Introduce your business and what you do there.
The Heart of the Fathers Foundation is a non-profit organization and our mission is to inspire, enhance, and empower grandparents to have a positive impact on their grandchildren. I am the organization's Website and Mobile App Administrator.
What challenge were you trying to address with JLabs?
Although I manage most of the technical aspects at the company, mobile development isn't my specialty, so I reached out to Jhom from JLabs to assist with creating a prototype and developing the mobile app.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We began with a prototype, and JLabs took charge of the app’s development. Guided by our founder’s vision, we provided the team with the basic requirements and desired features. About two months later, the development team began actively building the app, incorporating upgrades and adjustments to the features we had initially outlined.The primary goal was to create an app that would be user-friendly, especially for older users, with clear and intuitive navigation.Functionally, the app shares some similarities with FamilySearch. Users can browse their contact list to invite family and friends into the app. From there, they can create their own family tree and visualize familial connections—including those involving blended families. The app allows users to customize which relationships are displayed through a toggle feature.Additional features include the ability to create family groups, a built-in calendar and notes section, and integration with the device's gallery, allowing users to view and organize family-related media easily.
What is the team composition?
My primary point of contact was Jhom, the CEO of JLabs. I also collaborated closely with their CTO and the lead developer on our project, John.
How did you come to work with JLabs?
I discovered JLabs online while exploring development partners. I had been in contact with another company, but they lacked the flexibility we needed. When I reached out to JLabs, they were responsive and able to meet our specific requirements.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested approximately $22,000 in the prototype and the initial version of the app.
What is the status of this engagement?
The app is currently available on both iOS and Android, though it remains unlisted as we continue refining it and adding new features. We're currently inviting select users to test the app and provide feedback to help guide future improvements before launching it to a wider audience.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I liked how fast they were in terms of addressing the bugs and issues that needed attention. They would tell me in advance if they had a holiday, since there are many in the Philippines, or when one of their developers was leaving their company. We paused for them to find another resource to help with this project, and I was very much open to that.
How did JLabs perform from a project management standpoint?
JLabs met deadlines and stayed on budget. They communicated well and told me in advance if they would be off. We used Figma to see the designs and Google Sheets to document all the bugs and errors we encountered. We also used Google Meet and Slack to communicate. We reached out to JLabs' point of contact when we needed something. I had other members of my team check deliverables and, once I had feedback, I communicated it to JLabs.
What did you find most impressive about them?
We built a good rapport with John, JLabs' owner. I used a lot of jargon when communicating our requirements, and he helped me put what I wanted them to do into words and helped his teammates complete those tasks. I appreciated that they understood the terms I used. The engagement was smooth.
Are there any areas they could improve?
So far, I don’t have any major criticisms. Occasionally, minor bugs or errors would come up during our testing, but the team was always professional and prompt in addressing them. Their responsiveness and attention to detail have been appreciated throughout the process.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be clear about your expectations from the very first meeting. Communicate your needs openly and honestly, and try to keep your expectations realistic. JLabs is very accommodating, approachable, and willing to adjust to your requests—but it's important to express what you need rather than assume they'll know. Open and ongoing communication is key to a successful partnership.
