Tag: Bloomington

  • From Donuts to Data Protection: How BackBlaze Became My Go-To Backup Solution

    From Donuts to Data Protection: How BackBlaze Became My Go-To Backup Solution

    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.

    A box of assorted donuts with various toppings, including sprinkles, chocolate, and glaze, set on a table at The Mill in Bloomington, with The Mill’s logo visible in the background.
    Assorted donuts served at the Design & Donuts event held at The Mill in Bloomington, where creators and innovators gather to network, collaborate, and enjoy local treats.

    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.

    Exterior view of The Mill, a modern co-working space in Bloomington with brick walls, large windows, and a welcoming entrance, surrounded by landscaped greenery and seating areas.
    The Mill in Bloomington offers a dynamic co-working environment for startups, freelancers, and tech professionals, featuring a modern design and vibrant community atmosphere.

    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.

    Two men, including Brian Beach, CTO of BackBlaze, posing for a selfie during a meetup at The Mill in Bloomington, discussing cloud backup solutions and web hosting.
    Brian Beach, CTO of BackBlaze, and a fellow attendee at The Mill in Bloomington, discuss cloud storage, web hosting, and data protection during a casual meetup.

    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.

  • Brightside Café: Your Go-To Breakfast Spot and Study Haven in Bloomington!

    Brightside Café: Your Go-To Breakfast Spot and Study Haven in Bloomington!

    🌞✨ Big shoutout to Brightside Café! 🌟 We just wrapped up an incredible consultation with them today. With the influx of Indiana University students coming into town, Brightside Café is ready to welcome everyone with open arms. Whether you’re looking for the best breakfast in town, a delicious espresso drink made just the way you like it, or gluten-free food options, they’ve got you covered! 🍳☕️

    A person reflected in a laptop screen showing an internet speed test in a coffee shop with a view of the interior through glass windows.

    But that’s not all—Brightside Café is also the perfect spot to hit the books and study! 📚 With lightning-fast internet speeds (just look at the speed test results in the image below! 🚀), it’s an outstanding place to get work done while enjoying a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

    If you’re new to Bloomington or just looking for a new favorite spot, be sure to check out Brightside Café and feel the Brightside vibes! 😎🌈

  • The Magic of Local Connections: How a QR Code Saved the Wizard Pants Party Band’s Website  

    Local Bloomington musician Andy Cobine had been working with GoDaddy’s marketing experts to build a new website for Wizard Pants Party Band since November 2022. After numerous parleys with GoDaddy and bestowing several hundred gold coins for marketing aid, he began to question if his endeavor would ever take flight.

    Linking the Physical and Digital Realms – David Martin Design featured in the Ryder Magazine with a QR Code

    Andy found David Martin Design’s QR Code in the June 2023 edition of the Ryder Magazine. This was his maiden encounter with a QR Code and, after laying eyes on the advertisement numerous times, he found himself muttering, “I must summon him, I must summon him indeed.”

    The Ryder Magazine - June 2023 - David Martin Design ad with QR Code
    The Ryder Magazine – June 2023 – David Martin Design ad with QR Code

    David was able to aid Andy in his quest to navigate the bewildering sea of technological enigma, understand his initial efforts, and identify the paths towards crafting a professional portal where folks could listen to and acquire his band’s harmonies.

    At one point during their collaboration, a perplexing email issue arose which left Andy flustered. This is when David stepped in, not just as a designer, but also as a “tech therapist.” He was able to quickly diagnose the problem, navigate through the complex systems, and propose an effective solution – successfully restoring deleted emails. David’s calm and collected approach amidst the chaos served as a reassuring presence, reminding Andy of the importance of patience and perseverance when facing such enchanting complications.

    Connect the dots, la la la ♪

    Bloomington, Indiana, a town known and celebrated for its close-knit folk, was fittingly illustrated in David’s fellowship with Andy. It’s a community where connections run deep and serendipity is more common than not. In a twist of fate, David recollected having played some of Andy’s sire’s melodies (the legendary minstrel Al Cobine) during his school years. This heartwarming memory further solidified their partnership, exemplifying the interconnected ties within their community.

    Student & Teacher – David often expresses a profound appreciation for his diverse clientele, who not only provide an opportunity for him to experiment and innovate but also to learn and grow. His approach to clients is both educational and collaborative. On one hand, he imparts his insights and best practices, honing their understanding of the intricacies involved in web design and digital marketing. On the other hand, each unique project and its challenges push David to keep expanding his knowledge base and maintain his edge in the rapidly evolving digital world. This symbiotic relationship underscores his philosophy that design is not simply a service, but a journey of shared discovery, fostering stronger relationships and better outcomes.

    The Gateway to Better Selections – In this age of boundless etheric commotion, David’s wizardry served as a lighthouse, a testament to the might of camaraderie, and the living embodiment of the perfect duality of the tangible and intangible realms.

    From their joint adventure, David worked intimately with Andy to traverse the vast array of available choices for the band’s new website. They explored various options for website building, email management, payment gateways, social media, and marketing. David’s comprehensive approach demystified the confusing technical details, helping Andy make informed choices tailored to his creative journey. With skillful navigation of the complex digital world and an empathetic, patient approach, David offers a model for a more human-centered approach to tech-based solutions, highlighting the advantages of a local, personalized service over impersonal global providers.

    This entire experience came full circle back to the Ryder Magazine and the QR code that prompted Andy’s initial call. It was a reminder of the incredible value of keeping business local and collaborating with Bloomington’s local service providers. In an era of digital overwhelm, David’s guidance served as a beacon, a testament to the power of community, and a symbol of the seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds. This story resonates with the unique relationship between David and Andy, highlighting the importance of bridging both the physical and digital realms in today’s interconnected world. It serves as a testament to the success of local businesses supporting each other, underpinning the vibrant culture of Bloomington, Indiana.

    May this tale serve as a testament to the magic that can arise when the tangible and intangible, the real and the digital, the old and the new are woven together with skill, care, and a deep sense of respect for the community. This yarn of collaboration is not merely about the crafting of a mere portal, but about the creation of harmonious connections, the bridging of gaps between the mundane and the mystical, and the reinforcing of community ties.

    We invite you to experience the magic for yourself. Visit https://wizardpantspartyband.com/

    Also, check out their new QR code that we created. Test it out!

  • David Martin Design Joins The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce

    We are pleased to announce that David Martin Design has become the newest member of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce! This is a great occasion to celebrate as it will definitely help the community to have another verified member in the Bloomington Website Design category.

    Since 2004, David has designed websites with Bloomington business professionals, entrepreneurs, & individuals. David offers website design, web hosting, & helps business owners become more capable with digital marketing tools to make their lives better.

    David Martin - Bitmoji

    I’m excited to be joining The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce because I see it as an opportunity to network with other business professionals who are also looking for creative solutions.”


    David Martin, owner of David Martin Design

    The Chamber strives to promote the continuous improvement of the common good and the quality of life in the community through the pursuit of new business; the cultural, social, and economic education of our citizens; and by providing accurate and timely assistance to the business community.

    Learn more about The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce at their website: https://www.chamberbloomington.org/