What was the scope of their involvement?
The tool streamlines our entire process—from starting with a cold transaction to paying agents—without the brokers having to do manual work. It stores all our clients’ information, compares it to a required checklist, and then communicates it back to the client. The data from both our corporate and franchise offices are rolled up into a master account.
Starting with just an idea of what we wanted the system to look like, Grand Apps created wireframes and designed, developed, and tested the system within 10 months. The commissioning algorithm is quite complex, and we spent a good deal of time helping the developers understand it. They did a fabulous job. After we rolled out this first phase, we began launching the contact management features. This is an ongoing process that we’re enhancing on a regular basis.
What is the team composition?
We’ve been in communication with 6–7 people throughout the process, including one project manager.
How did you come to work with Grand Apps?
We sent an RFP to 12 companies and received responses from a little over half of them. After narrowing it down to two companies, we polished our scope a bit more and discussed the project in detail. Eventually, we chose Grand Apps.
My wife had worked with one of their co-founders years ago, and he and I have similar mentalities. When the two of us met, we hit it off, so I included him in the RFP process. That relationship didn’t influence our choice, however. It was strictly a question of who could provide the best service at the most effective cost.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $50,000-$199,999 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working with them since July 2015, and we recently signed a new year-long contract.
While results are still forthcoming, Grand Apps has established smooth cooperation via effective executive management. Their resources are personable and display a strong work ethic.