My journey with the Veeam Vanguard program began around 2015 or 2016, sparked by a blend of curiosity and ambition. Fresh from applying to become a VMware vExpert, I was eager to explore another community initiative. I’d been working with Veeam products since 2007 or 2008, so the Vanguard program felt like a natural next step, even though information about it was sparse at the time. That mystery only fueled my determination to jump in.
It all started with a support issue that connected me to Rick Vanover, a cornerstone of my journey. We stayed in touch, and his encouragement opened the door to the Veeam community. Around the same time, I became a fan of Anton Gostev newsletters, which were packed with insights on technology trends, backup best practices, and security. Gostev had a talent for highlighting exceptional community content, and when he shared my article on Linux login credentials and security, I was floored. Having a Veeam leader amplify my work to thousands of readers was surreal. That moment wasn’t just a pat on the back—it sparked a wave of opportunities. People started reaching out for advice on backups, implementation, and troubleshooting, giving me visibility in the community I hadn’t anticipated.
The First Hurdle: Rejection and Resilience
In 2017, I applied to the Vanguard program with everything I had. The response was tough: I missed the cut by just a vote or two. It could’ve shaken me, but Rick kindness turned it into a springboard. He invited me to VeeamON in New Orleans as his guest, and that experience was a game-changer. New Orleans was vibrant, and Rick introduced me to a flood of people, Veeam evangelists like Michael Cade and Anthony Spiteri, and other evangelists, plus community members who shared my passion. I met Paul Stringfellow there, who’s since become a lifelong friend. Those connections went beyond networking; they became technical mentors and close confidants. Every session and every conversation at VeeamON left me energized and hungry to contribute more.
That rejection didn’t slow me down—it lit a fire. I doubled down, upgrading my home lab to test every facet of Veeam products. I wrote detailed, practical articles and stayed active in community forums, answering questions and sharing solutions. My company took notice, too. They were thrilled with my growing profile, sharing my wins, like Gostev shoutout and later my Vanguard award—internally and on their website. I stayed with that company until 2020 or 2021, and their support gave me a solid foundation to keep pushing.
The Breakthrough: Earning the Vanguard Title
In 2018, my persistence paid off, I was named a Veeam Vanguard. It was a transformative moment. My company celebrated it loudly, posting the achievement on their site and sharing it with clients, which boosted my credibility overnight. The Vanguard title wasn’t just a badge but a platform to make a bigger impact.
As a Vanguard, I started presenting online technical sessions for Veeam, breaking down complex topics for a global audience. At VeeamON events, I worked the community booth, helping attendees navigate Veeam solutions and sharing real-world insights. Those moments, seeing someone grasp a concept or solve a problem, felt like the heart of the program. I’ll be delivering two sessions this year—one private session for the Veeam100 community (which includes Vanguards, Legends, and MVPs) and a public talk titled “How to Migrate from VMware to Proxmox Using Veeam.” I’m co-presenting this with my good friend and fellow Veeam Vanguard, Paolo Valsecchi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting through this very program.. Preparing for these has been intense but rewarding, pushing me to refine my expertise and focus on delivering real value.
The program began with a small group of around 20 or 30 passionate individuals, and although it has grown to over 100 members, it still feels like a close-knit community. What stands out the most are the lasting friendships, like my connection with Al Rasheed, whose wisdom and kindness have had a strong impact. Those late-night conversations and shared achievements are what make this journey truly special.
And I love this photo!
Veeam’s Evolution: From Backup Leader to Data Protection Powerhouse
When I joined the Veeam Vanguard program in 2018, Veeam was already a titan in the backup world. But looking back, it’s incredible to see how much the company has transformed. What started as a leading backup solution has become the industry’s undisputed #1 in data protection and security, commanding the largest market share in data replication and protection software. The Veeam Data Platform has evolved into a comprehensive fortress, offering unmatched features for data security, recovery, and portability across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Back then, Veeam focused on delivering reliable backups for virtual, physical, and cloud workloads. Today, it’s a cybersecurity juggernaut, integrating advanced tools like AI-powered threat detection, immutable backups, and Zero Trust Data Resilience to stay ahead of ransomware and other threats. Features such as direct-to-object storage, real-time malware scans, and seamless cloud integration have set a new standard, ensuring that businesses can recover quickly and confidently from disruption. I believe Veeam was always the best backup software, but now it’s in a league of its own. No competitor matches its depth of features, scalability, or commitment to keeping data safe.
Now part of the larger Veeam100 community, the Vanguard program has expanded significantly. What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into a network of more than 100 members, including Vanguards, Legends, and MVPs. Despite the growth, it remains a space where collaboration, innovation, and respect are at the center. Being part of this evolution and helping shape the future of Veeam have been some of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
Challenges and Lessons: Growing Through Setbacks
That 2017 rejection could’ve been a roadblock, but I chose to see it as a challenge. I leaned harder into my work, building my lab, testing every Veeam feature I could, and writing content tackling real-world problems. I stayed active in forums, helping others troubleshoot and succeed. It wasn’t about chasing approval; it was about becoming better. The Vanguard program taught me that growth comes from consistent effort, not instant wins.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. You don’t need to know everything to contribute; just be curious and generous with what you do know. The community embraces that mindset, and it’s why I’ve never felt out of place, even among tech’s brightest minds. Another lesson? Visibility matters. Sharing my work—through blogs, forums, or talks—didn’t just help others; it built my brand in ways that opened doors I couldn’t have predicted.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Reflecting on this journey, I’m struck by how far it’s taken me. From the thrill of Gostev sharing my article to standing on stage at VeeamON, every milestone feels like a gift. But it’s the people, my fellow Vanguards, the Veeam team, my friends like Paul and Al—that make it extraordinary. Early on, I doubted if I belonged, but the community’s warmth erased those fears and the Imposter Syndrome.
My advice to anyone aiming for the Vanguard program: don’t stop. Keep learning, keep sharing, and keep helping others. Build your brand, not for fame but to amplify your impact. Rejection isn’t failure; it’s a nudge to get sharper. Your time will come.
As I look ahead, I’m all in for what’s next. Whether it’s diving into Veeam latest tools, mentoring new community members, or presenting at future VeeamONs, I’m here for it. The Vanguard program isn’t just a title. It’s a commitment to push boundaries and lift others. To everyone who’s been part of this ride, thank you. Here’s to the next chapter.
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