Unstuck Labs

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m currently developing a start-up company called Candid Works LLC, and I’m the founder of that organization. We are developing a new system where individuals with student loan debt can crowdsource funding towards their debt in exchange for providing social and environmental volunteer services. 

This is a new concept, and we’re hoping it’s going to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt while doubling the impact of traditional charitable donation.

What challenge were you trying to address with Unstuck Labs?

There were quite a few challenges. When I approached Unstuck Labs, I was finishing my master’s degree in product innovation and we had to develop a business plan. There were a lot of challenges in terms of tax law, labor law, and whether it should be a crowdsourcing platform or if we should mitigate funds. 

We had a pretty solid baseline idea for what we needed, and how we felt like we could accomplish our goals, but we just needed help moving through the steps one by one, developing them, and making a final plan for it all.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve worked together on just about everything. As far as deliverables, one thing we talked about ahead of time was trying to get the platform up and running. We had started on the website and we needed to find a way to handle our transactions. 

They helped us set up an account where we could actually make these online transactions without having to mitigate them ourselves, as well as working through the final steps for our business plan. Right now, it is currently web-based for mobile and desktop. Eventually, we'd like to develop it into an app.

We use a little bit of JavaScript, but we actually ended up contracting out some of the services through Wix, which made it a little bit easier than starting from scratch. We used a variety of tools, including JavaScript, CSS, HTML, but a lot of it we were able to pull off without doing the nitty-gritty tasks because of Wix.

They provided design work in a couple of ways. They helped with the UX/UI in a certain capacity and the basic layout, but one of the things that was really important that they contributed to was the branding and marketing of the product itself. I studied marketing in product-service development, but they were really helpful in finding what we needed to say to get our point across and who to market it to. 

What is the team composition?

I work with two people directly. At the time, there were a handful of interns that worked with us, too, which was really cool. They were from across the globe and were working on a separate project. I was always quick to let them jump in and help us with ideation and help us with developing a name. Ashshowwaf (CEO) and another teammate have been excellent. On a daily basis, they’d work with us and ideate.

How did you come to work with Unstuck Labs?

Our degree program is based on product and service development — it is a really unique program that combines master's level art, business, and engineering into one degree. They are big proponents of collaboration with accelerators and I was looking at the different opportunities that were out there. 

I came across Unstuck and they took a big interest in our project. We took a big interest in them to the extent that they actually went above the call of duty and reduced the cost of the accelerator for us to practically nothing. They just seemed like they really liked the impact value and it was a great fit.

How much have you invested in them?

Their accelerator has a pretty standard rate of around several thousand pounds, but since I was a college student and found it difficult to afford that rate, they reduced the price to about $500. On my own, I’ve invested probably another $500 in resources. The project has been pretty affordable, thanks to them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe we started working together in August 2019, and we’re continuing to work with them today.

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

Overall, they’re a really incredible company to work with because of their really excellent sense of teamwork. They’ve been right there with us at every step and haven’t let us down — they’re an excellent partner. I’m really happy we’re working with them.

As far as metrics, our platform is up and running, which is the real metric. We haven’t piloted the project yet because I was balancing work and this project at the time. 

When we were getting ready to launch a couple of months ago, we actually did get funding from an anonymous benefactor to pilot this and repay the debt of four individuals, which was pretty amazing. COVID-19 came and has held us off, but the success is that the platform is complete and ready. We just haven’t launched yet because COVID-19 and other things have gotten in the way.

I’m highly satisfied with the platform. It’s an agile process in my opinion, and it is such a complex project to take on that we still have a long way to go, but that is not necessarily something I am unhappy with. This is something that happens when you’re developing a service like this.

How did Unstuck Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re a really solid company to work with and they understand project management solidly. We came really prepared ourselves.

I’ve worked in management for years, developing new products and services, and I hadn’t experienced project management in a real setting for products and services, and I feel like they’ve really nailed it. They have the right steps and the right strategies. They definitely know what they’re doing and are very professional about it.

Their team has its own set of software and it works really well —it is actually really good. I also came in with my own software, so we collaborated with theirs online. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The collaboration and the team perspective on what they’re working on is most impressive. When they start a project, they are every bit as invested as you are. They don’t just tell you to do something and leave you on your own. They invest themselves in it holistically. 

I had a long drive to work with them, so we collaborated online, as well. I was really impressed by their resources in terms of personalities and connections. My school program is very well connected and with them being in DC, it is like an entirely different world when it comes to the people they know and the people they can connect us with. Their connections and sense of teamwork are two things that stood out the most — the resources are just out of this world.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The project we’re working on is so complex and different; it just simply hadn’t been done like this before. A lot of places were too intimidated to even consider trying to take the project on. To be honest, I can’t see any way that they can improve. It seems like they’ve got it all down.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that you are invested in your project. Luckily, and uniquely for me, I had developed a lot of the basic groundwork in terms of planning so our wireframes and journey maps were things I came into the project with. 

If someone didn’t have experience in all of that, I would say to make sure that you’re ready to take it on because it could be a lot of work. Be fully committed to what you’re working on. Anyone that can say those things about themselves is going to be successful, at least to the best of their ability. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a history application.

For what projects/services did your company hire Unstuck Labs, and what were your goals?

We needed a entrepreneurial partner to custom develop an app without breaking the bank. The project was tp build an app that hosts historical cards based on your geolocation

How did you select Unstuck Labs and what were the deciding factors?

They were able to help with customer analysis, wireframes and prototyping as well as building the app once we approved prototype.

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

They worked in 2 week sprints, with weekly meetings with the developer and project manager. The project was built with full stack technologies including Flutter and Python 3.

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

3 people - Lead Developer, Project Manager, Liason

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

Within three months we were able tp to gain subscribed users while launching app for beta testing.

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

They use asana, slack and google docs. Very helpful and accessible communication.

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

The diversity of the team was really impressive.

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

I would say more developers on the team.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Engaged, a tech startup focused on enhancing business performance in the workplace. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Stuck in The Sand?

We needed help moving our business forward, so we reached out to Stuck in The Sand to develop our mobile app, market our product, and network to meet investors and potential clients. The purpose of the app is to help business owners improve productivity by limiting and preventing employees from using cell phones at work by motivating them with rewards.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I provided their team with specific requirements, and they applied their knowledge to improve our vision as they developed a mobile app for Android and iOS, along with a web-based administrative platform to manage it. Features include GPS capabilities and a timer that records user time in order to reward employees for minutes spent in the app.

They've also shared business knowledge, educated us on what tools to use as a startup, and introduced us to influencers, investors, other startups, and clients. 

What is the team composition? 

We work with about eight people, including a social media marketing expert, three consultants, and a couple technical leads. 

How did you come to work with Stuck in The Sand?

I found them online within the startup community in Washington, D.C. Their genuine excitement about our project won us over, and they also provided a lot of valuable feedback during initial discussions. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested in the range of $50,000–$200,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since March 2019.

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

Stuck in The Sand delivered an amazing product that has helped businesses improve productivity and sales. The platform is very user-friendly and appealing to our clients. They also helped us tell our story in a more investor-friendly way, giving us the tools to be able to speak to potential investors and grab their attention. 

How did Stuck in The Sand perform from a project management standpoint?

They've met all of our deadlines thus far and exceeded many of our expectations. They're also very open and proactive in communications, visiting our office every day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to do everything sets them apart. They're very knowledgeable in their field, so we've felt like we're working with the best of the best. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the time to have a conversation with their team, because they're very good at helping businesses figure out next steps and organizing a plan to help reach goals. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead the operations in a company specializing in ergonomic computer workspace design. We provide products and services supporting healthy interaction with electronics.

For what projects/services did your company hire Unstuck Labs, and what were your goals?

During the early stages of a pandemic we struggled with our business. Our website was outdated and our process was inefficient. We had to plan for the future.

How did you select Unstuck Labs and what were the deciding factors?

I met Wa’il on Nextdoor and we connected on LinkedIn. Unstuck Labs team was qualified to help with what we needed.

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

Unstuck Labs set up for us a project management software ( Click Up ), a CRM account ( HubSpot ), and also team communication channels on Slack. Unstuck Labs also created and designed a new WIX website with e-commerce capabilities and Mobile App.

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

We worked with Wa’il Ashshowwaf, CEO who provided strategic input, as well as web design and Ibrahem Alhaidari, founder and partner who provided business advice in financial projections. A few team members helped as well.

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

E-commerce set up and plug-in to analytics tools allowed for more seamless communication with customers. We were able to organize our tools simply and straightforwardly.

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

We worked with Unstuck Labs for about 14 weeks and communicated almost entirely virtually. We've communicated via phone as Hangout meetings. Projects and timelines were broken down in ClickUp.

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

With their skills, we were able to supplement our methods. We are still working on improving our knowledge, but after working with Unstuck Labs we had enough foundation to grow.

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

Our work capabilities were limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our original contract included access to the office space which would give us more hands-on attention but as a result of the lockdown, we were limited to remote communication methods.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Hazar Financial a insurance brokerage and professional services firm based in the Washington DC area.

For what projects/services did your company hire Unstuck Labs?

We needed to help developing an in house CRM that provided support for multi languages and was mobile ready. This would allow our agents to better respond and service our customer, and help us close a higher volume of transactions.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals was to build a CRM to securly track clients paperwork, contact info, and provide insights into sales and marketing activity.

How did you select this vendor?

Our CTO identified and initial list of 10 vendors, that she conducted phone interviews with, and short listed to 3. These 3 were invited to bid for the project and present a proposal. 

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They helped us with ideation and discovery to assess and uderstand our techincal needs. Provided UI/UX design, software development and training. 

What was the team composition?

Team Lead, Project Manager, three developers and a group of testers. 

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

In the first 3 months since utilizing our new CRM, we decreased our customer service overhead by 25%, and serviced customer 200% faster. The net result was a tangible increase in our bottom line. We can imagine going back to life before we partnered with Unsutck Labs.