The Start of Something New: Building More Than a Website

The Start of Something New

Building More Than a Website

Over the past month or two, I’ve had an unexpected break from the usual hustle and decided it was time to build something bigger. I’ve always had a platform for sharing my thoughts and experiences at William McGill, but Packet Passport is different. This isn’t just another website or client project – it’s a full infrastructure I’ve designed to support the systems, ideas, and workflows that drive my work and future projects. I wanted to create a living example of what’s possible when scalable infrastructure meets thoughtful design – something that shows what I can build, and what I can help others build too. You can learn more about Packet Passport here.

Why Create Packet Passport?

From the earliest ideas scribbled in a notebook to inspiration found in people and places I’ve known, this journey has already been a ride. We’re living in a renaissance of technology, with AI coming onto the scene in full force. I wanted to create something that captures both my professional life and my passion for exploring what’s out there – with the hope it helps or inspires anyone who finds it.

Laying the Technical Foundation

Infrastructure Built for Stability and Growth

There were milestones along the way that felt like laying each brick in the foundation of something meaningful:

• Building a secure, scalable web hosting environment to ensure uptime and fast performance
• Setting up reliable database solutions with automated backups and strong access controls
• Creating a dedicated development environment to test updates before pushing them live
• Implementing a flexible communication system that can grow alongside future services

Each challenge reminded me that impactful projects take time and intention. Even choosing the right content management system took more thoughtful consideration than I expected.

Fully Self-Hosted and Scalable Technologies

Most of what I build is self-hosted, giving me full control and a deeper understanding of every system I run. My core web hosting runs on Debian Linux, chosen for its stability and flexibility, deployed within a global cloud infrastructure. Sites sit behind secure load balancers with managed SSL, and data is backed up daily to keep everything safe.

This setup is ready to grow. Resources can scale automatically to handle spikes in traffic or onboard new projects quickly. Backups, firewalls, and monitoring are all in place to keep things running smoothly with minimal manual work.

Naming the Brand: Why Packet Passport?

Finding the right name wasn’t easy. I wanted something that captured both my expertise in technology and my love for travel and exploration. I spent days brainstorming, jotting down ideas, and running them through AI to refine the meaning and feel. I wanted a name that felt authentic and versatile – something that reflected the technical (“Packet”) and global (“Passport”) aspects of my brand.

Eventually, Packet Passport was sitting there – simple, clear, and aligned with everything I want this to become. Even better, the top-level domain (TLD) was available, along with matching handles across all the social platforms I wanted it to be on. It felt like a name that had been waiting for me to find it.

Designing a Logo That Resonates

Creating the logo was its own adventure. I used xAI to conceptualize the initial idea, then worked with ChatGPT and Canva to refine and render it into something that felt authentic to me. While I’m happy with the result for now, I’m not a graphic designer, so I may send it over to one for further refinement later to ensure it truly aligns with the brand as it grows.

Key Lessons Learned Along the Way

Each step brought lessons worth sharing – whether it was:

• Navigating SIP trunks and communication systems
• Setting up newsletters and email delivery tools
• Drafting business formation documents
• Simply deciding to hit “publish” on this first real post

Looking back, I wish I’d had the time and confidence to write about my travels in years past. Now, as I build Packet Passport, I’m blending that love of exploration with my passion for tech and an independent resilience I feel is uniquely my own.

A Return to Entrepreneurship

Reflecting on this journey reminds me that this isn’t my first venture into entrepreneurship. Years ago, I started a tech services business that grew faster than I ever imagined. It taught me a lot about technology – but even more about business, relationships, and knowing one’s limits.

After stepping away and spending a decade in the insurance world, I gained an entirely new perspective on communication, leadership, and adaptation.

Looking Ahead: Building With Purpose

Now, with my kids beginning to step into their own futures and this new chapter ahead, I feel more ready than ever to build something meaningful. Packet Passport is a culmination of everything I’ve learned so far, and I’m excited to share this next adventure with anyone who finds value in it.

Because the technical foundation behind Packet Passport is built with security, scalability, and flexibility in mind, it’s highly versatile. Beyond hosting CMS sites, this setup opens up possibilities for future growth.

Here are just a few of the possibilities this foundation unlocks:

• Web Applications & Platforms – from simple sites to interactive dashboards and SaaS tools.
• Development & Testing Environments – secure spaces for building, testing, and deploying with confidence.
• Data & Analytics – systems for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data to inform decisions.
• Secure Networking & Access – private networks, VPNs, and gateways for safe, reliable connections.
• File & Media Services – hosting files, videos, or streaming content efficiently and securely.
• AI & Automation – integrating AI tools or automating repetitive tasks to streamline workflows.
• Customer-Facing Solutions – platforms for freelancers, small businesses, or teams to build and grow their services.
• Emerging Tech & Future Projects – from blockchain integrations to remote work solutions, gaming servers, or online learning systems.

These are just some of the ideas I’m exploring as Packet Passport grows – all built on the same foundation I use to run my own systems every day.

My hope is that Packet Passport continues to grow into a platform that supports not just my goals, but also the ambitions of others building their systems and ideas.

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re building your own systems, finding your next gig, or looking for an IT consultant to bring your ideas to life, feel free to reach out. If you’re curious to know more about who’s behind Packet Passport, visit the About page.