The SaaS Headquarters Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder of MDNA – my startup that was licensed by YouEQ, where I am now the Chief Game Changer. In this role, I’m responsible for developing train-your-brain games focusing on employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Guys Inc.?

We were looking for someone to help us launch our startup by building an MVP.

What were your goals for this project?

We were aiming to deploy a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly to begin testing our business assumptions. The prototype would be shown to potential clients and investors.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were introduced through a mutual business associate.

Describe the project in detail.

They provided a comprehensive road map that started with a detailed quote and several meetings to get to know the team and understand the scope of the project. A scope was provided with clear milestones, which were continually updated. App Guys also consulted with us on product development strategy.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with a project manager, but also met other local team members such as a QA resource.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

App Guys Inc. helped us manage our risk and validate our business model. We also were able to present a strong business case and technology stack to new clients, who, in turn, became investors. This project helped us open up new markets so we now have possibilities for global expansion. Most importantly, we have a strategic direction and enough data to make the best possible choices in the near future and beyond. Their advice and consultation was invaluable.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

App Guys Inc. are highly detail and service oriented. They were waiting on us more than we did with them – always one step ahead. We continued to meet in person after the initial session, but communication was generally by phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We couldn’t believe their detailed knowledge of the industry. App Guys Inc. went out of their way to educate us, and in general, I would go have a beer with their team any day. They’re relationship driven to, so the trust is very high.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The experience was everything we expected and more.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of the Krowd app, which connects customers to local businesses and discounts while visiting certain locations. Although similar to an app like Groupon, Krowd interacts with users through barcodes and collects consumer data in a unique way.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Guys?

I had already built a web-based application, but needed help creating the app for Krowd. Although one of our own programmers tried to get started on the code, it became apparent that we needed to hire a professional to take over the development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided App Guys with some basic wireframes and requirements of the app and they built it from scratch for both iOS and Android. They incorporated features that allow customers to scan barcodes quickly, so users could easily put the app to work while in line at a particular business.

What is the team composition?

I mostly work directly with Ryan (CEO, App Guys) as well as one of his assistants. He also has a team of programmers working on our project.

How did you come to work with App Guys?

I had been researching app developers for a few months and the App Guys kept coming up in conversations. They came highly recommended by a few of their previous clients. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent between $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since December 2016 and they continue to maintain the app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received nothing but positive feedback from partners and users alike. Although we expected our partners to be critical of the app, their own I.T. staff and team managers have been extremely happy with the outcome across the board. Excited and engaged, users have also provided positive feedback and have even made suggestions for additional features as they look towards the future.

How did App Guys perform from a project management standpoint?

They really know what they're doing and ask critical questions from the start. Professional and polite, they've been great about guiding me through some of the mistakes and unknowns of our app during its initial phases.

Communications are easy and organized. I can reach Ryan at almost any time, as well as one of the developers by reaching through their internal project management system.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're on top of their game and know their industry well. They have the skills to build exactly what you want in an app. I also appreciate their high level of customer service—I can always reach someone when I have a question or concern.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I'm very happy with them. Their work is so good that I consider Ryan a friend.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of The Selfling Teen Support Foundation. Our mission is to build stronger connections between vulnerable teens and teen support agencies in their communities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Guys?

We needed help fleshing out and developing our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

App Guys took our rough "sketches" and developed and designed an iOS app using Xcode and Swift. They also helped with Facebook integration and built out our website further. Users report bugs, fixes, or suggestions through a dedicated help desk.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was the App Guys' owner. We had a project lead for part of the development, and there were two consistent developers—one dedicated to iOS and the other Android.

How did you come to work with App Guys?

They were referred to me. After meeting with the owner, I saw that he believed in the project and decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

As a nonprofit, what we’ve spent may not align with standard corporate businesses, but we have invested approximately $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together November 2015, and are still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had mostly positive feedback from the users, both teens and community organizations. The app has had a hugely beneficial impact on the lives of many teens, and that wouldn’t have been possible without App Guys. Any suggestions that come from users are relatively small and actionable; App Guys take care of them quickly.

How did App Guys perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very accessible and transparent about their availability. I communicate with my team and the owner mainly through email. Users report bugs, fixes, or suggestions through a dedicated help desk.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What I find most impressive is also what led me to decide to use them: their honesty, approachability, and open and friendly attitude. I don’t have much experience in this field, so they had opportunities to take advantage of that through things like cost or schedule, but they didn’t do that. They recognized the value of the project and of a long–term client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could source more local talent.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take advantage of how communicative they are. If there is something technical you don’t understand or part of the project that you want to be explained, they will take the time to help.