Fast Facts
CEO of VPN.com
LinkedIn: Michael Gargiulo
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Time in the industry: 14 Years
Favorite extension: .com (and mainly those worth over $50k)
Tell us which domain name you wish you owned: 777.com
Name 3 things you can’t travel without: Journal, iPhone, foam back roller
In Depth
Who would you call your mentor?
In business, I would say my mentors are Kevin O’Leary who taught me the focus and importance of profitable growth. Andrew Rosener taught me the value of premium .com domains a decade ago. Cliff Oxford who taught me how to think about building a durable business that can have a very healthy exit, and finally, my dad Joseph Gargiulo and Jesus.
What kinds of changes do you foresee in this industry within the industry in the next year? The next 5 years?
I believe the aftermarket for most domains will fall. As more extensions and wider visitor adoption, the only domains that will retain value will be ultra-premium .com domains. Other aspects of change include additional Intellectual Property may be combined with the ownership of a given domain, similar to NFT membership programs.
What fact about you would surprise people?
I was a Cheerleader at the University of Georgia for 3 years. I have also managed multiple Political Campaigns for State Representatives and State Senators in Georgia…and we won!
What are you most proud of?
Personally, my Faith in our Creator and professionally, I feel most accomplished for purchasing VPN.com for $1 million when we did. We have achieved incredible success and have many other achievements to feel accomplished for, but without that purchase, none of this would have ever happened.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What are the current trends that are directly impacting your business?
Everyone is seeing an explosion in cybersecurity adoption both in the home and the workplace. The Internet will quadruple in size and our expertise will be even more valuable for brands, businesses and families online.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming NamesCon?
Seeing old friends, other premium domain brokers and owners, and making new deals.
How would you describe NamesCon to a new domainer?
This is the premier global conference for domains and online intellectual property. You will hear from seasoned veterans and bump into brilliant people getting coffee. If you want to meet Internet visionaries, this is one of the few conferences you can get up close and enjoy.
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!.
