Calibrate Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My business partner and I founded a company that’s centered around a tech platform that digitizes mandated teaching standards revolving around team building and experiential education. Our dream was to make their activities easy to discover and organize within an app. 

I have a background in wilderness-related leadership teaching and team building and my partner was more experienced working with public schools. We met in grad school and decided to collaborate on this app.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Calibrate Software?

We engaged them after collaborating with another group in Chile on an MVP. After we took the MVP to a conference, we received support from a large-scale nonprofit organization that had the same goals that we did for underfunded schools and educators. By then, our development partner could no longer keep up with our deadlines, so we hired their team to build the app based on the MVP.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They conducted an initial code audit to check up on the current state of the MVP. Following that, we began negotiations surrounding how we could create a fully-fledged application from the existing MVP. Once they developed the scope of work, they recreated our app using the backend infrastructure created by our previous MVP partner. They redid the frontend as well. We’ve been working with them on the app for about a year and a half. 

What is the team composition?

I collaborate with Kevin (Co-Founder) and Sean (Digital Strategy Director). We don’t interface directly with the developers. 

How did you come to work with Calibrate Software?

My business partner had a connection with one of their founders. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $48,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began collaborating in the summer of 2019, and our relationship is ongoing. The project will be complete in September 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were very happy with their thorough code audit. They spent time with us to point out areas for improvement without taking a negative outlook on our situation. He maintained confidence in our situation and got a solution to us at an affordable price. They believed in our mission and provided us with a beautiful app in a cost-effective manner.  

How did Calibrate Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Trello for project management. It took us a little while to get into a groove with our communication. Being able to track development and testing through project management boards was very helpful. We don’t have a ton of in-house tech experience and needed a bit of handholding. They found a way to make that work. Deadlines were missed when we weren’t able to clearly articulate our needs or expectations.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our app is gorgeous, professional, smooth, and fast. It makes me happy every time I open it. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There could have been more communication surrounding timelines. Sometimes, we thought we were asking for something simple when it was actually very complicated. At the beginning of our collaboration, this happened a few times. By the end of the engagement, we figured out how to best communicate. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s worth investing time in clarifying your vision and expectations. They were always agreeable and excited about the project. Take some time to make sure everyone is on the same page about your vision.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of an LLC with CBRE and a restaurant group as the members, CBRE on the real estate side and the restaurant on the food service side. We manage the concession program for the Chicago park district.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Calibrate Software?

We had an old, really terrible website that I had inherited, and its primary purpose was to distribute an application for the concession program. I realized that we needed more modern ways of doing things, including the website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They dove in from the beginning on a bunch of different improvements to the site that we needed, including improving site speed and page organization, as well as optimization for mobile devices. From there, we completely revamped the online application process to make it automated and simple, as well as colorful and attractive to help reduce people’s hesitations about the process.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three members of their team on the project, including Kevin (Co-Founder & CEO) and two of his principal developers.

How did you come to work with Calibrate Software?

I met the folks from Calibrate software by chance when Kevin was looking for information on the concession program. When I heard about what they could do it sounded like the perfect solution to my problem. They put together a scope of work that was competitive, and in the process, we established a great rapport, so I decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of the work has been close to $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We first started talking in late 2018, but the project officially began around March 2019 and is currently ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There are still a lot of features I would like to add to the site, but they have been absolutely instrumental to all of the progress that we have made on the site so far. They’ve added live weather monitoring to the site, as well as the backend infrastructure necessary to add the kinds of webcam or reservation features that I would like to have in the future.

Since the new form launched, we’ve been getting a lot of new applications to the program, which makes me think that the process we implemented really improved the overall accessibility of that form. We’ve also seen an increase in visitors, but I would like to continue that trend and also improve our tracking capabilities so that we can see those numbers more accurately and find out where they’re going and how much time they spend on the pages as well.

How did Calibrate Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They do a really good job managing our communication and timelines throughout the work. Their team would send me notes after every call, including any outstanding items on both their and my side so that it was very clear what the next steps were for everyone involved.

Progress was always tracked very accurately, and they followed through on all of their projected deadlines for every task that we assigned to them. Most of our communication occurred over email and telephone, as well as video calls and screen sharing when we communicated about specific features or designs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really appreciated the work they put in to understand our business. We don’t sell from our website, and the individual concessions handle their own marketing and everything. Their ability to look at that and not just take a cookie-cutter approach that wouldn’t have fit our needs as well as what they came up with in the end was something I really appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

For this project, I don’t have anything I wish had gone differently. They gave me exactly what I asked for and delivered it on budget, on time, and with excellent response time to any requests I ever had.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Understand that you are not the expert but take the time to communicate your needs so that they can then clarify your vision into a tangible product that accomplishes your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a co-founder of 420 Trivia and MJ.com.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Calibrate?

My co-founders and I wanted to introduce an advertising platform for the cannabis space because the industry is so heavily regulated on social media and in other traditional forms of advertising. We engaged Calibrate to develop our application—called 420 Trivia.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we first met with Calibrate, we only had the initial concept, so we relied on their team to fill in the technical gaps. Calibrate made all of the UI/UX designs from scratch. They came up with three different versions, and we tweaked our favorite until we arrived at our final design. Once the design was in place, Calibrate developed Android and iOS versions.

Our application offers several games that allow users to win money and prizes. Calibrate was instrumental in determining how we could create interactive, live games and non-live games. Similarly, they configured the application so that it did not kick users out or experience lag time when many users are on the app at once—a problem that has plagued other trivia and game apps.

One feature we are particularly excited about is a VIP game room where users can pay to play in games hosted by celebrities. In those cases, we cap the number of winners at anywhere from 3–10 depending on the number of entries. Unlike other trivia games that have thousands of winners earn small amounts of money, for example, we wanted to ensure that our winners received much larger sums. We leaned on Calibrate’s experience to determine how we could do that, not only from a legal standpoint but also from a payment transaction perspective. To facilitate payments through the app, Calibrate included integrations with PayPal and other methods.

What is the team composition?

I had two primary points of contact.

How did you come to work with Calibrate?

I learned of Calibrate through a recommendation from another member of the Young Entrepreneur Council I participate in. I arranged a meeting with Calibrate’s team and was impressed by how quickly they could come up with solutions.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $80,000–$95,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement spanned September 2018–March 2019. The project is complete, but we haven’t launched yet because we have recently introduced MJ.com. We want a one- or two-month focus on the website before we launch the application.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve received feedback from executives in various industries that our product will have value and relevance among musical artists and cannabis brands.  

How did Calibrate perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team was available at all hours. In fact, because they have been so responsive, we've asked them to maintain our servers. During the development process, we received weekly reports that updated every line item of the project and predicted times to complete each task.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We didn’t have to go back and forth on the app’s design because they nailed it on the first try. They delivered exactly what we envisioned and discussed. That was pretty impressive because I’ve known the design process to sometimes take 6–8 weeks.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As their team grows, I’m hopeful that they can add more resources to their staff. There were times when we hoped to expedite certain pieces of the program, but they didn’t have enough available people to do so. That said, Calibrate still met all of the deadlines we agreed to.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’m well aware that there are less expensive vendors, but, in my experience, those companies end up costing more in the long run because of all the changes that will need to be made. Calibrate is not only worth the money, but the price they quote you at is the price you’re going to pay for the whole project to be completed the way you want it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the C-Level of a driver verification company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide driver verification for the trucking industry 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Calibrate Software to accomplish?

• Putting the technology behind the idea

SOLUTION

How did you find Calibrate Software?

Referral

Why did you select Calibrate Software over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Calibrate Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Delivered the working product to provide driver verification and matching 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were given a great product that functioned betonf what we had intially discussed.

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

Very much on time and provided a very organized report consistantly

What was your primary form of communication with Calibrate Software?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team is highly organized and responded quickly

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

Nothing I can thing of 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Qartek, LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Member engagement through multiple modes of communication

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Calibrate Software to accomplish?

• To operate the IT portion of the company
• Seamless transition

SOLUTION

How did you find Calibrate Software?

Referral

Why did you select Calibrate Software over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Calibrate Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

To seamlessly tranistion and operate an online portal, API integration, data upload and reports. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Seamless transition and ongoing successful program for clients. 

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

They have very efficient and prompt responses.

What was your primary form of communication with Calibrate Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Great proactive approach and comunicates effectively and meets or exceeds all timelines. 

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

Not at this time 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Zalow

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a cybersecurity vertical talent marketplace for businesses to more efficiently access the best technology talent and solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Calibrate Software to accomplish?

• Design our brand and solution.
• Create a clickable prototype
• Develop a functional beta web app that demonstrates our core capabilities.

SOLUTION

How did you find Calibrate Software?

Online Search

Why did you select Calibrate Software over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Calibrate Software were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Design and build a functional Minimally Valuable Product of the Zalow Freelancer Marketplace for Cybersecurity. Provide operational and development support during the prototype market validation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Completion of a brand and design guide, clickable prototype, and beta web app.

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

Excellent project management and communication updates every week and ad hoc when needed. Weekly governance and status meetings. Mostly delivered on time when scope did not increase or deviate. 

The overall project has taken 50% longer than originally anticipated. Still, it's understandable when building a new application from an idea to a product requirements document, design, front and back-end development, and finally through UAT and QA. They were always very responsive to our needs and requests.

What was your primary form of communication with Calibrate Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The owners are engaged and demonstrate how much they care about your success. They are personally experienced with creating startups and understand the various needs of their customers along the journey. They're adaptable and flexible and bring together all the resources needed to create and build a software solution.

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

It's important to manage expectations early and often on budget and timelines. We stumbled on this early on, but through transparent and constructive conversations we were able to create a great ongoing process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of an ecommerce company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Jewelry design and online retail platform

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Calibrate Software to accomplish?

• Create a website

SOLUTION

How did you find Calibrate Software?

Referral

Why did you select Calibrate Software over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Calibrate Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Create a website for jewelry designer 
• primary object9ve was accomodating retail sales and order fulfillment including custom and pre-order options 
• Build in carousel image features that client canupdate easily to spotlight new and future collections

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

creation of website and development to meet original and evolving goals

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

Great project managers. All objectives were met or exceeded and the team was able to pivot when new needs arose. They delivered everything on time and ensured excellent communication.

What was your primary form of communication with Calibrate Software?

Virtual Meeting

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

Great teamwork, excellent communication, and I really appreciated their patience as I had a lot to learn and needed a good deal of help along the way. They never made me feel like a pest, and always took the time to ensure I was happy with the product and the communication from their team.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the founder of LiveLaunch

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Online Retail marketing in the real world

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Calibrate Software to accomplish?

• Reach brands to gain interest in the upcoming project
• Get customers acquainted with the concept

SOLUTION

How did you find Calibrate Software?

Personal contact

Why did you select Calibrate Software over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Calibrate Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Design website for desktop and mobile as well as advise the best strategies to make the website attract partners and clients. Also helped with sourcing logos, signatures etc. related to brand outreach

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Early to say but outreach has now commenced and the website looks great.

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

Added many services along the way, many passed through at cost, they are focused on delivering their product and will incorporate any necessary outside services to make sure their product (the website) is done right

What was your primary form of communication with Calibrate Software?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was impressed by their quick reaction to ideas and requests.

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

As they grow, they will have their outside vendors more available by knowing what each project will take and that scope will be more understood

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We offer private mortgages loans in Montreal. President

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Created 4 bilingual lending pages for our Facebook and Google Ads Campaign .

SOLUTION

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

Reviewing other work done for clients in our industry.

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

Wordpress landing pages and some coding PHP to make it flow through Salesforce.

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

Two Kevin - Project Manager Consultant

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just got the project completed. So we cannot provide measurable outcomes but we are confident that I will help getting more leads.

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

Kevin is a very good listener. He took into account our needs and objectives in order to offer us a solution adapted to our marketing needs. When we had concerns, once again Kevin took the time to listen and always came up with solutions.

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

Kevin greatly impressed us with the final design of our project. We are very proud of it!

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

We had some difficulties with the salesforce integration. However, one meeting was enough to solve the problem.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Chief Marketing Officer at College Aid Pro , an education technology company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Calibrate Software?

Re-design and development of our marketing/word press site for B2C and B2B

SOLUTION

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

Vetted several firms. Responsiveness and Price/Value.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Design of our B2C marketing page. After several iterations landed on a great design. Calibrate was flexible, collaborative, and responsive during the design and development stages. Even after we launched, Calibrate was there to help us.

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

3

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successfully Launched new site. Was able to navigate the serving both B2C and B2B audiences which was formally a problem.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective.

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

We enjoyed Calibrate Software's efficiency, responsiveness, speed, and attention to our project.

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

No.