Helium Services

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Kakuto Submission Challenge, a grappling, judo, and jiu jitsu company open to all ages. We do professional tournaments that accommodate up to 500 competitors a day.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Helium?

We had typically been bracketing tournaments manually, so we wanted to develop a software that would allow us to optimize the use of mats, speed up tournaments, and become one of the most efficient platforms on the market in our sport.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To familiarize themselves with our business, Helium attended many tournaments during initial stages. As their understanding of the event improved, they developed a web application using somewhat of a basic framework within a WordPress site.

Their team built out custom features, including notifications via text message to users that alert them when a mat becomes available, when a person is assigned to a mat, and where to go. It also tracks points of the competition, texts coaches, and reminds competitors when it's time to warm up. Each player has a profile card full of data and is able to upload videos and photos.

What is the team composition?

I deal mostly with two project leads, but they've since added on several employees to their team.

How did you come to work with Helium?

My cousin referred them to me. He had been developing a real estate website and database for several years. He'd worked with 3 other companies, but was most impressed by Helium. Their team came in and told him that he'd have to start from scratch, which was a big blow to his ego and finances, but it ended up being the best thing he ever did for his business.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together for about 2.5 years. The software development project started in May 2017 and ended in November 2017. We had worked with them on other projects dating back to October 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work has resulted in a 250% increase in revenue. Others are always trying to buy the software Helium developed for us, but it's not for sale.

From a user's standpoint, it's authentic and original, so we're very pleased with it.

How did Helium perform from a project management standpoint?

They've been very responsive—I can get in touch with them any time of the day, seven days a week. Our tournaments are long and grueling weekend events, but Helium's been there with me 100%.

We meet often in-person, but also communicate through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're constantly trying to figure out ways to improve my tournaments. Despite knowing less about the sport than I do, they're able to offer valuable suggestions for making tournaments more efficient. We've taken them up on several of their ideas (i.e., texting coaches and competitors). Nobody's ever seen anything like the software they've created.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. From a consumer's perspective, they've delivered everything I've asked for and on time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

These guys are not a huge organization, so they can be attentive to pretty much all of your needs. You're able to get in touch with them ASAP. Although they're busy, you never feel as though you get lost in the shuffle. I definitely recommend working with them.