uProfile September 2026 - Aaron Sadler

How did you first stumble into the Umbraco Community—and what made you stay?

It was through the old Umbraco Forum and the old Umbraco Slack channels. I found everything to be super friendly and approachable, especially for a newbie like me.

I started off my web careers using Max Web Portal, which became MaxWebPortal.Info before finally ending up on SkyPortal.net. This was a modular classic ASP CMS before they were a thing, but they abandoned it around .NET 1 was released. At this point I moved over to Joomla! and then onto WordPress.

The Umbraco atmosphere reminded me of the SkyPortal one from before, super friendly, approachable and helpful.

What do you do in the Community? Any special areas you’re passionate about?

I maintain UmbNav, previously known as MegaNavV8. I have maintained this since early version 8 (188000 downloads), and then I completely rewrote it for the new backoffice in V17 (31000 downloads).

I also update documentation and PR to the core; most recently to resolve a memory ballooning issue I have found in all versions since V13 (possibly earlier but I have not tested). I have released a community package to resolve it whilst HQ investigate the issue - as well as a bunch of other Umbraco and Umbraco Forms packages.

I also help run the Umbraco Facebook page with Nik Rimington and Paul Seal. I also help newer devs via DMs and emails where I can.

Favorite memory, proudest moment, or wildest experience?

My favourite Umbraco focused memory was Codegarden 2025, as it was my first time on a plane. Due to personal issues this was my third attempt at making Codegarden, it was also the first year of the MVP Summit, which added to the excitement to attend it.

The wildest experience would have to be Codecabin last year, that was a super unforgettable experience, I highly recommend attending if you get a chance.

Your top 3 tips for someone new to Umbraco or the community?

1. Join the Forum and don’t be afraid to ask questions

2. If you find issues with example code in the docs, PR the fixed code back

3. Come to as many meetups or conferences as you can, meeting members in person

What’s next for you? Any dreams, goals, or exciting plans?

I plan on growing UmbHost across Umbraco and other CMS’, I also plan to work closer with Growcreate, this will allow me to be there for my 2 teenage children as they go through secondary (high school) and onto college.

Fun facts

Got a fun fact, secret, or unexpected talent?

Away from the computer, I have a deep interest in cars, always have done.

I own the 2nd of only 24 ever built in my configuration Ford Mondeo ST220, it is a Naturally Aspirated 3.0 V6, these days I only drive it to car shows at various race tracks and events around the country.

What’s currently living on your desk?

Meerkats (statues not real ones unfortunately)

What book/series/game are you into right now?

In preparation for GTA VI later in the year, I have started to play the GTA Trilogy. I'm currently working through both GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas.

Previously I was really into City Skylines (I have over 1000 hours on the first game!)

What’s on repeat in your headphones?

I typically listen to my Spotify Discover weekly on repeat each week.