JVM Design

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Breakfast Cure. I'm a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and Breakfast Cure makes gourmet slow-cooker meals based on congee, a traditional Asian meal.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

I hirred JVM to build a new Wordpress website integrated with WooCommerce to sell subscriptions and one time purchases of our overnight gourmet meal packets, starter kits with slow cooker, etc.

What were your goals for this project?

Due to the complications of over a dozen flavors and the need for customers to update their flavor selection each month, our goal was to create a beautiful yet simple, clear, and hightly functional and fast website. Before hiring JVM our website was massively slowing our sales due to customer confusion. We needed someone who could bring us up to industry standards and design a website that everyone could navigate without hestiation or complication.

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended and then interviewed and compared with a few other options. They were clearly experienced, easy to work with and communicate with, and offered a reasonable price for the work. Right away I could tell that great care would be taken with my brand quickly understood it's unique nature.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Designed and organized the site. Set up Stripe with Woo. Created the shop and menu. Created all the pages with provided content. Set up systems for custom orders and forms for selecting new flavors for subscription renewals. Set up forms for newsletter sign up, entering professional credentials, etc.

What was the team composition?

I have one main contact who is excellent. She works with a few other people as well, but I didn't meet the team.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

My sales are clearing increased and increasing with a site that functions so beautifully. The bottom line is the great feedback from customers old and new who love the new site. I'm not getting contact from confused, frustrated potential customers who had given up due to the poor quality of the site. The best part is that the stress and responsability of running a website is gone. Now it just works and the sales are coming in a steady stream.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We used Basecamp which kept all communications and file sharing very clear, organized, and easy to search.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Responsiveness and the high quality of the work. So easy to work with and results that were above and beyond my expecations every time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Actually, I had an event come up that caused us to rush the job at the end right at the launch, and they were amazing!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the executive director of Affirmative Couch, LLC, an online training platform that provides continuing education for therapists working with sexual, gender, and relationship expansive communities.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

JVM Design designed and currently manages our website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create a visually appealing, user-friendly website to provide online courses.

How did you select this vendor?

We wanted an LGBTQ+ affirmative vendor that understood the needs of a website catering to psychotherapists working with these communities.

Describe the project in detail.

I had a few meetings with their creative director to discuss the form and flow of the website. She sent an amazing mockup soon afterward. It only needed a few minor tweaks, such as changing a few images. She also suggested technical elements and supplemental services that made the website and business work better.

What was the team composition?

I only work with the creative director.

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

I was amazed at the speed with which JVM Design created such a quality website. They have transformed an abstract idea into a fantastic platform.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with JVM Design is a dream. Their responsive team uses Basecamp effectively to keep everyone on the same page.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm blown away by the website they created and the quality of their ongoing support.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can normally find areas for improvement easily, but I have nothing to suggest to JVM Design. Working with them is amazing.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the executive director of Umpqua Watersheds and I was tasked with significantly updating the organization's website.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

We wanted a customized redesign of our website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a cutting-edge website that would provide a great presentation of our mission and the many activities we are engaged in to support it.

How did you select this vendor?

We really wanted to stay local, but we especially wanted to find a company that would help us create a look for our website that would stand out in relation to other environmental nonprofits in Oregon. Another significant factor was our budget. We are a small nonprofit and wanted to get the biggest "bang for our buck" that we could.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Sherry (Creative Director, JVM Design) and her crew dug right in. They thoroughly reviewed our old website, gathered more information from our people in our organization and created a new website.

What was the team composition?

Sherry was our primary contact and she worked very closely with us to develop content for the various pages on our website.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We featured our new website at our annual banquet and we received many comments praising its fresh, invigorating look. We also have noticed a significant spike in activity on the website and we are very proud that our members, potential members, and prospective donors can go to our website and find what they need and much more.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Being a small and nearly-all volunteer nonprofit, it was not easy to gather information and to put it into each page. It was a long and cumbersome process for us, but Sherry and her team were extremely patient with us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re very professional, yet personable and genuine. They helped us when we had a question or when we had a problem. Not only were they a great partner in developing our new website, but they continue to help us and give us ideas on how to continue to improve and develop our website and social marketing platform.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we couldn't be happier.

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Institute for Relational Well-Being is a startup clinic that offers competent, culturally responsive care to individuals experiencing trauma from oppression. I am the clinical director and owner.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

It is difficult to set yourself apart in the saturated mental health market. I hired JVM Design to target our goals, our unique client population, and encapsulate the warmth and care that clients will find at our clinic. JVM Design designed our website, interviewing our staff

They select our goals and ambitions, but also what we visioned to become in the next three to five years.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a sleek, professional, multi-level website that highlighted our staff and services and implemented online scheduling and payment modules. We also wanted next-level graphics that represented the quality of our services. 

How did you select this vendor?

We received quotes from and interviewed several firms. JVM Design clearly had a deep knowledge of and passion for the work. They respectfully, responsibly represented how they could craft a website aimed at LGBTQ individuals without using stereotypes. That was our biggest deciding factor. At the end of the day, the people at JVM Design sealed the deal with their amazing professionalism.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected JVM Design, we held several phone meetings. In cloud-based meetings, they used a creative brainstorming approach in which they placed images, mockups, and editorial conceptualizations on a virtual whiteboard. At every step of the project, they provided links so we could see what our site would look like. We considered a web-based platform and a form optimized for mobile browsers. The team communicated every week until they completed the project.

What was the team composition?

One coordinator handled all communication and decisions. This resulted in clear, concise communication. Others worked on coding, editing, and design. 

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

While it's still early, all the feedback to our website and its design has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the launch, we've had a steady stream of new clients who appreciate its small details and interactivity. We have 100% connectivity and no performance issues. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

JVM Design was always professional. All their communication and workflow was efficient and timely. I can't commend their process more.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It's hard to find a company with a genuine interest in promoting the health of another company. JVM Design truly cared about our process, our success, and our people. Their personal touch separated them from the rest, and their pride showed that their work wasn't just business. They cared about what they put into the world. They proved that focusing on the client creates a self-sustaining synergy of outcomes. I refer everyone I know to them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I noticed no areas for improvement since everything was top-notch!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a small company that manufactures a paneling system used by retail stores. I oversee all of our sales and marketing efforts for the West Coast.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

We hired JVM Design to build a new website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to improve our existing website so that it was easier to navigate and understand.

How did you select this vendor?

Another vendor referred JVM Design. After discussing the project three potential bidders, I selected JVM because they seemed so easy to work with. They understood what I was trying to do.

Describe the project in detail.

JVM Design provided mock-ups of several different home pages. Once I selected one, we moved forward with the content and pages required. Since then, we’ve asked them to work on other projects, including flyers and publications.

What was the team composition?

I’m in touch with Sherry (Creative Director, JVM Design).

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

The JVM tagline is something along the line of “We have fans.” Once you work with them, you completely get that. For a nontechnical person like me who just wants the project done, they provided just the right amount of information. Sherry understands that not all of us are proficient in the building blocks of a website, so she explains what can and can't be done in very understandable terms.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They have a nifty system of providing feedback during the building process that made it easy for me to see progress and ask questions. We haven’t had any issues.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with the simplicity of the web development process. It probably wasn't that simple, but they made it seem that way. Plus, their customer service is outstanding. JVM has gone above and beyond to create an ongoing relationship with our company. Once our site was complete, the follow-up didn't stop. I am extremely happy with this company and the relationship and would highly recommend them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None. I am completely happy with the services I received.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the creator and CEO of Drag Off. We provide a waterless makeup remover designed to quickly and effortlessly clear away stage makeup while leaving your skin clean and moisturized.

For what projects/services did your company hire JVM Design?

I needed a development agency to build a new e-commerce website for my product.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to quickly develop and launch my website within a very tight time frame.

How did you select this vendor?

Because of the nature of my product, I conducted a Google search for LGBT friendly website designers. After reviewing each result, I chose JVM based on the quality of their website. I was impressed by the information included in their company e-book and they offered a competitive pricing agreement. They were prompt in their response to my inquiry, and we quickly moved forward with the project. I met with a representative for a free consultation and she was extremely approachable and knowledge in the field of web design.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

JVM listened to my vision for both my completed product and its e-commerce website. We discussed the basic needs and collaborated to establish a project timeline. The team timely designed each element to reflect my standards then began developing the site. In addition to web services, they also helped create a complimentary design for the product’s packaging.

What was the team composition?

I worked with one representative from JVM. The collaboration process was effortless.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

JVM’s website’s flawless and accessible design allow for easy management and smooth company operations. My business continues to grow and gain public recognition, including praise from RuPaul. I could not be more pleased with my experience.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We organized project communication on BaseCamp. JVM stuck to our established timeline and quickly addressed any of my questions or concerns.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by their ability to break down the e-commerce development process into understandable terms. It was truly a stress-free project, I have never worked with such effective communicators.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

I believe there is always room for improvement in any business, but because I have little experience in the arena of web design, I can’t name a specific area. It is obvious that JVM takes pride in their company and their work.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a voice teacher at The Singers Workshop. I teach singing mostly to pop stars, and it’s a one-person business.

What challenge were you trying to address with JV Media Design?

I needed a website, but didn’t know how to do it.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I reached out to JV Media to develop the design, pages, and all the thinking behind the website. She also developed a shopping cart for me.

I write articles for singers, and I needed something to organize them to make them more readable. She showed me that they needed to be in categories, and went through all of the articles and organized them by topic. She used all of this to develop what she called the “singer’s handbook.” She put it on a series of pages on the website, all of which were very accessible. Users can see a list of articles with a one-sentence synopsis underneath each title, scroll through, and click things they find interesting.

The initial website took four--five months. She has redesigned the look and organization of the site three--four times since then. We do a redesign about every four years. It’s now a WordPress website.

What is the team composition?

I interact with Sherry [Creative Director, JV Media Design] directly, and she has others who do things for her.

How did you come to work with JV Media Design?

I had a student who was friends with her. It was the beginning of her work. We talked, and decided to move forward.

How much have you invested with them?

I’m spent over $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 1997, and the relationship is ongoing.

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

She’s sent me some Google Analytics reports that show how well we’ve been doing over the years. I’m not interested in it, so I don’t follow it.

How did JV Media Design perform from a project management standpoint?

Her project management is excellent. She’s always responsive right away and on time. She solves problems immediately, and if she can’t, she puts in a ticket and responds to it. She’s fixed little things that I’ve had go wrong over the years.

She bills me for big projects, and every now and then, I have to tell her not to forget to send me a bill. She’s terrific. We communicate only when I need something. I have to email her occasionally when I have a technical problem.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve worked with one–two other web people who were very nice, but I always come back to Sherry due to her design and thought processes. She’s also really good at problem-solving.

I really like working with them. They’re efficient, good with deadlines, and nice to talk to. They’re very responsive. The price is good, and I like that Sherry has a good eye for design.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t know what else is out there. I don’t look for how my site could be different or better.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the General Manager at Redwood Hyperion Suites.

What challenge were you trying to address with JV Media?

We needed to update our website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They looked over our existing site and conducted an interview to better understand us as a company. They determined our site was too image-heavy, which was slowing down our load times, especially for mobile users. They pointed out that most users will move on if a page takes more than three seconds to load.

We decided on a streamlined approach, creating a WordPress site with a homepage focused exclusively on booking. Our photo galleries and slideshows were placed on separate pages for any users interested in digging deeper.

What is the team composition?

I worked exclusively with Sherry [Holub, Creative Director, JV Media] and she communicated my needs to her team.

How did you come to work with JV Media?

They were referred to us by a local brand management firm.

How much have you invested with them?

The original bid was $2,000, but we ended up spending around $3,000 because of add-ons and delays on our end.

What is the status of this engagement?

They started work in September 2016 and finished in November. It was an eight-week process.

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

We saw a 30% increase from our booking page after working with JV Media, so for us that was huge.

How did JV Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Extremely well. We communicated through phone and email, and they were available at all hours to keep us informed about their progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their personal touch. Sherry went out of her way, actually staying overnight at our hotel to understand what makes us unique.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We're really pleased and happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Open communication is a huge asset with Sherry. She answered any questions we had, no matter how trivial, and actively listened to our long-term goals, providing honest feedback for reaching our potential. As long as you’re open with her, Sherry will provide the tools necessary to improve your website.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a springs resort and conference center. Our retreat offers training, yoga, and meditation spaces. I am the director of marketing for events and hospitality.

What challenge were you trying to address with JV Media?

We were looking to build a new, updated, and modern website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

JV Media designed and developed our website using the WordPress platform.

How did you come to work with JV Media?

I believe JV Media was found through a referral, but I wasn't involved in the process.

How much have you invested with JV Media?

The cost of JV Media's work will be between $5,000 and $8,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with JV Media 8 months ago, and the project is ongoing.

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

JV Media's work has been great. I don't have any metrics, but we've gotten great feedback on the site. We're a unique place and we wanted to convey this through the website. JV Media identified the feeling we were looking for, expressing it in a simple and straightforward way.

How did JV Media perform from a project management standpoint?

JV Media uses Basecamp as a communication tool, but I shifted to using email during the process. During a website build, it's important to have a fast turnaround on questions and problems. JV Media was able to do this consistently. Issues are usually fixed or addressed within 4 hours.

What did you find most impressive about JV Media?

Our contact had great ideas for improving workflows, including mechanisms and widgets that could help our design process. She was able to grasp the essence of our business.

Are there any areas JV Media could improve?

We haven't had any problems with JV Media whatsoever. They've been very supportive.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with JV Media?

Clients shouldn't be afraid to let JV Media take an active role in the design process. We deferred to our contact on several occasions and were happy with what she came up with. JV Media isn't a company which needs micromanagement.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a Jewish cemetery located in Los Angeles. I am the marketing manager of the company.

What business challenge were you trying to address with JV Media?

We were designing and rolling out a new website. We had originally worked with another website company which specializes in web design for cemeteries. After a year, we found that they were not able to perform the contract and complete the mobile responsiveness portion of our website. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

JV Media has helped us in terms of web design, content, and internal systems integration.

How did you come to work with JV Media?

We reached out to JV Media, and they came back with an excellent plan broken down into weekly goals. Their team was familiar with the different systems we needed to integrate, as well as with the different platform we could select from. Based on these things, JV Media proved a great fit.

How much have you invested with JV Media?

The price worked. 

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

JV Media design has been instrumental in the design and implementation of our new website. They are extremely professional to work with and knowledgeable about all updates and software performance. We truly feel they have our company's best interests in mind when making suggestions. It is wonderful to have complete trust and confidence in their abilities.