The Story Behind Toast Print

Running a design and web studio has been the life of the Chak Brothers (Jonathan & Andrew) since the early days of the millennium. Bookkeeping, handling clients, chasing late payments and business development are some of the many tedious tasks needed done. Amongst these tasks, there is one which the brothers feel could be done in a much better way and yet does not already have an great solution out there - you've guessed it, it's finding the right printer.

It all started with a few scribbles on the whiteboard ...

The pair convinced themselves that they can build something to help streamline their own studio operation as well as contribute to the design community. Having been involved with many online startups and web development projects in the past, the Chak Brothers are fascinated by the idea of developing their own online software, and thus Toast Print is born.

Four months of endless nights, sweat, anxiety and most important of all, enjoyment, was what it took to build a printer search platform for designers. Andrew also went a long way touching up the overall user experience, adding in a lot of neat little ajax functions that greatly improves usability of the web app. Despite occasional dips and doubts, Jonathan and Andrew were able to find energy in the constructive feedback from their family and friends to continually refine and build a better product.

Toast Print is a project that changed the lives of the Chak Brothers. It makes them realise what it means to pursue what you really enjoy doing and the importance of "doing something" for the community. In every one of us lies a lifetime-long "mission" to accomplish, and only through what you do can you step closer to understanding what that mission is.