Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Worthey.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Sure! It started out as a hobby.
Video games have always been one of my favorite hobbies, and around 2008, while I was serving in the Navy, I started a website where freelance writers could publish stories about the video game industry. I was working from a template at the time and honestly had no idea what I was doing, but every time I needed to change something, fix something, or add a new feature, I would dig into forums, tutorials, and documentation until I figured it out.
Over time, those deep dives turned into practical skills, and I started carrying what I was learning into my professional life.
After separating from the military in 2013, I transitioned into federal service. The original hobby site was long gone by then, but I kept learning web development and eventually began building internal sites, dashboards, and tools that helped me and my colleagues organize information and streamline our work.
In 2022, I realized web development had become more than just a useful skill or side interest. It was something I genuinely wanted to build a career around. So, I left federal service, earned my bachelor’s degree in computer technology, and launched Worthey Websites in 2025.
Today, I build custom websites for small businesses that want something more polished, personal, and performance-focused than a generic template, but without the cost or complexity of a large agency.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t describe it as a bumpy road exactly, but it definitely hasn’t been a perfectly straight one either.
There have been plenty of moments where I felt like I was feeling my way through the dark, because starting a small business involves so many things you don’t fully understand until you’re in the middle of them. You can do your research, make a plan, and learn from people who have gone before you, but there are still surprises along the way.
The biggest challenge has probably been doubt. Is this worth leaving my career for? Can I really run a business? Am I good enough at this? Will people actually want to work with me?
That uncertainty is probably the hardest part of starting something new. But I’ve also learned that you don’t get clarity by waiting for everything to feel safe. You get it by doing the work, solving the next problem, and proving to yourself that you can keep moving forward. Because you can!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Worthey Websites is a small veteran-owned web design and development business based in Fairfax, Virginia. I build custom websites for small businesses that want something more polished and personal than a generic template, but without the cost or complexity of working with a large agency.
What sets Worthey Websites apart is that I custom-design and custom-code each site. I don’t use page builders or pre-made templates, so each website can be shaped around the business itself instead of being forced into a layout that looks like everyone else’s.
I’m most proud of building a brand that feels approachable while still being professional. Many small business owners know they need a better website, but the process can feel overwhelming or expensive. I want Worthey Websites to be a clearer, more accessible option.
In addition to free site audits, I offer both one-time website builds and a monthly subscription option, so business owners can choose what fits their budget and needs. The goal is always the same: to build a polished, trustworthy website that helps a small business show up online with confidence.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can do something, the answer is: not if you don’t try! Rely on the people around you, your friends and family, the people in your life who care. I couldn’t have done this without the people in mine.
Pricing:
- We offer a one-time purchase plan for businesses that want to own and operate their website ($2,500)
- We also offer a subscription plan with a low upfront cost, hosting and support included ($150/mo)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wortheywebsites.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wortheywebsites
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/worthey-websites
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/worthey-websites
