uProfile September 2025 - Paul Seal

From forum posts to friendships

I first encountered the Umbraco community online when searching for help on the Our Umbraco Forum. I asked questions and after a while I plucked up the courage to answer a few questions for other people. I noticed how kind people were being in their replies to my questions, this was different from other tech related forums I had used.

When installing Umbraco I would see photos of lots of people all sitting in a conference hall waving to the camera. I looked it up and found out there was an event called Codegarden where Umbraco developers all get together in Denmark each year to talk and learn about Umbraco. I never thought I would ever get to go to something like that.

Helping others learn Umbraco

When I first started working with Umbraco, there was a steep learning curve for me. I wanted to help other people and make it easier for them to learn, so I started to make tutorials. I used to write a lot of tutorial blog posts, especially when I found something difficult and there wasn’t much help online, but then I found that I enjoy making videos more, so I moved to making a series where we build a project together. I left the mistakes and errors in so people could see how I solved them. People have told me they like it when I leave the errors and bugs in.

I also like to make useful packages and tools like Clean Starter Kit and Package Script Writer.

What keeps you coming back to this quirky, wonderful community?

I love meeting new people, and finding out about their journey with Umbraco. I especially love seeing the new MVPs go up on stage at Codegarden to collect their awards. I’ve also made quite a lot of friends now, so being able to see them in person once or twice a year is very special.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a sandbox/playground for the Umbraco UI Library (the web components that are used in the new back office). I want to make it really easy to find the correct components and settings when creating your own backoffice UI.

What's next for you?

My ClerksWell colleagues and I are planning an exciting in person event soon. More details to be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Fun Facts and Secret Talents

• What book/series/game are you into right now?: I play a lot of Super Mario on the switch with my kids. 

• If you had a superpower, what would it be?: The ability to find things instantly. I have wasted a lot of time searching for things all my life, so to be able to find anything instantly would be a real superpower.

• What’s at the top of your bucket list?: I would love to see the pyramids in Egypt. 

• Most unforgettable meal?: Codegarden gala dinner 2023 when that guy did the amazing Jenga move on stage. 

• What’s on repeat in your headphones?: I enjoy listening to the Chatabix podcast and I’m enjoying listening to Oasis songs again.

• If you were an animal, what would you be?: If you asked my wife, she’d probably say a Sloth 🤣, but I would probably say a Labrador because I’m loyal and love going for long walks. 
  

Is there someone you'd like to nominate for a uProfile?

Do you know someone who deserves a spotlight on their Umbraco journey? To nominate a friend, peer, or colleague, reach out to Mathilde Høst in the DevRel Team at community@umbraco.com and explain why!