And in his experience, Hamilton’s tech scene offers exactly that, rather than big egos and elbowing for space, he’s seen a genuine community-over-competition philosophy that’s been pivotal to Ingot’s success.
Dan pictured with the Ingot Team. From left to right: Bhawin Mistry (UX/UI Developer), Dan Webster (Co-Founder, Digital Strategist), James Chell (Co-Founder, Digital Director), Luci Mews (UX/UI Designer)
“From day one, we had people around us who were generous with their knowledge and advice,” says Dan.
“They weren’t holding cards to their chests or thinking about the work we might take from them. It was more like, ‘Cool, here’s someone trying to achieve something – let’s help them grow.’”
There’s a lot of transparency in the local scene, adds Dan.
“People know each other’s strengths and there’s this unspoken attitude of, if one of us is doing well, we’re all better for it.”
“And that’s huge because it’s all well and good for an industry to be tight-knit and connected, but unless a clique turns outward from its huddle and lets people in, it’s not helpful for newcomers,” says Dan.
From flat whites to full stack
Before going full-time with Ingot in 2019, Dan worked in a range of industries including as a barista at various Hamilton cafes and coffee carts.
“I’ve always loved coffee and seen its value as a way to build relationships,” says Dan who created quite the network of connections on the job – some of whom went on to become Ingot clients.
“That’s the kind of thing that happens in a place like Hamilton.”
While pouring coffee, Dan and his now business partner, James Chell, created an app to help people find great coffee, a project that planted the seed for Ingot.
The power of proximity
During Ingot’s first two years, Dan spent most of his time networking, which he believes set them up for early success.
“People don’t like working with people they don’t trust, so showing up and having a recognisable face in the community makes a huge difference,” says Dan. “There are plenty of free and paid networking opportunities in Hamilton – like LinkedIn Local Hamilton, Tech Waikato and many more – filled with people who are open to having conversations. “We’re also part of a regular agency catch-up – led by owners from the likes of King St and Daymark – which gives us a chance to talk openly about industry insights and challenges.
“Sharing ideas with direct competitors builds transparency. When you’ve met someone face-to-face, it’s easier to understand their perspective. So instead of being another nameless agency competing for work, it becomes, ‘These are good people who know their stuff.’ And that benefits not just us, it’s better for clients, too.”
Plus, he explains, Hamilton’s accessible layout and walkable city centre adds to that sense of connection.
“You run into people at cafés, coworking spaces or walking across town. It makes networking feel natural,” Dan says.
He recalls, for example, having a coffee in the coworking space at Panama House not long after launching Ingot, working through some legal documentation.
“There was a lawyer standing nearby, so I introduced myself, asked a couple of questions, and he was really open with his advice,” says Dan.
“I was sitting with property developer Matt Stark at the time, and afterwards he let me know the lawyer was a high-profile barrister and here I was, getting his advice over coffee.
“Those are the sorts of connections you can make in Hamilton.”
Clients love local
Those personal connections that come naturally in Hamilton aren’t just helpful for new founders and established tech businesses, it’s something clients value too, says Dan.
“There’s a connotation with large agencies in some places that you’ll be passed from project manager to project manager, continually repeating your problems and wasting time bringing them back up to speed.
“But one thing people love about working with a Hamilton agency is there’s consistency. Having that personal relationship and a point of contact with someone who knows the history of your business is invaluable to clients. They also appreciate that there’s a door to knock on.
“Time and time again we’ve taken on new clients because they’ve been tired of being passed over to new project or account managers every season – they just don’t want to deal with that.”
Hamilton as a launchpad
Dan believes Hamilton’s scale and accessibility makes it an ideal fit for many early-stage companies.
“The conditions are just right to get something off the ground here. There’s lots of emerging tech which means you get to play in the same sandbox as some amazing innovators and there are plenty of growing industries and companies who need digitally savvy support people.”
And when it comes to lifestyle, you don’t have to be shoehorned into a one-size-fits-all way of living, adds Dan.
“Because everything is so accessible, you have choice and flexibility to design a life that works for you.”
Words by Hannah McCreery
