Fast Facts
VP, Channel at The SSL Store
LinkedIn: kyle-grueninger
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Time in the industry: 9+ years
What’s your favorite extension: Dot-com
Tell us which domain name you wish you owned: krue.com
Name 3 things you can’t travel without: Glasses, AirPods, and a neck pillow. The perfect combo to rest before/after conferences.
In Depth
Who would you call your mentor?
My brother, Bill. He’s helped me see around corners my entire life and still does since we work together at The SSL Store.
What kinds of changes do you foresee in this industry within the industry in the next year? The next 5 years?
In the SSL and web security space, automation and simplicity will be key in enabling a smooth customer experience. That’s our niche and what we do best.
What are the current trends that are directly impacting your business?
Digital transformations and bot-related cyberattacks are increasing the demand for digital trust and web security for SMBs and Enterprises. These 2 trends have been keeping us busy (in a good way!).
Describe a recent challenge that you overcame.
Keeping the wife from shaving off the beard while I’m not looking. Going strong on 2.5 years!
What’s the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
Last few years I’ve spent a lot of time in the enterprise PKI sector and learned a lot about how digital certificates protect human and machine identities across complex networks. It’s a completely different beast to tame for companies along with publicly trusted websites.
What are you most proud of?
Seeing my daughters succeed in their own ways.
What fact about you would surprise people?
My daughters (8 & 4) and I compete in Jiu Jitsu together. It’s the coolest thing seeing your little ones conquer their fears, overcome real-life challenges, and battle their way through adversity (all while smiling). They’re having fun and learning a lifestyle that will hopefully stick with them forever, especially when they’re out in this world by themselves.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Your character is defined when no one is looking.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming NamesCon?
I haven’t been to a channel-friendly conference in years since the pandemic. It’ll be fun to see friends, customers, and vendors again. Hopefully, I’ll make some new ones as well. Also, I’m excited to share updates about a new SSL technology we created for hosters and registrars using WHMCS/cPanel.
How would you describe NamesCon to a new domainer?
Like-minded people coming together to share similar interests and passions about domains, hosting, etc. along with cool life experiences. Most egos get removed at the door so real connections can be made. This will be my 3rd or 4th NamesCon. Glad it moved from Vegas to Texas.
If you’re attending NamesCon Global 2022, you will get an email for the featured attendee form and help the NamesCon community learn more about you before you arrive in Austin!.
