Some projects begin with a list of features.
This one began with a community.
In 2021, Workamper News came to us with a clear challenge. Their technology had supported their mission for decades, but it was no longer built for where the organization or the workamping workforce was headed.
They were not looking for a cosmetic refresh.
They needed a modern platform foundation that could support change, growth, and new business models.
The scope in front of us was ambitious by any standard. Rebuild a core system relied on by thousands of RVers and employers. Modernize the experience without disrupting a deeply established community. Create a platform flexible enough to scale alongside an evolving workforce.
This was not just a product update.
It was the engine behind Workamper News.
Evolving a System People Rely On
Workamper News has connected RVers with seasonal and short term work opportunities since 1987. That longevity exists because of trust. Members and employers rely on the platform to work quietly and consistently in the background.
But systems built to last eventually face a new challenge. They must evolve without breaking the trust they earned.
The goal was to create a centralized membership platform that could support Workampers, employers, and administrators within a single, cohesive system, designed to strengthen what already worked.
Key priorities included:
- A unified platform for job seekers, employers, and administrators
- Member profiles, job applications, and resume tools
- Employer dashboards and applicant management workflows
- Administrative oversight and operational tooling
- Cloud infrastructure designed for reliability and scale
And of course, the platform needed to feel intuitive for every user from Workampers and employers to admins.
A Phased Build with the Community in Mind
Rather than a rip-and-replace effort, the platform was rebuilt through a deliberate, phased approach.
We began by analyzing the existing data and defining a migration strategy. From there, we rebuilt authentication, core architecture, and foundational infrastructure. Each phase focused on a specific audience and set of workflows, allowing the system to evolve without disrupting daily use.
The platform came together in stages:
- Core infrastructure and system foundation
- User and membership management
- Workamper dashboards, profiles, and job applications
- Employer job postings and applicant workflows
- Administrative tools and oversight
Every phase included review, testing, and feedback. For platforms that support real communities, iteration is not a nice to have. It is how trust is maintained.
Growth on Both Sides of the Partnership
Over the course of the project, both organizations evolved.
As requirements expanded and workflows matured, our own company did too. During this journey, American Web Devs became Valyr, a name that better reflected who we are and how we work today. What did not change was the approach. We continued to focus on building durable systems that could adapt as business needs, user expectations, and infrastructure requirements evolved.
Workamper News grew alongside us.
Business models evolved.
User expectations changed.
Infrastructure mattered more than ever.
The work required ongoing adjustment as needs evolved, allowing the platform to grow alongside the organization it supports. That flexibility proved essential as the system matured.
A Platform Ready for What Comes Next
Today, the updated Workamper News platform is live.
Behind the scenes, it runs on modern cloud infrastructure and integrated services designed for long term reliability and scalability. For users, the experience feels familiar, intuitive, and dependable.
Workampers can discover opportunities, manage profiles, and apply for jobs more easily.
Employers can post openings, review applicants, and manage hiring workflows efficiently.
Administrators gain better visibility and control without relying on fragile systems.
And for us at Valyr, it’s a reminder of why we do this work in the first place.
Building for the Long Term, Not the Launch
Modernizing a legacy platform is rarely flashy. When it works, it fades into the background. But that quiet reliability is what allows organizations to grow with confidence.
This project was not about chasing trends or introducing unnecessary change. It was about stewardship. Stewardship of a community, a mission, and the systems that support both.
We are proud to have partnered with Workamper News on this journey from early planning to launch.Read the full press release to learn more about the platform launch and partnership.
