Earlier this year, I attended one of my favorite local networking events—Design & Donuts—held at The Mill in Bloomington, Indiana. For those unfamiliar, The Mill is more than just a coworking space; it’s the heartbeat of our entrepreneurial community. It’s a place where creators, innovators, and tech enthusiasts collide to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and, of course, enjoy some delicious donuts.

The Mill: A Hub for Networking and Innovation

The Mill provides an energetic atmosphere that fosters creativity and connection. With its modern workspace design and a calendar full of events, it’s a magnet for startups, freelancers, and tech professionals. Whether you’re looking to brainstorm over coffee, attend a workshop, or network with like-minded individuals, The Mill has something for everyone. It’s a space that breathes life into the entrepreneurial spirit of Bloomington.

Meeting Brian Beach: CTO of BackBlaze

During the meetup, I had the opportunity to chat with Brian Beach, the CTO of BackBlaze, a company renowned for its affordable and reliable cloud backup solutions. As we sipped coffee and nibbled on donuts, we discussed all things design and technology, diving into the intricacies of web hosting, data protection, and the challenges we face in today’s digital landscape.

Brian shared insights about his role at BackBlaze and the company’s mission to make cloud storage accessible for everyone. Our conversation naturally steered toward backups—a topic near and dear to anyone managing web servers. As someone who manages web hosting through WHM cPanel on my VPS for IndianaWebHosting.com, I’ve always had a lurking fear of data loss. But thanks to Brian, I found the solution I didn’t even know I was looking for.

Setting Up BackBlaze: A Game-Changer for My VPS Backups

Inspired by our conversation, I decided to explore BackBlaze as an option for my VPS backups. After learning that it could easily integrate as an additional backup destination within WHM cPanel, I decided to dive in. The setup process was straightforward, and within no time, my server was securely backing up to a BackBlaze B2 bucket.

Brian’s expertise was invaluable as we configured the optimal backup settings for my needs. And let me tell you, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your data is safely backed up offsite is priceless. Plus, the cost of BackBlaze was a pleasant surprise—my first monthly bill was just $1.24! It’s incredible to have such a reliable solution without breaking the bank.

Why Networking Matters

My experience at The Mill is a perfect example of why networking is so important. It’s not just about exchanging business cards or attending meetings; it’s about forming genuine connections that lead to real-world solutions. Had I not attended that Design & Donuts meetup, I might still be navigating my VPS backups with trepidation. Instead, I now have a robust backup solution, thanks to a casual chat with Brian Beach.

And, of course, I have to give a shout-out to Brian and the BackBlaze marketing team for the awesome new BackBlaze hat swag! It’s always great to see companies that not only provide excellent service but also support their communities and customers in fun, engaging ways.

Conclusion: BackBlaze and Beyond

In the end, what started as a casual morning meetup evolved into a transformative experience for my web hosting business. I’m grateful for the connections made at The Mill and the invaluable advice from Brian Beach. If you’re managing a server and haven’t explored BackBlaze, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s simple, cost-effective, and offers peace of mind that your data is safe.

So, here’s to The Mill, Design & Donuts, and the power of community—where even the smallest interactions can lead to significant breakthroughs.