HoldMyTicket

A journey in event ticketing...

In 2006, I found myself staring at a blank screen, ready to tackle what would become one of the most significant challenges of my career. Alongside my partner Jeremy, we set out to create a ticketing platform that would make event management accessible to everyone. Little did we know that this initial spark would ignite a 15-year journey of innovation, growth, and countless learning experiences.

The Beginning

The ticketing industry at the time was dominated by legacy systems that seemed stuck in the past. Event organizers were frustrated with expensive, inflexible solutions that didn't meet their needs. I remember thinking, "There has to be a better way." This simple observation became the foundation of HoldMyTicket.

Starting with PHP and prototype.js, I began building the first version of the platform. It was a humble beginning, but each line of code was a step toward something bigger. The early days were filled with long nights debugging, countless cups of coffee, and the thrill of seeing each new feature come to life.

Growing Through Technology

As the web evolved, so did HoldMyTicket. I found myself constantly learning and adapting, moving from Prototype.js to React, experimenting with RiotJS, and eventually building mobile apps with React Native. Each technological shift brought new challenges and opportunities. The move to cloud infrastructure on AWS and Heroku was particularly transformative, allowing us to scale in ways we never imagined possible.

What started as a simple web application grew into a comprehensive ecosystem. We built desktop applications with Electron, created mobile experiences with Cordova, and continuously pushed the boundaries of what was possible in event ticketing.

Building Something Special

The heart of HoldMyTicket wasn't just in the technology – it was in the relationships we built. I spent countless hours talking to event organizers, understanding their pain points, and finding ways to make their lives easier. Whether it was implementing interactive seating charts or developing white-label solutions, every feature was born from real conversations with real people.

The platform grew organically, shaped by the needs of our users. We added time-based ticketing for events that needed flexible scheduling, integrated merchant accounts for seamless payments, and built marketing tools to help events reach their audiences. Each addition was a response to the evolving needs of our community.

The Team Journey

What began as a one-person operation grew into a team of passionate individuals who shared the vision of revolutionizing event ticketing. Together, we faced countless challenges – from scaling our infrastructure to competing with established players in the industry. Each obstacle became an opportunity to learn and grow.

The most rewarding moments weren't the technical achievements, but rather seeing how our platform helped events succeed. Whether it was a small community theater putting on their first show or a major venue managing thousands of tickets, knowing we were making a difference was incredibly fulfilling.

Looking Back

The journey with HoldMyTicket has been one of constant evolution and growth. It taught me the importance of staying adaptable, listening to customers, and never being afraid to challenge the status quo. The platform continues to serve event organizers across the country, helping them create memorable experiences for their audiences.