Tag: The Mill

  • 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.

  • An Unforgettable Indy 500 Experience with Friends and Family 🚗🏁

    An Unforgettable Indy 500 Experience with Friends and Family 🚗🏁

    Attending the Indy 500 was an incredible experience, thanks to Simon Beverton and his amazing crew. Our adventure started after attending a networking lunch at Ivy Tech’s Yellowwood Restaurant, where Simon extended a generous invitation to this year’s race. Excited about the opportunity, I brought along my son, Andrew, who is currently serving on active duty in the Army. Celebrating Memorial Day at such an iconic event was the perfect way for him to unwind and relax with us.

    We began our day bright and early, meeting at The Mill at 7 am ⏰. The journey to Indianapolis was filled with lively discussions about AI, technology, and even a bit of weather speculation regarding our race day plans 🌦️.

    Sharing my eclectic taste in music with Conrad, Marcus, and Simon made the ride even more enjoyable 🎵. Despite some traffic, Simon’s expert navigation got us to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with fantastic parking, providing a stunning view of the venue 🚗.

    A rainstorm delayed the start of the race, giving us some extra time to explore and shop 🛍️. I decided to grab some merch and kabobs for lunch, completely forgetting the rain ponchos my wife had packed 🌧️. Apologies to Andrew for getting soaked! To make the best of our situation, we headed to Ross and picked up new boots for Andrew, new shoes for me, and some dry clothes 👢👕. We even managed to find snacks, candy, and a new wallet, all for under $100!

    With our new outfits, we returned to the track, ready for the excitement 🏎️. Our seats along the main straightaway, just past turn 4, offered a perfect view of the race.

    Witnessing Josef Newgarden’s back-to-back victory up close was a thrilling experience, and we’re already planning to attend next year 🏆.

    Simon B wearing a cap with the Indianapolis 500 logo, facing the race track.
    Simon B proudly wears an Indianapolis 500 cap, capturing the excitement of the race day.

    The camaraderie and support from my friends remind me of the bright future ahead, knowing they’ll be there to share in the fun. This unforgettable experience wouldn’t have happened without being a Mill member.