Lounge Lizard

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Mott is a filtration and flow control engineering company that specializes in custom design and manufacturing. I'm the Marketing Program Manager responsible for Industrial and Energy Markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lounge Lizard?

We hired Lounge Lizard to redesign our new website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted state of the art features on a wordpress platform. Modern designs and branding with unique features to differentiate our website from competitors.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Lounge Lizard offered the best combination of creative branding and website programming expertise. We interviewed over 12 different firms and picked Lounge Lizard because they were the most capable of delivering the functionality we wanted and the most creative in their branding approach.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Lounge Lizard provided us branding consultant, project management, design reviews, and a fully usable website within 6 months.

What was the team composition?

Lounge Lizard supported us with branding experts, project management, website designers, and developers from start to finish to ensure we received the website we wanted.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Lounge Lizard did an amazing job designing a website for us. Included all the design and functionality we requested. Frank, Cezar, Bob, Raynal, & Team did an amazing job and delivered a website that impressed our employees and coworkers. Professional from start to finish and with great attention to detail. I would definitely recommend them to a work associate.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Frank, our project manager, did a phenomenal job managing the website and keeping realistic expectations from start to finish.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They deliver extremely high results. Nothing felt watered down or shortcutted.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. I'm thrilled with the end result and experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing operations for a retirement community organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lounge Lizard?

We had the creative and marketing expertise on staff but not development expertise. We needed a partner to help us with intricate coding tasks.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Lounge Lizard manages the development tasks for all of our websites. For example, if we wanted to update our website images, they would do that. Or if we needed to create a new form or widget, they would build them for us.

They make changes and updates. On a day to day basis, their team does maintenance work. They also provide ideas and solutions to meet our business needs.

What is the team composition?

We generally have one person who helps us with all of our tasks. It’s nice because he knows us. We also work with an account manager.

How did you come to work with Lounge Lizard?

I wasn’t part of the decision to bring on Lounge Lizard.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in 2018, and we have an ongoing service agreement with Lounge Lizard.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve certainly seen an increase in website traffic. We have additional visitors as well as an increase in conversions and leads. We partially attribute all of those data points to having an improved website. They're also attributable to the services offered on the website.

How did Lounge Lizard perform from a project management standpoint?

When we have a task, our account manager usually assigns it to a team member. Tasks are always managed through their platform where we see all of the different milestones associated with a project. We can also respond and include attachments. Usually, their team responds within 24 hours. They’re on top of their responsibilities, so we’re happy.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Lounge Lizard’s proactive and quick to respond. Particularly through the COVID-19 crisis, they’ve been extremely responsive and fast to help us with any additional items. 

Their team makes helpful suggestions. They don’t try to sell us on all of their other services like other development groups. I like that their team stays in their lane.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really. The only downside is that we’re not in the same time zone. I have to keep that in mind when sending any questions

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Establish expectations upfront. A defined project scope for both sides creates a successful partnership. Communicate with them. Set long-term expectations for when hours might need to be increased. Be able to help budget for that.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a graphic designer for a healthcare architecture firm. I was responsible for overseeing the production and design of the website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lounge Lizard?

We were merging four companies, and we assumed the initial merger on our own, but we decided to bring in Lounge Lizard to revamp the website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We did the initial website, and then we revamped the site to reflect the merger. The challenge was getting a consensus among these different entities, so the site reflected each group.

We had a good understanding of how we wanted it to look and function. They’re very respected when it comes to design and functionality.

What is the team composition?

We had one point of contact, but I know there were other people working on the project. Once the site was launched, they brought on more people to handle questions and requests.

How did you come to work with Lounge Lizard?

I wasn’t a part of that process.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2017 and wrapped up in May 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s gone well. There’s still a lot of bugs that were never fixed, though. On one hand, I really enjoyed working with them, but on the other hand, I’m a little frustrated that not everything was fixed. So, some features are great, and others aren’t. I was impressed with their design and project management of the whole process.

How did Lounge Lizard perform from a project management standpoint?

At one point, they responded quickly, but now we get no response from them. There were weekly calls and emails We used ActiveCollab, where we tracked tasks using tickets.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The backend developer was great. He did tasks right away. The initial designer was good too. The team itself is very impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Towards the end of the project, things needed to be tightened up a bit.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I think their roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the digital marketing manager of a tree shrub and lawn care firm that takes care of residential and commercial landscaping.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lounge Lizard?

Initially, we hired them for SEO services. This time, we were looking for web redesign services, specifically just a mockup of what our website would look like.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Lounge Lizard developed a mockup redesign of the website. Right now, they are also working on providing us a template that we can use.

What is the team composition?

We work with four teammates, including a project manager, his boss, a developer, and a designer. 

How did you come to work with Lounge Lizard?

We found them when we were looking for web design services before. We decided to go with another firm at first, but when that didn’t work out, we reached out to Lounge Lizard for this project. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in November 2019. They've completed most of the work but we’re still waiting for them to send us some files so we can finalize the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was able to present their mockup designs to our CEO at the time and he loved them. My boss also loved the designs, so it all worked out for us. They did great work. The product they delivered was phenomenal. People sing praises about the redesign.

How did Lounge Lizard perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager is phenomenal. He’s done a wonderful job of managing this project, so everything has worked out very well so far. He helped us get the mockup and template, so he’s great.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What makes them stand out is their communication. Everything we’ve done so far, the team has been able to put into their documentation platform, ActiveCollab. We’re able to communicate and track everything using it.

They gave me passwords to log into the site. I can’t tell you how many times I or another teammate, while working with another vendor, have had to ask for passwords. With Lounge Lizard, I’ve never had to ask for credentials. This project has been so well-organized, which is one aspect that sets them apart. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind right away. One thing I would say is that there have been a few times where it has taken them some time to respond to my questions. It hasn’t been anything too big, but I’m noticing it more right now, maybe because of the times we’re in.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you want to work with Lounge Lizard, you need to have everything ready. If you come in unprepared, you’re going to struggle. They have a team of knowledgeable individuals who ask great questions and provide great analysis.

They were very on top of their work, giving us a list of things to do and what they needed. We too are an organized team, so it’s worked out well. But I can tell that if I wasn’t as organized, this project would’ve gone longer than it needed to.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior product manager of Connected Solutions at Watts Water Technologies. My division — heating and hot water solutions — is responsible for commercial and industrial applications for boilers and water heaters.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Lounge Lizard?

We wanted to develop a new, break-through mobile app for customers that would provide a differentiated customer experience, beyond the typical and basic features available on other industry apps. The scope included a comprehensive mobile app experience that would allow our customers to use the app as they would use the controller on the front of the unit.

We wanted to develop a mobile app that would provide an intuitive experience for our customers and remove the complexity that can traditionally accompany commercial boilers and water heaters. We envisioned a mobile app that would be comprehensive in providing guidance and efficiency with start-up, service, and on-going performance. This would require having a developer who would be able to understand complex equipment and unique needs in order to create a seamless experience for customers and technicians.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Lounge Lizard started by listening to our vision for the app, meeting with us regularly to discuss all our requirements, giving us feedback and recommendations, coming up with a design concept for the app, as well as wireframes. Using those inputs, they worked seamlessly with us to develop the app and conducted regression testing and debugging complex edge use cases.

Our app isn’t a standard app; it interacts with our product. So, it’s unique to the market. Lounge Lizard had to be on-site to do system and regression testing.

What is the team composition?

We started working with Ken (Founder & Chief Creative Officer) and Greg Kubacki (Senior Mobile Engineer & Technical Lead), who became our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Lounge Lizard?

Once we developed our commercial scope of the project, we reached out to several vendors, including Lounge Lizard, to submit their proposal for our Request For Proposal. 

Our scope was quite complex, so we gave each vendor 2–3 weeks to get back to us. There were some iterations during that time for them to truly understand our product and app in order for them to do proper technical coding.

During that time, we selected Lounge Lizard based on their HVAC background and branding capabilities. Additionally, they showed us some of the previous work they had done for other customers. We saw that they would be the right partner to give us a technical, customer-facing product.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project was successfully completed and launched in 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve done a fantastic job and are extremely easy to work with. We were able to achieve what we wanted in terms of having a wonderful, user-friendly, customer-facing tool. Lounge Lizard was able to deliver what we wanted by working with our internal marketing team.

We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about the tool from our customers. Overall, the app is easy and simple, yet advanced. They are a creative team and delivered a product that has impacted our business positively.

How did Lounge Lizard perform from a project management standpoint?

They deliver on their commitment and milestones. If they see any roadblocks, they proactively engage with us to work through issues and keep the project on track.   They respond very quickly, usually within the same day or a few hours. Lounge Lizard is approachable, reachable, flexible, and supportive. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are an impressive combination of technical ability, branding capability and genuinely easy to do business with. Initially, we were impressed by the “wow-factor” that they exhibited. As I mentioned earlier, their proposal document showed their branding capabilities. They’re a very capable company and continue to work with us as a partner.

Lounge Lizard has also been honest and upfront about what capabilities they do and don’t have. When they don’t know something, they’ve been willing to learn those skills without charging us for that extra time. Overall, we have a good relationship that allows profitability for both parties. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

From a project management perspective, they work in a pseudo agile format. They work on elements that they can move forward with, and if there’s a bottleneck, they often push that to us for guidance, which we like.

However, there was a bit of a learning curve for us on this method and on this complex of a commercial scope. So, we would’ve liked to have gained a little more knowledge from them about how the process works before we jumped into the details.

Nevertheless, the team was flexible and supportive enough to work with us on tackling those technical challenges. Overall, we’ve had a great experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When we asked them to teach us something, they were more than happy to do that. When we asked them questions, they gave us all of the options and their recommendations. So, don’t hesitate to ask Lounge Lizard questions early and often.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the IT manager for a firm that manufactures safety pool covers worldwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lounge Lizard?

We hired them to move our outdated Adobe ColdFusion website to a more modern platform.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed them to reliably reproduce our website in a more modern environment.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them mainly based on the quality of a smaller project they delivered for us. We knew we would be getting quality results from a team that is easy to work with.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They developed, configured, and launched an updated web site with a completely new CMS. The project began with a discovery workshop, which helped us reach a mutual understanding of the business challenges and goals. Once we approved the workflows, wireframes, and mockups, the actual production began. The functional versions were ready for user testing and feedback. Their developers made key suggestions for improvements at the end of each sprint cycle.

What was the team composition?

The project team had about five people, but certain individuals would come and go depending on what was needed. We did have a dedicated project manager who was our direct and permanent point of contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website has improved our ability to make updates.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their team complied with deadlines and always communicated delays well ahead of time. Unexpected turnover never threatened to stop critical progress. We communicated through ActivCollab, and I found their process impressive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We had direct access to both project managers as well as the entire team. That was critical because technical things can easily be lost in translation when there's a middleman playing the role of messenger. They prevent that issue by keeping the lines of communication open with everyone.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I’m completely happy with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of NuLife Nation. We’re a marketing firm that develops leaders and empowers them to maximize their potential while building wealth.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lounge Lizard?

We needed a logo for our new company.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a logo that embodied excitement and change, yet also communicated credibility and stability. It had to become instantly recognizable within our industry.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found Lounge Lizard highlighted on an online design firm ranking website. Their accolades and approach to logo design intrigued us, so we reached out to them. We talked on the phone with Ken (Founder, Lounge Lizard) and realized how knowledgeable he and his team were. They made us feel like we were in good hands.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we decided on a design package for our product internally, I sent Ken a few logo ideas that I thought represented our brand. They came back in a couple of days with two unique logo designs. My team liked both so much that we had a hard time choosing. Ultimately, we made a choice, and it was ready after a few rounds of revisions.

What was the team composition?

Ken was my main point of contact, although he and his team worked together on the design.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve received only positive feedback on the logo, and we plan to use Lounge Lizard to create our website shortly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was seamless. From conception to completion, we worked smoothly and efficiently together.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to deliver on concepts and ideas was outstanding. It seems they’re all visionaries with a keen ability to create what they see. They have a high level of creativity, knowledge, expertise, and commitment. I now understand why they’ve received so much industry recognition.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not that I saw. Like a great artist, you can’t improve them. You can only respect, admire, and appreciate them. Lounge Lizard has perfected what they do.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

We are a premium home fragrance manufacturer. We’ve been making home fragrance options since around 1990. We started out in a garage, hand-pouring candles, and have grown to be a large company. 

What are your role and responsibilities?

I do the e-commerce, so I handle anything online, including social media, SEM [search engine marketing] and SEO [search engine optimization].

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal in working with Lounge Lizard?

We had designed a website a few years back and, at the time, it was done in a hurry because our existing site had crashed. When we designed the site, we weren’t thinking too much about future growth. Now, here we are six or seven years later, and we’ve completely outgrown the site. We went to Lounge Lizard to try to find someone who could build us a much more state-of-the-art website, one that could grow with us and look more like the changing times – more modern, sleeker, and more user-friendly. Overall, we needed to replace something that was just not working anymore.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

The work is still in progress, but so far, they have gone in and completely redesigned the site from top to bottom. It looks wonderful, very sleek, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. They’re also going to be doing some SEO testing for us as well as usability testing. They’ve also found the perfect shopping cart software that will allow us to grow as our company grows. The shopping cart software is wonderful because it’s easy to add on different features or programs. They have definitely listened to us and have responded to all of our demands appropriately.

What was your process in selecting Lounge Lizard with which to work?

We started with a search of different Web companies. I reached out to 10 or 15 of them and got them to give me a couple different quotes, timelines, and ideas and, of course, I looked through their portfolios. We narrowed the search down to Lounge Lizard and two or three others. What made them stand out from the rest was their portfolio. Even their own website was beautifully designed. Our graphics team was super impressed with everything they had done. After talking with them, we knew that they would be a wonderful fit for us.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

We have spent somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000 working with Lounge Lizard.

When did you start working with them and is the relationship ongoing?

The relationship started in August 2014. The site should be done in the next couple of weeks, and we can’t wait to launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics, metrics, or general feedback to demonstrate the quality of their work?

So far, all our graphics and marketing people love the designs they submitted for us. As far as back-end functionality of the website, they’re very flexible. If one of my team members finds they need something, Lounge Lizard addresses it immediately. Their response has been spot on.

Is there anything unique about Lounge Lizard that really makes them stand out compared to other companies?

What really stands out is their level of commitment and personal, one-on-one approach. We were assigned a single account manager, so we weren’t going back and forth with different people. We were able to speak directly with her, and she worked her hardest trying to find solutions and get back to us with answers. I think the level of knowledge and commitment Lounge Lizard has to the customer is amazing. We hit a few bumps in the road on our end, and they handled our delays very well and with complete understanding. They haven’t tried to push us into anything. It’s just been amazing working with them.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or something that you might do differently?

No. Everything’s been great. I truly was expecting this project to be much more difficult, but they’ve made it incredibly easy and seamless.

What advice would you give to a future client of theirs?

Be open to their ideas. They have some wonderful ideas, and they truly have the client’s best interests at heart. So, if they suggest something a little bit different than you originally thought, don’t be afraid to give it a chance. Their ideas really are for the betterment of your site.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your work.

I’m a professor at the UCLA medical school. I’m active in bio-medical research, and I do evaluations for the State of California. I’m located in Brentwood, Calif.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal in working with Lounge Lizard?

I wanted to develop an app aimed at young women and girls.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of your work with Lounge Lizard.

The idea for the app was mine, but the software development part was all totally new to me. Lounge Lizard took my idea and showed me how it could be implemented. All of the design and development work was done by Lounge Lizard.

What was your process for selecting Lounge Lizard with which to work?

I did some research on the Internet and asked for advice from several colleagues. I interviewed five or six people face to face and explained what I wanted. But, I eventually found Lounge Lizard online, and they were obviously in a different league than the others I’d met. Because Lounge Lizard seemed both very imaginative and creative, I decided to work with them.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

We’re estimating $50,000 for the actual work and another $50,000 for marketing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project?

We’re still working on the project, but it’s come a long way. The design phase has been finished, and we’re doing a mockup of the app right now. I have complete confidence that Lounge Lizard will bring this to a very successful conclusion.

How satisfied are you with the work of Lounge Lizard so far?

So far, I’m very satisfied. I’ve talked to several people on the team who are working on my project, and they were all very helpful, cooperative, creative, and positive. We are absolutely right on track.

Is there anything unique about Lounge Lizard that really makes them stand out compared to other companies?

The people at Lounge Lizard are very bright, very knowledgeable. Every contact I’ve had with them has been positive.

What advice would you give to a future client of theirs?

Meet them, be open and frank about what you need, and you will get honest feedback.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

We own a smartphone application called STUDR. It’s designed to help new college students with networking. We’ve been in business for a year.

What are your role and responsibilities?

I am the owner and operational partner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal in working with Lounge Lizard?

We had the idea for STUDR, but we had no background in software development. We needed someone to turn our idea into a real app.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

Essentially, we gave them the idea, told them what we wanted and got out of the way. Lounge Lizard built everything. They actually took our idea and owned it.

What was your process in selecting Lounge Lizard with which to work?

We interviewed 20 different app developers. We found that a lot of developers were just mass-producing apps, pumping them out all the time. But, Lounge Lizard asked a lot of great questions and really listened to what we wanted. We felt we could trust them. We felt that Lounge Lizard would be a partner and not just someone we outsourced the work to.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

We’ve spent somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000 working with Lounge Lizard.

When did you start working with them?

We started the project in August, and the app was successively launched in October 2014. We continue to work with Lounge Lizard for maintenance and support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How satisfied are you with your work with Lounge Lizard?

I’m very satisfied. I just get a good feeling working with them. Lounge Lizard genuinely cares about their customers and cares what the project is about. The designs came out exactly as we wanted, and the usability of the app is exactly what we wanted it to be. Working with Lounge Lizard has been great.

Is there anything unique about Lounge Lizard that really makes them stand out compared to other companies?

It’s a small organization, and I really like that about them. They have a lot of customers, but you feel like you’re the only one when you’re with them. Their communication is also very strong.

What advice would you give to a future client of theirs?

First, I would definitely recommend them. Second, the more information you can give them, the better work they can do for you.