION

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

I searched for a web developer that could manage and build a vision I had for my company. Storm Brain was able to build and continue to work alongside me every step of the way.

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

Storm Brain supported and build Kaylee's Culture website from the ground up. They integrated different platforms via Wordpress.

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

I worked with 3 or 4 people from the beginning. Husband and wife, Leah and Blake then Jared came on and have communicated with all of them throughout the ongoing process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first time we met in person and I gave them my vision.  They took that vision and made it into a reality. Not many people or companies can do that successfully.

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

In the beginning we communicated via phone calls and text but as time went on we were able to communicated efficiently via email on a regular basis.

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

What I loved most about Storm Brain was the professional manner of their work while being friendly and personable. I have also been ver impressed how quickly they handled everything I requested, no matter the time or day.

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

Every hiccup I came across and any bug we encountered, Storm Brain was able to handle it.