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    Chicago, IL
    888.406.1099

Mobilize Your Business

4.8
13 reviews

Red Foundry is a mobile application design and development consulting firm. Founded in 2009, and led by seasoned business and technology executives, we help our clients “Mobilize Their Business” by creating award-winning native mobile applications for the iOS and Android platforms.

Utilizing our mobile-optimized methodology, we partner with entrepreneurs and early stage startups to launch their mobile-enabled business, and we work with established corporations to build mobile products that support their digital transformation.

It all began when we started building iPhone apps for fun, and a few of them became big hits. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we quit our day jobs and began making apps for other organizations like Pearl Jam and Kodak. After working in the trenches for a while we realized that building a great mobile app could be expensive, time consuming, and complex. So we set out on our journey to make building mobile apps easier.

That’s why we started Red Foundry – to take our years of experience in building successful mobile apps and package it into a team of engineers armed with technology and process methodology to lower the cost, complexity, and delivery risk of building killer mobile apps.

Red Foundry was built on these simple principles:

  • All apps should be beautiful, unique, intuitive, and relevant. 
  • Any company, large or small, should have the opportunity to leverage the benefits of mobile app technology. 
  • An app is useless without a team of skilled people to support and evlove it. 

Every day Red Foundry tackles the tough challenges that face most businesses when going mobile. But most importantly Red Foundry apps are built by a team of software engineers who are passionate about mobile.  It's all we do.  And we love it.

READ MORE...
 
$25,000+
 
$150 - $199 / hr
 
10 - 49
 Founded
2009
Red Foundry
1608 S. Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
United States
888.406.1099

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Random House, Reader's Digest, Voya, Central Insurance, Utrip, Fodor's Travel Guides, FanAngel, Pearl Jam, Kodak, Panasonic, Wine Enthusiast, Systagenix, StoryTime, Internet Brands, Traveling Vineyard, Purohit Navigation, KTVA Alaska, Fautus

Reviews

4.8
13 reviews
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Assessment and Code Review for App

"They were extremely easy to work with."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
May 2018
Project summary: 

Red Foundry provided their consulting services and conducted a code review for an app developed by another vendor. They checked for errors in the code and defined what it would take to fix it.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
CEO, OniT App Inc.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Their involvement was crucial to discovering that the previous vendor was violating the contract by delivering incomplete work. Red Foundry’s knowledge, professional approach, and competitive prices add great value to their services.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of OniT App Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Red Foundry?

Our company enlisted Red Foundry’s services to review our app that was developed by another vendor.

What were your goals for this project?

The purpose of the assessment was to determine if the app was functional and created to the specifications we originally provided.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Red Foundry based on their high level of experience and expertise with native app development.

Describe the project in detail.

We paid Red Foundry a flat consulting fee for their services and they dissected the code language, discovering all the missing gaps within the code. They also helped to determine what would be required in order to get the app completed and back in compliance with the contracted specifications.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Red Foundry helped us discover that our project was in complete breach of contract, and was far from the fully-functional app that was supposed to be delivered.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They were extremely easy to work with. All their representatives are extremely knowledgeable and professional.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Red Foundry’s level of expertise, professionalism, and communication are second to none.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have no complaints or improvements that I could recommend.

5.0
Overall Score Red Foundry is an amazing company.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were very accommodating when it came to scheduling.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Their price is very fair and their work is of high value.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Red Foundry is extremely professional.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I highly recommend them.

Mobile App Development for Local News Channel

“The app received positive reviews across the board, with an average rating of 4.5 stars in app stores.”

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Oct. 2014 - Sept. 2017
Project summary: 

Red Foundry designed the backend of a mobile news app (iOS and Android), mirroring the tabs and visual elements of the organization's website. They also incorporated push notifications (e.g., weather updates).

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Anchorage, Alaska
Jason Sear
Digital Assets Manager, KTVA News
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Red Foundry custom built an effective app, tailoring its design to meet the needs of a local news organization. The app was user-friendly and well received by the public, with a 4.5 star average rating in app stores. Their team provided friendly, personalized service from start to finish.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the digital assets manager for KTVA News, a TV news station based in Anchorage, Alaska.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

When I first joined KTVA, we had just revamped our digital presence and website, but were lacking a mobile app similar to other news organizations. We didn't like any of the pre-made apps we'd been seeing for other networks—we wanted to develop a more customized app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Red Foundry with some initial designs and they developed the backend for the mobile app (iOS and Android). The layout mirrored our Wordpress website, incorporating similar categories, video, and photo elements. They also built out push notifications, including weather updates.

What is the team composition?

I mostly worked with a project manager, a designer, and a developer.

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

I found Red Foundry through an extensive Google search. I liked the apps they had developed and, after discussions with their team, decided they would be the best fit for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested in the range of $20,000–$30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2014 to September 2017. Since switching platforms about six months ago, we've started working with another company that provides both website and mobile app development services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app Red Foundry developed was easy to read and navigate. The app received positive reviews across the board, with an average rating of 4.5 stars in app stores. Although we had some challenges around awareness of the new product, we had a significant number of users when we first launched.

How did Red Foundry perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team is very organized and good about meeting deadlines. They were responsive whenever any bugs or issues came up. I could email or call them directly and get a response right a way.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The ease of communication with their team really stands out. I'm sure they have a lot of customers, yet we always managed to get plenty of personalized service and attention.

The quality of their work also stands out. They developed a hybrid app, using some of their original designs, that was tailored to work for our industry. It was the first app of its kind they'd worked on, but they were very willing to go down a new path with us. In the end, we had a great product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I'm happy with their work overall. We had some minor hiccups with the Android version of the app, but it was worked out.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communication is key. That won't be an issue when working with their team, as they're both responsive and receptive.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Overall, their team performed well. There were just a few bugs that didn't get fixed as quickly as we would've liked.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I'd say their rates are fair.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We didn't have any major issues with the app.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    We had a few minor hiccups along the way, but we were satisfied with the app overall.

Mobile App Development for Direct Sales Company

“The investment has been worth the result.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Jan. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Red Foundry has developed three versions of an iOS app that allows wine representatives to manage orders and presentations, as well as track data, location, and wine tastings.

The Reviewer
 
1,001 - 10,000 Employees
 
Ipswich, Massachusetts
CTO, Direct Sales Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The ability to deliver by deadline on a consistent basis while managing all development internally has proved Red Foundry as a dependable partner. Their team tests the deliverables to ensure stability, resulting in a widely used app that has received no negative feedback.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of a direct sales company in the wine business. We produce and sell wine to individuals through in-home wine tastings. We have about 5,000 representatives around the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We wanted to give our representatives a mobile application to make it easier for them to do payment swiping for orders placed directly with us at wine tastings. We wanted to create flexibility through an actual app where we could do much more as opposed to a regular webpage on a mobile device.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Red Foundry with the core design and they turned it into a mobile app that’s incorporated with our business logic.

The app is iOS-based with an information layer for our representatives where they can keep track of their data, location, and planned wine tastings. They can manage orders and presentations within the app as well.

We’re on the third version now. Not everything was there from the beginning, but it’s basically complete at this point. We’ve worked with them on every version we’ve come out with. We went back and forth with them and did bug cycles to create stable products.

What is the team composition?

There are two members of their team who have been assigned to this project.

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

A company that does other development for us recommended them. We got in touch, they made a proposal, and we’ve been happy with them ever since. We didn’t consider anyone else at the time because we wanted to keep it within distinguished connections and relationships.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent around $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in January 2016, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

People are using it all the time, so if it wasn’t working well, we would have a lot of complaints. The investment has been worth the result.

How did Red Foundry perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good and know what they’re doing. They haven’t missed a deadline, and we are very happy with that. We use bug tracking tools and let them manage the whole thing internally.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like the relationship with their team. They’re bright and they know what we want. Their deliverables always work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no suggestions for improvement right now.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You have to have sufficient conversations to know exactly what you’re getting into in order for it to work.

5.0
Overall Score Overall, we are very happy with them.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We haven’t missed a single deadline with them. They’ve accomplished what we both agreed on.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    It always costs more than you think.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would refer them if someone asked me.

Mobile Development for Mileage Capture App

"I have a lot of respect for what they do and the work they deliver, and they built a great product for us."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Dec. 2016 - May. 2017
Project summary: 

Red Foundry built and designed the SDK for existing mileage tracking and billing mobile apps on iOS and Android. They integrated it with a complex backend and preserved the high-level functionality.

The Reviewer
 
201-500 Employees
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Andy Zavattero
VP Mobile Apps, Runzheimer
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The end product was complex and required a highly collaborative work environment to complete, but Red Foundry did so with composure. Their work was consistently of the highest quality and their candid approach to project management and development made for an overall enjoyable experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Vice President of Product at Runzheimer, overseeing all our mobile platform experience, including apps as well as all of our partner integration initiatives. We are an enterprise mobility company focused on fair and accurate mileage reimbursement for business use of personal vehicles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We wanted to create a platform from which we could distribute mileage capture to anyone who needed it as part of their business routine, be it consumer oriented or business-to-business. The aim of our overall system is to provide IRS compliant mileage logging and reimbursement all within mobile apps. Although we have had mobile apps themselves for about ten years, we needed the expertise of Red Foundry to build a software development kit (SDK) from our existing versions because our in-house team did not have that skillset.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The apps themselves are built on Xamarin, which is a C# base code, and we brought in Red Foundry to build the SDK in C# so that it would be distributable to any mobile platform. Once we had the SDK, the plan was to sell that product to third parties who wanted to embed our mileage capture functionality within their own native app experiences. The customer would then able to capture and classify the miles they drive, including using the mobile device’s GPS to allow accurate data collection and reimbursement within the app.

Red Foundry provided us with both iOS and Android developers, and they built and designed the SDK from the ground up while modeling it after our existing platform. Our services group also had to be intimately involved because they had to build the backend with which the final system would operate. There were a variety of things that we needed to be able to track through the final SDK, including authentication, reporting, and diagnostics. Having all of those features would allow us to report and bill accurately based on the usage of the platform.

What is the team composition?

At the peak of the project’s development phase, we had about five people from Red Foundry working with our team. However, the collaboration began with three main team members. Rob Brandt (Partner, Red Foundry) filled the equivalent of my role on their side, helping us from a product and overall business standpoint. Then Ron Franczyk (Partner & CTO, Red Foundry) took charge of our iOS architecture, and we had a third person working on Android. Once the project ramped up to speed, they added one more developer for each platform.

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

I had worked with Rob at a previous company and we had kept in touch over the years. When he took over as the CEO of Red Foundry, the opportunity presented itself to have them be in contention for this role. We took them through a hiring process, including interviewing multiple other companies, but it was clear when I talked to Rob and after we reviewed their credentials that they were the right fit for our needs.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from December of 2016 through May of 2017. Although the SDK has not been released due to extenuating circumstances unrelated to Red Foundry, the engagement has concluded.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Unfortunately, due to other in-company factors, we have not yet installed the SDK in a production environment. We have been able to get the SDK approved in the app stores, although it is not currently being made available to third party developers. The long-term plan is still to roll it out, but there is no specific timeline on that yet. As such, we do not have any user or marketplace feedback or metrics about the impact of their work, other than that we have been very satisfied internally with what they have delivered. Building a mileage capture experience is tricky, particularly because working with GPS on either iOS and Android comes with a certain set of pitfalls, but they did a great job.

How did Red Foundry perform from a project management standpoint?

Rob is a great leader and a smart product guy, and Ron is awesome. They did a fantastic job of raising risk with us when it happened, and having them be an Agile shop just like our team was very welcome. Rob did an excellent job of leading the daily stand-up and doing the longer-term planning. There was a lot of collaboration inherent to this project, which added another layer of complexity to the work. In addition to their team, we had developers on our side working on fleshing out the SDK, as well as the services group who built the backend. Their project manager was top notch and they did a good job of coordinating across the fence.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The scope of their estimation in regards to deadlines was incredibly accurate, and as someone who has over 25 years of experience in development, I know that is no simple task. They did what they said they would in the time that they predicted, and they completed it at the cost for which they quoted us in the initial statement of work. This was greatly appreciated from a partner perspective because it created a lot of credibility and trust on both sides. They were also good at understanding the problem that we were trying to solve with the SDK, and are simply great developers.

Red Foundry is made up of smart and honest people who were upfront if and when they ran into problems, rather than hide behind smoke and mirrors. We would have a discussion, make a decision regarding a solution, and then move on. They also brought a lot of great thought leadership to the project, which was exactly what we wanted in a partner. We initially had plans to continue to use them, but because of outside factors, that did not work out. I have a lot of respect for what they do and the work they deliver, and they built a great product for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I needed to push them a little on providing a weekly status on how we were running against their financial spend, but eventually they got into the habit of doing so. We did need to have some tougher conversations towards the end regarding sticking to the promised deadlines, and they took responsibility right away. To make up for a bit of friction in that area, they added a couple of features for us pro bono.

4.5
Overall Score It was a great experience and I loved working with them.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They executed their plan on time and within budget.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They did great work, but were a little on the pricier side.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They delivered a high quality end product.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have already referred them to multiple people.

Mobile App Development for Wound Care Company

“They knew exactly what to do in order to provide a solution.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Jan. 2013 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Red Foundry designed and developed an app for Android and iOS from scratch using their proprietary Fusion Studio technology. The app allows content to be accessed offline. 

The Reviewer
 
1,001 - 10,000 Employees
Digital Marketing Manager, Wound Care Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app receives quantifiable use by clinicians, evidencing its effectiveness and helpfulness. With strong expertise in their field and their accommodating and cooperative service, they execute the process perfectly, winning an ongoing partnership as the app’s market reach grows.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a global company specializing in healing wounds. We have a range of products from pressure wound therapy to advanced wound dressings.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We wanted to build an app that clinicians could use within hospitals. Based on a survey we ran, we found that they were having problems with how to apply dress wounds and what dressings or solutions they needed to use. We found that an app would be a good tool that could serve as a reminder for the clinicians.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Red Foundry built our app from scratch. We’re quite particular when it comes to how menus and other elements need to look. They came up with the overall design of the app based on our brand guidelines and basic wireframes. The app has a section for selecting dressings, which they designed and implemented.

The project initially started for a localized market that used Android heavily. We received interest from another region and needed to build an iOS version as well. Red Foundry used their proprietary Fusion Studio technology for the development of the app. Once a template was built on it, we could edit sections of it using a CMS.

One problem we were facing was accessing the apps offline. Hospitals have a lot of restrictions on Internet use so our users needed to have the freedom to use the tool even without wireless access. Red Foundry came up with the solution of having a download system for internal packages.

What is the team composition?

They assigned a dedicated account manager and a developer to our project.

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

We have to go through a rigorous process for selecting the agencies we deal with. I started with 20 companies and whittled them down to five. Red Foundry fit the bill, and they knew what they were talking about. They provided a reasonable price.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Red Foundry in January 2013 and have an ongoing partnership. Since then, we’ve entered seven market locations and are preparing to launch to an additional two.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is heavily used in our main markets. Because it’s proven to be such a valuable solution for us, we’re revamping and updating some of its content.

How did Red Foundry perform from a project management standpoint?

We have initial meetings where I provide full briefs of what I need, but we haven’t used any project management software as preference. Red Foundry has been flexible and helpful in this sense.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Red Foundry proved to be technically minded. They knew exactly what to do in order to provide a solution. This is the best part about them and it’s why I’ve kept the relationship going. Red Foundry provides very good value.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We have a good working relationship.

5.0
Overall Score Finding this level of service is difficult.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They organized meetings and stuck to the timelines.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Compared to what’s out there, Red Foundry has a reasonable cost. They’ve given us very competitive rates.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Every time we requested an update from them, they were clear and provided good solutions.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve referred them already to a colleague looking for an alternative agency.

Mobile App Development for Healthcare Marketing Agency

"The code is very good. There’s been very few bugs and we haven't had to re-release the app."

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4.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
3.5
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Dec. 2016 - Dec. 2017
Project summary: 

Using Swift and Java, respectively, Red Foundry developed an iOS and Android app to help diagnose and treat a disease. E-commerce and location-based healthcare provider information round out the solution.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Director of Digital Solutions, Healthcare Marketing Agency
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app has been virtually bug free due to the stellar work of Red Foundry. While the lack of a dedicated project manager was felt, the team was very responsive and met all deadlines. Final price was much higher than the initial estimate but they delivered a high-quality product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of digital solutions for a pharmaceutical advertising and marketing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We had an idea for a mobile application and were looking for a vendor to build it for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app is primarily geared toward those treating patients. Its features include a shopping cart, the ability to find a nearby healthcare provider, and general information about how to diagnose and treat a specific disease. It also allows the user to tag how many times they screened for or diagnosed the disease.

We did all the creative work—assets, storyboard, and design—in house. They advised us on how to build the app, tips and tricks on how to code it correctly, and some functions that we hadn’t considered.

Red Foundry did all of the coding. They used Swift for the iOS app and Java for the Android version. Because there were some significant budget constraints near the end of the project, we tested the app internally.

What is the team composition?  

There were 4–5 people working on the app.

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

This was a bidding process. We compared portfolios of several companies, but they had the lowest bid.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $120,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December of 2016 and the work was completed in December of 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re just getting the app out there and building awareness right now so it's tough to talk numbers. The code is very good. There’s been very few bugs and we haven't had to re-release the app. So in theory that's a good predictor of future performance.

How did Red Foundry perform from a project management standpoint?

It was pretty lackluster due to not having a dedicated project manager. I don't know how the project management portion was determined, however, so it could have been partially our idea to keep the cost down.

They did pretty well in terms of meeting deadlines and communication. At times other clients' work took precedence but they were still responsive and able to get back to us within a couple of days.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Red Foundry team was very friendly and easy to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable about coding and app platforms.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We felt that the work they delivered was pretty close to the initial scope, but they billed us at nearly double the initial estimate. That felt like a bit of a bait and switch tactic.

4.0
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They did a good job of meeting deadlines.
  • 3.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The price was relatively high, but you’re paying for quality.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They delivered a good quality product.
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    Keep in mind the price could vary dramatically.

Mobile App Development for Photography App

"I appreciated their willingness to explain how things work."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Sept. 2016 - July 2017
Project summary: 

Red Foundry developed wireframes and then built iOS and Android native apps that enable people to request a photographer on demand. They explained the steps and guided the process from start to finish.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Chicago, Illinois
Luis Almaraz
CEO, Fautus
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app was launched to test the market's reaction to on-demand photography, while version 2 will reflect the customer feedback. Willing to invest their time and work extra hours, they delivered the product that meets 95% of the expectations and earned trust from the client. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Fautus, a company that has developed a mobile application targeting photography.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We had an idea for a mobile app, but I don't have any background in app development (I'm a lawyer). We started looking for a company to develop this app from scratch for us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They took their time to explain the whole process of developing a mobile application – unlike other developers, who wanted to give me only a few minutes of their time. Many people don't realize how much is required to develop an app from scratch, so we went through all the steps – from the first stages to developing and coding. They developed all the wireframes and then built the app that allows users to request a photographer on demand. Users can open the application, look at the map, and find photographers within a one mile radius. Then they request a photographer on demand.

We currently have about 300 photographers in Chicago and one of them will arrive in an instant to your location if you're within one mile. If you're in downtown Chicago, for example, you have plenty of photographers to choose from. The photographers use their own DSLR cameras and give you high-quality pictures a few seconds after they take them – photos appear instantly in the user's own mobile phone. Since users have immediate access to the photos, they can post them on social media.

They developed iOS and Android native apps, and we launched both of them at the same time.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 7–8 people, including designers and developers.

How did you come to work with them?

I interviewed many mobile developers in Chicago, and Red Foundry appeared to be the most knowledgeable and friendly towards our idea.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $180,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them in September 2016–July 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched the app in July 2017 to test the market and see how the market will react to on-demand photography and how many photographers are available to register and be on demand for users. The application is working, but we're still testing it – it's our MVP [Minimal Viable Product]. We're getting more funding and launching version 2, which will include the feedback from our users. Overall, at this point we got about 95% of what we were expecting.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint? 

They were very organized and worked overtime. They made the process easy to understand, so I can focus on managing the company and not the IT part. We used Bug Tower as a collaboration tool. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their willingness to explain how things work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, everything went very smoothly.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They met all of the deadlines.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They offered the best value compared to many other quotes I got.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They deliver on time.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've already referred them to some friends and colleagues.

App Development for HR Consulting Company

"Red Foundry has the ability to turn some of the ideas that our clients have, and that we have into a practical solution, all on time and on budget."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
Project summary: 

Red Foundry develops mobile apps that connect dispersed workforces and bring HR processes to smartphones. Red Foundry won this contract based on their ability to scale their resources and work quickly.

The Reviewer
 
10,001+ Employees
Director of Communication, HR Consulting Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Red Foundry always delivers on time, if not early, and never exceeds a budget. The team has a strong ability to turn an idea into a product. Good listeners and friendly people, they offer Agile development at an affordable price.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are an HR consulting firm and we provide consulting services to Fortune 500 companies and various other businesses in the field of employee communications.

What is your position?

I’m the Director of Communication Practice. The practice that I work in includes technology industry people and communicators, so we bring the latest and greatest engagement solutions to our clients and their employees. As part of that, mobile applications are obviously needed.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Red Foundry?

We were seeing a need in the marketplace for mobile communications in the workplace. Some clients approached us to help them reach either a dispersed workforce or bring some of the HR processes to a mobile device. That was one trend that we saw. We were actually very proactive and wanted to get ahead of the game.

SOLUTION

How did you come to work with Red Foundry?

We selected Red Foundry after an intensive review of vendors to work with us on those applications. Red Foundry had a great background. Some of the founders obviously have been in the industry, whether it's in healthcare, or specifically IT. As part of the review, we did a huge secure review. We're part of a larger company so there are a lot of things that some of our vendors and partners have to fulfill.

Red Foundry’s expertise and their ability to step up, either with resources or just to resolve things quickly, was a key item for us to enter a long-term partnership with Red Foundry.

Right now, some of the client implementations have proven to be a great success factor. We're nimble enough to deliver changes to a client or overall meet their timelines. We're obviously a project-based business so we have to get things done pretty quickly. At the same time, they are agile and very price-effective, especially compared to some of the larger development firms that are out there.

Another important factor was that we were specifically looking for onshore resources which is essential for us in translating some of the specific business needs or issues that we're having. We can get on a call quickly during business hours in the US. That was another reason for us to select Red Foundry. A lot of the firms these days bring all the development offshore or most of it anyway, and it's just not very efficient and that doesn't work for us.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

It’s a $250,000 to $1 million partnership at this point, but I think it's growing. Over time it'll just continue to grow as we continue to deliver our projects to clients. It seems like this year [2015] was really an important year because many of our clients have finally made the decision to go mobile. Up until this year, there were a lot of companies who didn't want to be in the bleeding edge, if you will, and so the rise of mobile is finally coming to the workplace.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership with Red Foundry is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What makes Red Foundry a great partner?

There are many things but one is just being able to connect on a personal level. When you approach them with a specific client need, Red Foundry listens really well. They come back to us fairly quickly with some alternative solutions that we can put in front of the client. They've always delivered on time, if not earlier to be honest. From a budget standpoint, they always stayed right where we discussed. If there are things that go out of scope, we know this in advance and can manage that.

Red Foundry has the ability to turn some of the ideas that our clients have, and that we have into a practical solution, all on time and on budget. Our partnership has been really, really great so far.

Is there anything Red Foundry could have improved or done differently?

At this point nothing to be honest; we're a perfectly happy client.

5.0
Overall Score It has been great. We are a project-based business...Red Foundry...essentially spend time, put something together with us, for us, even if it's just a first working prototype application...That investment on their part, time and money, is just fantastic.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We've had some very aggressive schedules and Red Foundry has been able to deliver.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They definitely stick with those estimates. They let us know in advance when or if something could go out of scope and determine what is the best solution or best path to go.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would definitely recommend Red Foundry as a development partner.

Minimum Viable Product - Startup Application Development

"I’ve been really happy with Red Foundry’s work so far. From what I know, and what I’ve heard from everyone, this has been a really positive experience."

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5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
Project summary: 

Red Foundry built the basic framework around an app idea to see if users would react positively. The deliverable, a minimum viable product, is an RSS feed that aggregates hashtags from social media sites.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Grand Rapids, MI
Co-Founder, Gathyr
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Red Foundry is a valued development partner. They eschew technical jargon and focus on communicating their work simply and clearly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company. What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the president and founder of a company that provides an interactive RSS feed for hashtags from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We pull multiple hashtags from all three of those and allow users to post out easily. Our goal is to enable people at large events like music festivals or conventions to see everything that’s happening around them more easily.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Red Foundry?

We were trying to build a minimum viable product to test the hypothesis.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

We needed a partner to help us develop an app that would cover the basic idea of what we would finally want to implement.

What was your process for selecting Red Foundry with which to work?

We started with another firm before we found Red Foundry, and we did not have a positive experience with that initial company. After that, we tested the waters a fair amount. We really liked the level of communication we got from Red Foundry, which is the reason we settled on them.

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

Our partnership with Red Foundry is ongoing and, at this point, falls in the $50,000 to $100,000 bucket.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Neither my partner nor I have a technical background. We’ve picked up quite a bit through the process, but neither of us have formal training. Red Foundry has been great about not using jargon. They’re great about explaining things to us because we don’t have a technical background.

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?

I’ve been happy with Red Foundry’s work so far. This is my first project like this, so I don’t have a ton of things to compare them to. From what I know, and what I’ve heard from everyone, this has been a positive experience.

What advice would you give a future client of theirs?

I would tell everyone to make sure to have a clearly defined scope before you go in. I feel that our previous partnership didn’t work out well because we didn’t have a clear scope of work, and it just didn’t go well.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

iOS and Android Application Development for Financial Services Firm

"Utilize Red Foundry; they have a lot of good ideas and information to provide."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
Project summary: 

Red Foundry provided iOS and Android app development to bring an insurance firm into the mobile world. Red Foundry won the contract based on their ability to use one code base for both apps.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Chicago, IL
IT Manager, Financial Services Firm
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Red Foundry proved to be easy to work with. They applied their strong communication skills to the discussion of how the app would work, leading to a clear set of requirements. The team had a lot of good ideas and solid expertise in their field.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company. What is your role and responsibilities?

We are a property and casualty insurance company. I am an IT [information technology] manager of one of our development groups.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Red Foundry?

We wanted to make a move into the mobile app arena; however, we didn’t have the experience in-house to develop the iOS or Android app.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

Red Foundry provided mobile app development for Android and iOS.

What was your process for selecting Red Foundry with which to work?

Our VP of IT had heard of Red Foundry and other work they completed. Once we narrowed our pool, we had a conference call with Red Foundry to discuss what they could do for us and how it would work. What interested us in Red Foundry is the idea of one codebase for both Android and iOS.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Red Foundry is easy to work with. I’ve had direct access to the developers working on the project, which is a benefit on my side of things. This business relationship has worked pretty well.

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?

Nothing I can really think of. We were able to agree on requirements and what exactly was going to happen. We didn’t have any issues there. I don’t really have complaints, or examples of anything that didn’t go the way it should have.

What advice would you give a future client of theirs?

I think the key is to get your requirements down and make sure everybody is on the same page, which I would say for any software project you’re going to be working on. Utilize Red Foundry; they have a lot of good ideas and information to provide.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer