Vog App Developers

Please describe your company and your position there.

As the Founder & CVO at TAP - The Accountability Partners, Inc., I lead a team who together help individuals and organizations tap into their potential through live or online change management and leadership development training programs from concept to execution.

For what projects/services did your company hire Vog App Developers?

Our original website was developed by a single developer who did not share our opinion of a mimimum viable product. We hired Vog to help fill the gap.

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

We were intentionally looking for an ongoing and supportive relationship with a group of developers and designers to help us reach our short and long term goals. We wanted our designers and developers to understand and be excited about our vision and goals. Vog came to the table to work with us in a way that felt comfortable and fit our budget.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After our initial meeting where we explained our intentions and hesitations Vog gave us the space to make the right decision for us. It did not feel pushy. Vog offered us solutions based on what we could afford and what we were comfortable with. They also worked well with our Visual Design Director to ensure our branding and culture was honoured. They worked with what we had and then delivered a product that we feel proud to relaunch as our foundational training platform. This will be an ongoing project with many phases.

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

We worked with 4 people in total but most communication was done through our Web Project Manager and the CEO & President.

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

We are currently getting ready to relauch this project but have recieved excellent feedback about the design and useability of the site from our test audience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Because this was a small project to begin with, there were some hiccups in communication that we quickly resolved. Any time I had questions or concerns they were dealt with in an appropriate manner and they never hesitated to meet to make sure there was clear communication and expectations. Deadlines were communicated clearly and always met.

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

We are a startup. We are still learning and they had patience to walk through that learning process with us. We have had experiences where development teams are siloed from the business. In my experience that always leads to relationship and business breakdowns. We had been looking to be part of a collaborative team, then Vog came to the table and met that need.

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

Like when any team forms, there is a bit of storming before nroming and performing and I believe we went through that process well. The key is clear communication and setting clear expectations on both sides. I think if they keep that top of mind going into each new project team, they will continue to build a strong and loyal clientele.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of CND Creations, a start-up SaaS application business that has re-imagined palliative care and aging in Canada. We are headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. I am one of two founders that will be managing several departments. With a background and education in administration, marketing, sales, and business management, I have the ability to integrate best practices into the business to build a strong, positive brand resulting in a sustainable, measurable plan for future growth.

For what projects/services did your company hire Vog App Developers?

CND Creations Inc. hired VOG App Developers to build the Team CarePal app.

What were your goals for this project?

After doing some research on our idea and discovering that there were only a few companies offering this type of service in the industry and realizing how many families would be impacted in a positive way, we needed the expertise from an app developers point of view to get all the features, design and flow down in a prototype.

How did you select Vog App Developers?

We really took our time and researched online for an app developer with a list of 'must haves'. We narrowed the developer companies down to a list of three and interviewed them over the phone and through zoom meets. VOG App Developers checked all of our boxes bringing a high level of professionalism and expertise to the table. We knew they were the developer for us when we saw their passion for this project matched ours.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we chose VOG to build our prototype, we had a series of discovery meetings to discuss our goals and objectives. The design and features of the app were a top priority for VOG and they were as passionate about the project as we were. They have the knowledge and experience we needed to pull from which was integral for creating the mockup.

VOG completed the initial design phase after the concept was born. At this stage, the flow, feel, general branding, UI/UX design, and functionality of the app have been defined. A mockup that details every screen function and feature has been completed and shows the functionality and flow of the app. Our next milestone is the development of the app in its entirety. After 5 months from start to finish with regular emails and video meetings, they provided us with a beautiful, detailed prototype that we could present to investors and lenders.

What was the team composition?

Our very first contact was with Vince O'Gorman, the CEO & President. He contacted me the same day I sent in an email requesting a consultation. After spending some time discussing our vision and laying out our brainstorming, he came back with a proposal for us and walked us through it answering all our questions. After that, we were teamed up with Paisley Churchill, the Product Manager, and we had support from other VOG team members in the background when we needed it. Paisley brought a wealth of information to the table and was an integral part of building the mockup. With her knowledge, guidance, and expertise on features, we turned our vision into a work of art.

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

The very first email that we sent out with our business plan to an organization requesting more information on services and financing, was a huge success. They called us two days after I sent the email encouraging us to officially apply because they wanted to fund our business. We have had an incredible amount of feedback, interested investors, and banks ready to start this journey with us. We cannot wait to finalize the funding and get started working with VOG to develop our app. VOG was a big part in showing us the big picture of our vision and getting it down on paper so others could see it in its entirety. VOG not only reached our goals, but they helped us understand how to build a powerful app that will positively change the future for families in palliative care.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Paisley, our project manager, is incredible to work with. She was always in communication with us every step of the way giving us insights and recommendations never losing sight of our vision. She even went above and beyond to look over our finished business plan providing valuable feedback. Her personality and expertise have been a perfect fit for our team and we are thankful to have her on this journey with us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

VOG has been interested in the success of our business, not just the development. They networked and advocated for us with other clients of theirs that would be a good fit to partner with. They didn’t just complete our project and walk away, but they gave us the tools to be successful and are checking in with us to see how it is going. They have the knowledge and experience to build beautiful, user-friendly, optimized apps, but it was what they taught us along the way that made an impact. They were patient and took the time to meet with us whenever we needed it. We cant wait to start development with VOG and launch an incredibly impactful mobile app that will help many families.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Being that this was our first mobile app creation, we had a lot of industry language to overcome and learn. I don't know if VOG could have done any better in explaining processes or if it was just a hurdle that we needed to get over to be able to understand completely what it was we were building in-depth. Could this be a takeaway for VOG? Possibly.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a trash removal startup app.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

I hired Vog App Developers to create an app that helps people get rid of their junk items.

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Vog App Developers built my junk removal app for iOS and Android. It’s an on-demand solution that’s divided into two parts: a lister side and a driver side.

A lister can get rid of junk by leaving their item on their doorstep or driveway, snapping a picture of it, and creating a removal post with their own set a price. The app then notifies any drivers in the area, and the first to claim and complete the job earns the money.

The app has common built-in features such as messaging, mapping, and user sign-on. Vog App Developers made sure that people could access multiple sign-up portals through Apple, Google, Facebook, and email. They also created a website with a waiting list prior to the app launch so that I could start marketing ahead of time. 

Overall, it was a collaborative process. I had the general interface flow and UX designs in mind, which the team used to create the solution. They’d show me the different ways we could do something and even helped design my logo and color scheme.

What is the team composition? 

There were 3–4 key contacts: I met with the head of operations who led meetings with the other department heads in UI/UX design, development, and coding. I’m sure there was a whole team of developers and QC resources behind those managers. 

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I approached Vog App Developers with my idea last year, and the understood my vision right away. After calling them to establish a scope of work, I approved them to start development right away.

How much have you invested with them?

It was $100,000 CAD (approximately $76,600 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

I engaged them between November 2019–September 2020.

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

When the app first launched, there were a few bugs to work out, but Vog App Developers was quick to release updated versions. The app is now easy to use with close to 1,200 users and a few thousand dollars in revenue. I’m mostly focused on Calgary as our launch market. The goal is to prove the model and gain traction first before scaling.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

Vog App Developers performed well considering how the development started right when COVID-19 hit. We had to navigate that by working remotely, which pushed the schedule back a little bit, but they managed everything well.

The customer support was good, too. We mostly spoke through email and phone calls and used YouTrack to coordinate testing. They built me an admin dashboard upon app launch so that I could manage my users and report any problems.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team had a great system for laying out the scope and schedule. It was kind of like building a house—everything was very clear, straightforward, and structured. Once they’d hit a milestone, I’d sign off on the work and pay for it. It was understood from the start that if I went out of scope to make a bunch of changes, it would cost me and push the schedule.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything too serious to improve on. There were some staff changes during the process itself, but that’s just how business goes.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Before you do too much development, have your idea worked out. You don’t want to be changing too much stuff as you’re going through the process because it can end up being frustrating.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Buildster Inc. We’re a team collaboration platform that offers web and mobile solutions.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We hired Vog to build mobile apps that would tie into our existing web platform.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vog designed and built both Android and iOS native apps for our existing web app. They basically designed and implemented the entire flows of the mobile components.

What is the team composition?

We directly worked with five people from Vog including their CEO. The team included sales, design, and project management members too.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I found them online. Vog was one of three companies that quoted for the job based on our requirements. I selected them based on their initial intakes.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $100,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the relationship in October 2019, and we’re finishing the project now.

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

Overall, the quality of their service was fantastic. Their team went above and beyond, and we didn’t encounter a single issue. Vog understood the product better than any other partner had. Their learning curve was steep and fast, which was refreshing.  

Once we started the development, Vog realized the complexity of our solution. Their team stepped up to the challenge and succeeded with it. They developed a complex, sophisticated system.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly corresponded via email and used a tracking system called uTrack. Also, we met about once every two months.

Vog delivered on what they quoted in the beginning, rather than underquoting and asking for change orders throughout the process. Their team was spot on the budget and always delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was most impressed by the ease of collaboration between their CEO, project manager, and myself. It was a fluid experience. There weren’t any major roadblocks throughout the project. When we had small issues, they were able to find a solution to it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had no challenges with Vog. They always stepped up to meet our criteria.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The clearer you are with your vision and expectations upfront, the better the implementation of the development will be. Have face-to-face meetings with their team.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I do the marketing and communications at Fuel Donkey, a mobile fuel delivery business. Anyone can download our app and get fuel delivered straight to their vehicles.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We partnered with Vog App Developers to create our app and website. When the idea of Fuel Donkey came to fruition, we knew an app needed to be created to execute with market trends of convenience.

Having an app is a major component of making Fuel Donkey successful. We had no experience in the technology industry, so having a partner who was local, had a great reputation in the industry, had the experience to enhance our business, and loved the mobile fuel delivery idea was important to us.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vog App Developers gave us a proposal and strategized on the best ways to make our business successful. They created an app for iOS and Android, a website, an admin panel, and a payment portal.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Vince (CEO) and his team.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

We started with a Google search, and read reviews on different platforms. Vog App Developers came up as one of the ‘Top 10 Developers’ in Canada, and, because they were in the same province, we wanted to meet them.

Ultimately, we chose them because they are personable, and they have a well-rounded team, excellent project management processes, and a reputation for building great products.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent $160,000 CAD (approximately $214,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We got the proposal in January 2019 and went live in June 2020. We are still working closely with Vog because we’re highly motivated to continue growing and enhancing our app for the best customer experience. Our status with them will be ongoing for many years.

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

Vog App Developers took our business concept to a whole new level. We read that their philosophy is that they don’t build apps; they build businesses, and it’s true. The team is great at strategizing internally and proposing ideas to us.

The general feedback and opportunities are quite positive. We were constantly surprised by what they were capable of doing, the ideas they brought forward, and the technology behind the ideas.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is quick to respond to requests, and they’re always available. They did whatever it took to get the app off the ground, even working on evenings and weekends. Vog App Developers left us to run the business, and they took care of the app details. 

They are very communicative. We always had updates on Friday and our main point of contact was wonderful at relaying information. The team is very organized. Every time we had a meeting, there was a document signed that mentioned everything we went over, and any Zoom calls were recorded for training purposes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive thing about working with Vog App Developers is their ability to think of angles of our business and propose ideas with technical solutions.

There were details that they thought about that we didn't, and their experience took us to a higher level. The philosophy became ‘if we are going to do this, we are going to do it right’ and the team had the answers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing stands out. The only thing was the timeline, but that was on both of our parts. It’s been a fantastic experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them. They are experts in their field and will bring an unbelievable product to your business.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and director of Vytality at Home. We’re an in-home care company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

When we launched the company, we wanted to create an app that brought a high degree of transparency into a market that lacked it. We looked into platforms to acquire, but there wasn’t one that provided a significant amount of transparency.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We went to Vog with our vision of what we wanted to accomplish. Their team took our vision and brought it to fruition.

In the beginning, we met weekly or bi-weekly to review their ideas. Before they started the development, their team mapped out what needed to take place. They then started to work on the platform and gave us updates. That led to the testing phase during which we worked out any kinks. Before the launch, we went back to weekly meetings when we brought up tweaks.

Vog developed the app for Android and iOS. Their team implemented features that allow users in need of in-home assistance to choose their caregiver's schedule and directly interact with them. Also, families can interact with caregivers while they’re on-site providing care.

Their team also built a feature that allows staff members to clock in on-site based on their GPS location. That sends a notification to the patient’s family.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a couple of folks from their team including Vince (CEO & President) who was active throughout the project.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

We had the project quoted by 5–6 different companies in Canada and overseas. We liked Vog’s approach and the fact that they were local. We also liked that they assured us that they would remain focused and accessible, so much so that we could walk into their office if we had a problem.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent approximately $150,000 (approximately $109,900 USD) on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We had the project quoted in October 2018, and the engagement's ongoing. At this point, we're in the maintenance phase.

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

We built our entire business around the application. As a measure of success, it’s the roots of our business.

The platform gives families heightened transparency into their loved one's care. That’s a key differentiator for our business and allows us to essentially sell our services. The app isn’t our business, but all of the interfaces run through it: scheduling, timekeeping, and client communications.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

We frequently met in person. They also used software that tracked the project’s progress as well as any bugs. At any given moment, I could submit a ticket and see their team work through an issue.

It was our first venture into app development. There were moments when we felt that processes could’ve been simpler, but they explained to us why it couldn’t be. Their team held our hand, knowing that we didn’t have previous experience.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their accessibility and willingness to respond at any given point in time stood out to us. They made sure that work was explained and communicated well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the beginning, it would’ve been better for us to know how strenuous this process would be. Vog did their best to explain that, so it falls more on our end.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take advantage of their open communication and willingness to meet with you. Leverage their hands-on approach. A lot of people have their apps designed and developed overseas, so they don’t have that true connection. Vog’s willing to make that connection even if it’s over video conferences.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Fluid Trackr Technologies. Fluid Trackr is an online ticketing platform for fluid hauling businesses in the oil & gas industry.

For what projects/services did your company hire Vog App Developers?

I hired Vog App Developers to create the platform I imagined for my business idea of creating an online solution for fluid hauling businesses in the oil & gas industry.

What were your goals for this project?

My goals for this project were to replace paper ticketing for fluid hauling businesses with an easy to use platform that will provide solutions to many companies from large to small.

How did you select this vendor?

After meeting with several different App Development companies that weren't the right fit, I found Vog online and immediately thought they would be a good fit. When I met with Vince and his team they completely understood my business concept and put my mind at ease about choosing Vog.

Describe the project in detail.

When I met with the Vog team, I showed them my drawings of what I envisioned and what would need to be included in the app. From there they were in contact with me via email or phone call frequently to update me on the process, approve various changes, and provide feedback on what they were working on. Towards the end of the project we had video chats where they showed me the functionality of the app.

What was the team composition?

The customer success manager was my main point of contact throughout the process. I was aware of other employees that were developing the app and website for me behind the scenes. The CEO and president of the company was in contact with me during the big milestones of the project.

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

Business owners that will use the app are excited to hear about the idea and are impressed by the design and simplicity of the app.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Every member of the Vog team that I was in contact with was very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to communicate with. They made the workflow between their team and mine extremely effective and easy.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was very impressed with how the Vog team took my idea, and made it even better then I could have imagined! Throughout every step of the process I was pleased with the communication and professionalism of every team member. Vog was also very knowledgeable about the oil & gas industry and required limited explanations about what was needed to make the app successful. For having no past experience in app development they made my first experience so easy and delivered exactly what was needed to make my business successful.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement when it comes to the speed of finishing the product, but they delivered a very high quality product which is the most important aspect to me as a business owner.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a managing partner for a data provider.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We created a GIS (geographic information system) programming side to our business that involved collecting and pushing out data to our clients.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We came to them with an idea of what we wanted to see. Their team designed the product, helping pull together what we wanted into an end result. They also added features throughout the project as we requested them.

They created a dashboard and a sharing space for our clients. Their team built the dashboard for the computer and an app, which allows us to share data in a format that’s accessible for everyone. Their team also built a time tracking and safety platform that we use with our employees.

They maintain the platform and identify any problems. Their team’s trying to add new features to the app too.

What is the team composition?

We work with their two leads primarily. We also spoke with their developers and gave them feedback.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

We put out a tender to a couple of different development firms in Canada. We got four back and went through an interview process with each one of them. Based on price, I met with a couple of firms to narrow down our choices. We knew that this project was a long-term commitment for our company, so we needed to have a good relationship with our service provider.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent between $100,000–$200,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We decided to go forward with Vog App Developers in July 2018 and pushed the app in December 2018.

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

As we have the funds, we want to build on the app because it’s been a helpful tool for us. It was good to work with Vog App Developers because they helped us to work through the initial learning curve when we pushed out the application to our employees. For example, we had to make sure that everything with payroll matched up. Their team was helpful throughout that process.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

In the beginning, we met weekly to work through any kinks as we moved forward through this endeavor. Having that direct communication was important to us because it can be frustrating to talk over email.

They’ve been good at helping us with maintenance. Their team’s timely with turnarounds and prioritizes tasks well. If we have problems, we communicate and provide feedback to them. They make sure that we’re satisfied every month. Overall, it’s been a good process for us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They make us feel appreciated and that we’re not just a number. We have support from everyone on their team. We don’t work with a salesman; we work with a Vince (CEO & President) who’s invested in the company. He has a genuine interest in growth and wants to help us to take things to the next level.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing jumps out.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know what you want and know what the outcome will be. Make sure that everyone’s on the same page so that the vision comes out the same. Before you start the implementation, make sure that you have the project thought out. You can come up with new ideas as you go, but that will add time and cost to the project. Also, have open communication with the development team.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a small marketing company that promotes regional golf courses.

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We needed to handle the continued management of our app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They weren’t the original developers of the app, but I signed the project over to them. Their responsibilities involve management and some additional developments to the iOS and Android mobile platforms.

In their work, they modified features, worked out bugs, and examined opportunities for future developments. We’ll likely revamp the entire app in the future, including a complete redesign. They’d be in charge of that process. 

What is the team composition?

They’ve dedicated 3–4 people to our project depending on our needs. When I’ve visited their office, I typically meet with three of their staff members. My central contact has been Vincent (Owner & President, Vog App Developers).

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I was doing research on app developers that work in this market. After finding one that looked promising, I interviewed them to see if we would be compatible. We eventually signed over the app to them, which was probably about two and a half years ago.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent under $10,000 at this point. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We transitioned the project over to them in September 2017. They’re still our primary app management partner.

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

I’m satisfied with what they’re doing to update, backup, and maintain the app. While I’m not one of their major clients, they’re certainly giving me their time and attention to do their best with my platform. I appreciate that.

They’ve given me good advice, so I’m confident that they have the interest of my business at the forefront of their minds. It’s not likely that they’re doing the work just to check boxes, but they’re making sure the end product is satisfactory. Their honesty has been helpful. 

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate in-person, over email, and via phone calls. Our work hasn’t been serious enough to involve a project board yet, but their communication is strong and punctual. They’ve given attention to my app, even in the off-hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been upfront and honest with me, treating my company as a partner for the long-term. I know they have my best interests at heart, not just their own. They work to produce a solid end product through their work, so we’ve established a good relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing that I can think of. They always fit me into their busy schedule. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d recommend them, expecting that they’ll treat you as well as they treat me. If you’re honest with them, they’ll be open with you.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Shifty Eye Games develops, converts, and publishes games on Apple's App Store platform. I'm the CEO.

For what projects/services did your company hire Vog App Developers?

We worked with Vog App Developers to bring several titles to the Apple's new subscription service, Apple Arcade. They help us with coding resources, building assets, and more.

What were your goals for this project?

Complete four games for Apple Arcade. Conversions to iOS, tvOS, and MacOS.

How did you select this vendor?

Prior connections within the company and their vast experience in app development

Describe the project in detail.

We worked with several Vog programmers on the conversions for these four games for Apple Arcade. We got all four games up and running within a week and completed them on time for Apple Arcade. Vog also helped tremendously with optimizing each game.

What was the team composition?

Several programmers and internal testing within Vog.

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

Our four titles was the most by a single publisher on Apple Arcade. Thanks to Vog, we were able to ship each title on time. Since launch, the apps have had nearly half a million downloads.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was great and we worked with Vog on a daily basis during the conversion, testing, and final certification process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are hard-working, smart, and communicative.

Are there any areas for improvement?

All good!