Every strong build starts with a clear trailhead. For SMJV, the goal was to create a modern website that could stand alongside industry-leading construction brands, while also serving employees with a private, internal section.
Surerus Murphy Joint Venture (SMJV) operates in the energy sector and is based in Calgary. This case study is based on the project’s website documentation and build notes, so we stay accurate and grounded.
The trailhead was simple. Build a public site that feels credible, and a staff-only space that stays locked down.
https://www.surerus-murphy.com
TL;DR
- Rebuilt SMJV’s website on WordPress for simplicity, scalability, and strong functionality
- Implemented an employee-only portal protected by Single Sign-On (SSO) through Microsoft Entra
- Set up miniOrange SAML SSO so access can be managed cleanly through one Identity Provider
- What changed: content and access became easier for SMJV
- Structure note: pages were organized clearly for public visitors and employees
What the Client Needed
When a website serves two audiences, it needs a plan from day one. SMJV needed a public-facing website that communicates clearly, looks professional, and can grow without becoming a mess.
They also needed an employee-only section that is truly private. Management and IT requested that access be controlled through Single Sign-On (SSO), so user management could be centralized through one Identity Provider instead of scattered logins.
Because of that, WordPress became the right fit. It supports the kind of tools and access controls SMJV needed, while keeping the site simple to update and easy to scale for the long haul.
Success meant a site that is clear for the public, secure for staff, and manageable for real teams.
The Plan We Mapped Out
A calm build comes from a clear map. Once the goals were confirmed, we broke the work into a steady, practical plan that kept stakeholders aligned.
Here’s the route we followed:
- Confirm the two audiences and how each one should experience the site
- Choose WordPress for scalable growth and flexible functionality
- Set up managed hosting with built-in security tools, backups, and a staging environment
- Implement SSO using miniOrange SAML SSO integrated with Microsoft Entra
- Organize the site structure so public pages and employee-only pages stay separate and easy to manage
- Run review loops with communications and IT so approvals were clear and documented
Next, we focused on handoff and ownership. We believe in empowering clients, not trapping them. That means SMJV can manage content and access with the right permissions, and our team can support when needed.
The plan was built for steady progress, clean handoff, and long-term ownership.
What We Delivered
This project included both front-end improvements and behind-the-scenes systems that make the site easier to run. The deliverables were designed to support everyday use, not just launch day.
Deliverables (and why each one mattered):
- WordPress website rebuild
Keeps updates straightforward, supports growth, and allows stronger functionality over time. - Employee-only portal section
Creates a secure internal space where employees can access key information without exposing it publicly. - Single Sign-On (SSO) setup using miniOrange SAML SSO
Centralizes access control through one Identity Provider, which keeps user management clean and secure. - Microsoft Entra group-based access
Allows SMJV to manage access by groups, not by manually handling individual accounts. - Clear page categories and structure
Keeps the site organized as it grows, so content does not turn into clutter. - Managed WordPress hosting configuration
Adds layers like backups, security scanning, and safe testing through a staging environment.
Wrap-up: we delivered a site that feels professional on the surface and stays well-governed under the hood.
How We Captured the Story (On-the-Ground Approach)
Even though this was not a video shoot, the same storytelling mindset applies. We needed the public site to communicate credibility, and we needed the internal portal to feel simple and safe for employees who just want to get in and get what they need.
On the public side, the focus was clarity. The content needed to support real visitors like contractors, stakeholders, and professionals who want to understand SMJV’s work and values.
On the internal side, the focus was controlled access. Instead of adding another password to someone’s day, SSO lets employees sign in through the identity system SMJV already uses. That reduces friction and helps keep access secure.
After that, we kept the experience practical. A clean structure and clear navigation help the right people find the right pages without confusion.
The goal was not flashy. The goal was confidence, clarity, and easy access for the right audience.
The Results (Proof You Can Feel)
Not every project comes with neat marketing metrics, and that is okay. For this build, metrics like leads, traffic, or conversions were not provided.
So here is the proof you can feel, based on what changed in the system:
- Centralized access control through SSO and an Identity Provider, which improves governance and reduces account sprawl
- Cleaner ownership since content and access can be managed by SMJV’s team or ours
- Better structure for growth because WordPress supports scaling pages, plugins, visuals, and custom code over time
- Improved operational confidence with managed hosting security features like backups, malware scanning, firewall protection, and staging
- More predictable administration by using group-based access instead of manual, one-off user management
Now, in real life, this means fewer workarounds, fewer “who has access?” questions, and a site that is easier to maintain without stress.
Wrap-up: even without numbers, the outcome is clear. SMJV gained control, structure, and a website they can run with confidence.
A Few Lessons From This Project
Every build teaches lessons that carry into the next trail. Here are a few that matter for any organization balancing public messaging and internal access.
- Build for both audiences from the start. A staff portal is harder to bolt on later.
- Choose tools your team can manage. Simple beats complicated when real people need to update content.
- Centralize access control early. SSO reduces risk and makes governance cleaner.
- Use group-based permissions. It is a practical way to manage access as teams change.
- Keep navigation tidy. Visitors should not have to fight the menu to find what matters.
- Treat performance tools carefully. If a tool causes conflicts (like menu behaviour), reintroduce it with caution and testing.
In the end, the biggest lesson is about ownership. A good system is one the client can actually run.
Wrap-up: the best websites do not just launch. They keep working, and they stay manageable.
About the Work (Tools and Specs, Only If Provided)
Here are the tools and technical choices that were documented for this build. We are listing only what was provided, with no guessing.
- Platform: WordPress
- Hosting: GoDaddy Managed WordPress (Ultimate package)
- Theme: Twenty Twenty-Four
- SSO and access control: miniOrange SAML SSO (integrated with Microsoft Entra), plus miniOrange session and page restriction tools
- Security: Wordfence Security
- Backups: UpdraftPlus with cloud backup to Microsoft Azure Blob Storage
- Builders and layout tools: WordPress block tools (including CoBlocks) and Elementor (including header and footer tools and PDF viewer support)
- Operational note: CDN features were disabled due to a dropdown menu issue, with caution advised if reactivating
Wrap-up: the stack was chosen for one reason above all. Keep the site secure, scalable, and manageable for real teams.
Ready to Build Something Like This?
If your organization needs a public website plus a secure staff-only space, you do not need a complicated build. You need a clean structure, strong access control, and tools your team can actually manage.
Next, if you want a calm process, clear direction, and a website your team can run day-to-day, let’s talk.
Contact Eagle Vision Agency to book a call or request a quote. We will bring clarity, keep the process steady, and deliver strong visuals on a system you can own.
