When ITI came to Shinetech after a difficult experience with a previous developer, skepticism was high and stakes were even higher. What followed wasn’t just a software rebuild — it was a journey of trust, resilience, and shared vision that transformed challenges into long-term success. This is the story of how two teams came together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Overcoming a Rocky Start
Six years ago, ITI approached Shinetech to help develop an app focused on travel information collection and sharing. This was not a fresh project—they had already worked with another developer but experienced significant challenges, leading them to seek a new partner. Understandably, the client was very demanding at the outset, closely monitoring daily progress and giving stern feedback whenever expectations weren’t met.
Our team took a measured approach: we carefully analyzed the requirements, thoroughly understood the app’s functionalities and revenue model, and evaluated the existing technical foundation. Ultimately, we recommended rebuilding the entire system from scratch. While this was a bold decision, the client appreciated our professionalism and agreed to proceed.
Months of dedicated effort followed, culminating in a new version that significantly improved stability and functionality. Client feedback grew increasingly positive—until the pandemic struck, bringing unforeseen disruption.
Building Trust Through Personal Connection
The pandemic deeply affected the travel industry, causing many of ITI’s clients to reduce budgets, which in turn led to a reduced development team. For a time, I was the sole lead developer on the project. Fortunately, the company rebounded, and business growth resumed.
Five years into the partnership, in December 2023, ITI invited me to their headquarters in the United States to attend their annual review and meet the team face-to-face for the first time.
Mindful of prior travel inconveniences, I traveled light, carrying only a backpack and a laptop bag, mostly filled with gifts for the client.
The client’s hospitality was exceptional: they booked a scenic riverside hotel and thoughtfully allowed me to rest upon arrival. The next day, we met in a beautiful coastal resort area, an unexpected yet perfect setting for our initial in-person meeting.
Meeting the client’s leadership was a highlight. Despite her senior years, the company’s CEO exuded warmth and vitality. Having collaborated remotely for years, the personal connection greatly strengthened our mutual understanding and trust.
Collaborative Growth and Shared Vision
Over three intensive days, we engaged in focused meetings where every core team member presented their area of responsibility. This allowed us to deepen our understanding of the project’s technical and business landscape.
I shared the evolution of the app’s architecture and future technical strategies, while other members provided insights into market dynamics and sales performance. This comprehensive exchange enhanced our alignment and set a clear path forward.
The trust established during this visit transformed the working relationship. The client granted greater autonomy and embraced my recommendations fully, empowering me to apply my technical expertise with greater strategic insight to deliver maximum business value.
Delivering True Business Impact
Successfully delivering a software solution requires more than technical skill—it demands empathy for the client’s business goals and a focus on measurable value creation.
Many developers believe that using cutting-edge technology or writing elegant code is enough. However, for ITI, true success meant the software had to directly enable business growth.
During a recent code refactor, I recognized that technical improvements alone wouldn’t sufficiently impress the client. Therefore, I redesigned the user interface based on extensive research and modern design principles. This refreshed UI greatly enhanced user experience, contributing to a notable increase in sales and earning high praise from the client.
For me, the greatest honor is knowing our software not only works but truly empowers the client’s business to thrive.