On listening, solving problems, and making a long-term impact:

As a biologist, I appreciate compatible form and function. RainStorm refused to compromise either. A site like ours is a real challenge. It needs to appeal to high school seniors and to college seniors, so it can't be overly formal. Yet it needs to be formal enough to suit administrators, state legislators and taxpayers coming to get information. I’m sure we drove the RainStorm design team crazy with so many iterations of the front-end design, but they kept at it until the overwhelming majority of our faculty agreed on its look, feel and function. They tactfully weeded out our worst suggestions. Every time I visit, my appreciation grows for the easy navigation and organization-specific design.

One of the unanticipated pleasures of dealing with RainStorm are the occasional calls and e-mails suggesting changes we might make or updating features of the data-base-driven components. RainStorm listens to suggestions and continually improves their software products. If we come up with an improvement that we are not skilled enough to implement on a main page, the RainStorm crew does it quickly. I'd go to them again for another project in a heartbeat.

With our old site I found it impossible to get faculty to update their material. Revising web content was always the lowest item on the administrative staff's priority list; they hated it. Now faculty, students and staff do it willingly. I don't even have to ask. With all these eyes and hands working, the site stays fresh. An employee in the School took me aside and told me that she had been ashamed to send out the url of our previous site but was proud to distribute her new web address to friends and family. The quality of our grad applications is up, and the number of undergrad applications from out of state is way up.”

Pete Jumars
Director,
UMaine School of Marine Sciences

On increased visibility:

Working with Rainstorm Consulting was a great experience. Our new website gave us much needed visibility during a critical time in our fundraising campaign. Getting the site up and running was a seamless experience. Brian Rahill and Jason Clarke were very responsive to our needs. We would highly recommend Rainstorm Consulting to any business or non profit that is looking for website design and management.”

Sarah Kenney
Orono Public Library Foundation

On our consulting services:

Selecting a consultant is always a challenge, particularly when their work has such an impact on an institution’s image. When John Bapst chose Rainstorm Consulting as our web developer, we did so for several reasons. Our initial impressions of the firm, from our first meeting with Brian Rahill and Jason Clarke, have been confirmed. Rainstorm staff have been great to work with and they are attentive to our needs. As important, they’ve taught us a great deal and have always been available to work through any technical issues. We appreciate working with a local firm who has truly become a partner.”

Melody Weeks
John Bapst Memorial High School

On the total experience:

I have worked with Brian Rahill and his excellent staff at Rainstorm, Inc. for over a year. Their work is the best I have seen. Professional, high caliber, quick, creative and friendly at a reasonable price - they have surprised me with their service over and over. They are a cut above the rest. I highly recommend them without any reservations.”

Beth Mahoney
Project Manger,
Millinocket Area Growth & Investment Council

On personalized service:

In spite of Rainstorm Consulting's advanced innovations in this cutting edge technology, they have held onto some timeless values. Remember “customer service“? A business that treated you like a valued customer? Customer service underpins all that Rainstorm Consulting does. After I supplied their team with my catalog and a few pictures, they took it from there. I was very pleased with my site and got many compliments. In my naivete, I thought that was that. Brian and Ron have continued to make suggestions to improve my site. Whenever I call with a question or a problem, they respond with the utmost courtesy and do everything they can to make my business do as well as possible with the best possible site for my needs. I like that.

I would be happy to discuss my experience with Rainstorm Consulting. Please give me a call at 207 827-0522 or e-mail me at info@evermaynursery.com.”

Richard May
Evermay Nursery

On managing online applications with FastTrack:

The FastTrack admission tool developed by RainStorm, Inc. has been an invaluable tool to quickly identify and recruit high-quality students to our graduate program. The website has dramatically improved the quality of both our domestic and international applicants and this year we are admitting one our best classes to the program.”

Dr. Michael Ostrowski
Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University