SandBox Union

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT director at RochesterWorks, a nonprofit that serves Monroe county unemployment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SandBox Union?

We’ve used SandBox to do a lot of custom software work for us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I initially met with Joey (VP), who was my first contact. I sketched out a couple of PowerPoint slides to give them an idea of what I wanted. He and his team then took my vision and designed a system for us. 

So far, SandBox has designed a jobs board customized for us and our client’s needs. They’ve designed a way for our clients to send us personally identifiable information without having to send it through emails. The designs have come up organically; as we find ideas on how to make the system better, Joey integrates our ideas into the final product. 

What is the team composition?

I mainly deal with Joey, but I also work with Tiffany (President). 

How did you come to work with SandBox Union?

SandBox was a referral from my backup IT support vendor. I trusted their recommendation. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $200,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2019, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have no quantitative metrics, but I measure success based on whether or not the people I support are having problems with the system. Fortunately, we’ve had no major issues — the system has been truly helpful for them and our clients. 

How did SandBox Union perform from a project management standpoint?

SandBox’s project management has been decent. Generally, they’re good at communicating. Sometimes, things slip through the cracks. However, those don’t deter us from doing anything with them. To communicate, we use emails.

What did you find most impressive about them?

From a pricing standpoint, SandBox is absolutely fantastic, especially for a business of our size. Joey has always been competitive, and he always finds creative ways to work with our budget cycle so he can get work done for us. 

I’ve worked with other developers, and they always find problems. By contrast, Joey always says yes and figures things out. Some of the work has been more challenging than he thought, but he’s always been able to deliver on his promises.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There can be a minor tweak in the overall communication in terms of their progress, project cycle, and time estimates for the project. We need to get more clarity on what’s going on with the project, where they are exactly, and when we could see the deliverables. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Bring everything you want to the table. Do your best to scope out as much as you can — be open and honest and lay all your cards to the table. SandBox resources are all straight shooters, and they’ve always been able to deliver. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the member services director of Penfield Country Club.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SandBox Union?

We needed help coordinating a revamp of our internet and IT infrastructure.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re in the process of changing IT companies, and SandBox Union is helping me coordinate the changes in our network infrastructure, acting as an advisory partner in the process. During the bidding process, SandBox Union came to the meetings with the companies that were offering their IT services and advised us on details and technical specifications. In the past, they also helped me develop a texting platform for our club members.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Joey (Partner & Engineer) and Tiffany (Partner & President).

How did you come to work with SandBox Union?

Joey and Tiffany are members of our club.

How much have you invested with them?

We haven’t spent any money; SandBox Union has donated their services to the club.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app developed by SandBox Union has improved our communication with members, which is an important part of our business. Our members love the new app, and it is helping us improve and enhance their experience.

How did SandBox Union perform from a project management standpoint?

SandBox Union’s project management is very good. We communicate via phone calls, emails, and video chats, and we also meet in person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

SandBox Union is very reactive and proactive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re doing a great job.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the managing partner of a small law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SandBox Union, and what were your goals?

We needed a better way to process, file and manage evictions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

They were recommended by a consultant.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

They designed and developed an online platform with individual portals for our firm and our clients to access.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with 6 core team members.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Everything is working our beyond expectations.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Great communication.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I would say what I want and they would make it happen.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.