TechSuite

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Pay It Forward Live. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

We hired TechSuite to create our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

TechSuite developed our app, including features such as geo-tagging and recording. The app was only available on iOS. 

What is the team composition?

We initially worked with two people from their team. For the rest of the development process, we worked with 2–3 teammates. Sam (Founding Partner) was our main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

I found TechSuite by searching and reading reviews online. Then, I reached out to them, and we had a conversation. I met them in person, and then we started the project. 

How much have you invested with them?

Our total investment was around $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from October 2017–April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

TechSuite did everything I asked them to do; I was completely satisfied with everything they did. Beyond that, there were things out of their control. For instance, I wanted to start beta testing the app, and that required in-person activities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Nonetheless, they exceeded expectations — they brought our app to life and gave me exactly what I wanted. 

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management skills were great. They always had excellent communication. Their resources were responsive and good at solving problems. We communicated via phone calls, emails, and text messages. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

TechSuite was highly responsive, which was impressive. On top of that, this wasn’t their only project, but I always felt prioritized.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Eatsy, a food delivery startup. We’re hoping to launch within the next month and a half.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

Eatsy provides a similar food delivery service to competitors like UberEATS and Caviar. The unique value, however, is using student delivery staff to access campus-specific buildings like the library, dorm rooms, and administrative offices. Targeting fellow students who are already close to a certain restaurant provides increased flexibility and immediacy. Users can order food while in class, and have it delivered to their dorm room by the time they return. I hired TechSuite to handle the app's construction and execute the more technical aspects of our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve built the app completely from scratch. It’s currently for iOS, and we plan to develop an Android version next year. Although we hired an outside company to brand and name the product, TechSuite has been heavily involved in the conception. The CEO suggested all the ideas for the design and was involved in developing the scope.

After building the Minimal Viable Product (MVP), they started designing a more sophisticated version. It’s much better than cheaper, rudimentary versions that look like an extension of a website. The GPS tracking requirement advanced work and will coincide with our expansion. Using geolocation, the app sends alerts to the most proximate employees. Three distinct login accounts specify access and function for delivery people, admin, and general users. I have 2-3 apps on my phone with different login channels.

What is the team composition?

TechSuite’s CEO and co-founder, Samuel Corso, is also our CTO. He will continue working with us once the app launches. I know most of the staff, and we regularly engage with the other co-founder, Mitch Sapoff. He’s worked on a forthcoming commercial for our product.

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

I go to school with Sam and have known him since my freshman year. We've worked together on past projects, and this was my first opportunity to engage since he started TechSuite. He was the first person I reached out to when I came up with my app idea. It was an easy decision; Sam is very competent, and other clients have praised their work.

How much have you invested with them?

We paid TechSuite $6,000, plus stock. Sam owns about 15 percent of the company. It's complex- we reach new agreements based on milestones.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started talks in April 2017. We will continue working on testing and development until its release, at which point they’ll provide technical support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app works perfectly, and we've been testing it recently for a few days. I think we're doing a great job. All the work has been completed on time, and I'm very satisfied with the quality. Sam is highly involved in our operations and always goes the extra mile. I'm very impressed with their professionalism. Despite being busy with other commitments, they’re highly organized.

I like the look and design, which both fit my initial idea. If I wanted anything changed, support was adeptly provided 24/7. We’ve faced significant hardships this year, including issues with Apple’s regulations of stored credit card information. Several roadblocks in that spectrum necessitated unanticipated hours of work and coding, but everything was managed very well.

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate almost every day via phone and email and have biweekly lunch meetings. Since I prefer to work with fewer people, we use Sam as our main contact. He texts me new ideas around the clock. Our meetings with both founders take place individually and together.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The number one thing that makes them stand out is the price of the service. I consulted with family I have in the field, who expressed that most similar companies charge a ridiculous amount of money to build a mobile app. TechSuite is a startup comprised of younger college students, so they’re inherently cheaper. Nonetheless, their team is attentive and reliable and has a better understanding than most developers. It's easy to work together, and I never feel like I’m bugging Sam when I ask questions.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Students from our school frequently approach Sam with their business ideas, and he’s always honest. He doesn't take on clients just to make money unless he believes in the project. He likes to take equity in one’s company, especially for startups he works with. His level of experience gives him a good sense of which projects will succeed. He’s an excellent advisor and consultant.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner at Auto Sound & Security, which provides window tints, auto accessories, car racks, remote start systems, and security installations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

We did not have a website and needed one built to increase brand recognition. Additionally, we wanted to give customers the ability to book appointments and pay online.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team built the website from scratch, including all design aspects, and improved SEO. They offered additional services, but we only hired them for these two.

What is the team dynamic?

I worked directly with Sam [Co-Founder, TechSuite]. We met once a week for three weeks and then communicated via email.

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

Sam offered valuable packages and was willing to conduct tests and trials. He offered to fix anything we didn’t like upon completion. Based on these conversations, we saw that each dollar spent would go towards a better result.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $6,000 so far on this engagement.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had significant traffic increases. New customers found our business online or booked appointments through the website, which now allows them to email us. The emails help attract new customers. Overall, we’re very happy with the product.

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated primarily over phone or email. They were very responsive, following up next day at the latest.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team understands the customer’s point of view. In addition to great deliverables, they consider the customer’s needs and give customized suggestions.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Since they offer multiple products and services, know what you want going into the engagement. The team will help pick packages best suited for the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of My Business View, a start-up aimed at creating safe university environments through apps and other devices.

[NOTE TO TRANSCRIBER - NEED TO ADD INFO FROM STAR RATINGS QUESTIONS.]

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

We need an app prototype to present to prospective clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first met in New York, where we brainstormed improvements to make the prototype stand out, deciding that emphasizing its day-to-day versatility would maximize its appeal. As a result, the team added safety and protection tools to existing features including GPS navigation, which needed to run smoothly. For example, the team included storage bases to keep client information safe.

The team taught us a lot about development and deepened their involvement. In addition to supplying designs and wireframes, they co-draft a five-year plan and created our logo.

Beyond the prototype phase, the team will build the app for Android and iOS devices.

What is the team dynamic?

I interact directly with Sam [Co-Founder, TechSuite] and Mitch [Co-Founder, TechSuite], although I talk primarily to Sam.

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

Sam and I met through mutual friends on Facebook. We talked and Sam sent me examples of previous work, which I liked for its scope and quality. I gave them a chance because they were also a start-up and their pricing was very reasonable.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent near $15,000 on projects to date and expect to spend $50,000 on future projects.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started brainstorming January 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The prototype got us in the door quicker with executives at several universities. Its clean design and simple layout are responsible for a lot the interest we’ve received. Previously, we did not have such success getting meetings without it. We booked 4 college visits less than a week after they delivered the product.

We don’t have user feedback, but are in the process of hearing from university administrations. Sam has already revised features based on initial feedback. The changes make me more confident in the app; I’m very pleased with it.

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

We Skyped at the beginning, used in-person meetings for brainstorming, but now rely on text messaging and conference calls. Sam and I developed a friendship outside the company. The comfort we have with one another is reflected in our informal communication, which is a great advantage in business.

Sam makes himself available for any time I need him. He responds instantly to my texts, whether in reply to an idea or time-sensitive question I have while meeting with a university executive. It’s vital that I can contact Sam during those meetings. University administrators are risk-averse to introducing new technology on their campuses. Consequently, they ask several intricate questions, some of which I can only answer with Sam’s input.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team treats everyone like they’re the most important client and willing to put in the time for that level of customer service. They helped bring life to our start-up and give it a spark.

Surprisingly, they didn’t charge me for extras, such as the logo or last-minute enhancements.

They have a strong team that works and wants to work; they will solve any problem. I’m shocked that they’re a start-up. Their work’s quality is reminiscent of a veteran agency.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t be scared to listen to their advice. The team comprises smart people who love their job. Listen and give them a chance.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Spotz, Inc. is a mobile application for drivers in New York to exchange street parking spots. It’s a social network for the people of the city to connect in their communities and help each other look for street parking. I’m the CEO. I oversee all of the business and technical development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

We needed them to handle our development and design for the mobile application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app was built for both iOS and Android. We have the Google Maps API and Department of Transportation API, but other than that, it’s all original source coding that had to be built from the bottom up, according to our functionalities. TechSuite also provided a lot of design work, including our entire user interface and the logo. They’re still taking care of maintenance.

Mitch [COO, TechSuite] works with me on the marketing side, but as of now, we have not done any marketing campaigns or content development. We are working on strategies, but they are not fully vested in the marketing.

What is the team dynamic?

Sam [Co-Founder & CEO, TechSuite] was my main point of contact. We communicated every other day to once a week, at the minimum. I also communicated with Mitch [COO, TechSuite].

I attended an event that TechSuite held where I was one of the people pitching in front of panelists to raise funding. His other team member, Alyssa [Head of Branding, TechSuite] was also there. I have worked with her.

My company had an event over the summer for filming and for marketing purposes where all three of them were there. That really helped us out.

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

We approached them along with other developers and designers. I heard about Sam [Co-Founder & CEO, TechSuite] through one of my associates at work. I told them about my idea. At that time, TechSuite was also starting up. It was nice to see where they were going and I wanted to head in the same direction.

They’re college students, like me, and we’re both aspiring to be entrepreneurs. It was very difficult to find somebody who was willing to work with a college student on a low budget trying to get a startup platform out there. Price is a big factor, but I want to be comfortable with my developers so that I can have a conversation with them about where I’m going with my idea.

They were very helpful in getting us the right technology and the right tools to build our app in the best way possible. Sam [Co-Founder & CEO, TechSuite] is very knowledgeable about what he does. We saw some of his other work and we decided that they were the best choice for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We have invested $40,000-$50,000 for design and development.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2016 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have a finished product - an MVP ready for the App Store. We’re set to launch at the end of October 2017/early November 2017. That’s the best result anyone could offer.

It went through QA and I really liked the user experience. I’m always working on making it easier and as simple as possible. At the stage that we are in now, it’s very promising and we want to get it out to the market. Over the summer at the event, we did give a few people the testing build. Everyone really liked it.

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

They were fantastic. Their responsiveness was always on point. There were a few times communication was lost while we both were dealing with a lot of finals. It was equally to blame on both ends.

Google Drive was our medium for a lot of communication and we sometimes used Dropbox. We would use Skype or phone each other when we weren’t able to meet in person depending on what task had to be done that week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re passionate about what they do. It’s not just another business. Even if I have other stuff going on in my life, they bring me back into focus and bring me up to speed on what it is that we started out with together.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re growing rapidly right now. I see them doing great things. They need a bigger team to keep up with that. They are still in college. So, having a bigger team that’s not preoccupied with other things would help their clients.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

Sometimes when you’re doing business with people, you start off great and then you start getting shaken up. It’s important to have faith in whoever you choose to go with. Have faith in TechSuite, be confident, and move forward.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a manager at Bay Ridge Carpet, a linoleum and flooring retailer in Brooklyn, New York.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TechSuite?

We needed a new website, and we needed help designing it and putting all of the code together. They helped me with everything as far as our web marketing presence goes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I wanted the website to look professional and for it to stand out from my competitors, with a more high-end and upscale look. They created my website using a WordPress platform and maintain our website development and design. They also do some digital marketing work, including some SEO and PPC work with Google AdWords. We wanted to increase traffic and to come up higher on search results for certain key product phrases in Google searches for our geographic area. I gave them the content to include on our website.

What is the team dynamic?

I mainly interface with the co-founder of the company, Sam. I interact with him probably once a week.

How did you come to work with TechSuite?

We had somebody else that was managing our web presence and we weren’t happy with the results. I was introduced to Sam through networking. I presented him with my issues and the problems with my previous provider and he offered some solutions right off the bat. I was impressed with his initial approach and what said he could do for me, so I gave him a shot and I'm very happy with the decision I made to go with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working them about a year ago in July 2016 and it’s still an ongoing engagement.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $10,000 - $15,000 with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s difficult for me to present specific numbers in terms of sales, but since I have started working with them, I have had between 50 to 100 new customers per month. I can at least partially attribute that to their work with our website. We are also happy with the design of the website so far.

How did TechSuite perform from a project management standpoint?

That is what I value the most about them. They respond quickly and take care of problems in a timely fashion. That's the number one reason I stick with them. We correspond mainly via text, on a daily or weekly basis. When necessary, we also occasionally meet up physically at a coffee shop, for example, about once a month or so. We also sometimes talk over email and the phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

As I mentioned, my favorite part about their service is that they respond quickly and when they do respond, they get it right. It’s one thing to respond and then not take care of the problem or do it correctly, but they always give me a solution.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re a little expensive, so they could probably lower their prices a little bit.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of a Business Funding Services Platform, offering merchants capital required to advance forth their current business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our company was just launched and needed an advanced website that allowed for a seamless user interface. TechSuite was able to provide just that. Our goals was to make a modern looking website that would allow our customers to feel at ease.

SOLUTION

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

We conducted interviews with several web developers and then narrowed down to two final prospects. TechSuite was the winning candidate. We chose to work with them cause not only did they seem most fit for the job but we heard great things about their services.

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

TechSuite handled everything professionally. We started with the scope of the project and continued to built from there. They delivered steps in terms of milestones. There was zero delay on their end, which vital to us as a company since we did not have to chase TechSuite to get the job done.

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

A project manager was our main source of contact. They obviously had a team working underneath the project manager but we preferred to keep contact directly with the project manager as we wanted to go through less “red tape” to get the task done. The project manager from TechSuite ensured everything was done to our needs and wants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After launch of our website, we were easily able to obtain more partnerships with lenders. And then with customers it gave us a key reputability over our competition, as a major of the competition had outdated webpages where a majority lacked key functionality.

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

TechSuite was available at any given moment. I didn’t have a need to schedule calls as I would pick up the phone and most times I would get an answer instantly. If it wasn’t an answer instantly, it was a prompt response back that ensured I would get a call back shortly. In regards to timing, there was no delay on their end as they delivered each product on time with it’s respective deadline.

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

The most unique aspect of TechSuite is their willingly to teach you and help you better understand what is being done to your webpage and platform. They were more than willing to guide you through every step of the way, answering any questions along the way.

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

TechSuite was more than great. There were times that our webpage seemed to need more testing on our end rather than theirs. Some bugs seemed to be easily avoidable if a proper test had been done prior. Regardless, as soon as we had caught attention of the bugs, TechSuite would be prompt to understand and resolve the issue without no delay.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of VenU. It’s a nightlife app that showcases all night life events in your surrounding area such as, bars, nightclubs, and hookah lounges.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to develop a mobile app that was convenient for users to see all the nightlife events in their area. Also, make it easy to purchase general admission tickets and/or booths through our app, instead of waiting in long lines.

SOLUTION

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

I was recommended to Techsuite by a friend.

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

We discussed with the developers the full scope of everything and how we wanted the app to look and what we wanted the app to accomplish for users. The developers broke it down into 4-5 phases and let us see the work done after each phase.

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

The lead developer was the main point of contact, didn’t interact with anyone else.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t done much leg work after the app was developed, still stagnant on the marketing piece of the app.

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

The lead developer was awesome throughout the whole process! Kept us updated frequently on any changes to the app. We had some phone calls setup to talk about the app, but mostly connected via iMessage.

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

They worked very diligently and was very responsive. They paid attention to detail to ensure the app came out just like we envisioned!

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

N/A