DNForum.com – now live.
During NamesCon 2017, we had the pleasure to meet with and interview the new owners of DNForum, George Verdugo and Kevin Faler.
DNForum.com changed hands very recently, after its former owner, Adam Dicker, sold it along with an assortment of other assets for an undisclosed amount, retaining zero interest in the venture.
Kevin and George were both very busy during the biggest domain conference of the year, that attracted more than 1,200 domain industry professionals.
We were able to “book” a corner of the Uniregistry lounge area and use its comfy chairs for about an hour for this purpose.
Here is the summary of what was discussed during this candid interview with the new DNForum owners:
DomainGang: What motivated you to acquire DNForum.com ?
George Verdugo – DNForum CEO: I did not like the fact that a very useful information resource about domain names, where I learned everything I know, was shut down. Me and Kevin wanted to restore the community and bring it back as an asset to domain investors world wide.
Kevin Faler – DNForum CFO: We are both business men and know how to best monetize our investments. Business is about making profit obviously. When the opportunity came from George, I seized the opportunity to join him as a partner.
DomainGang: What was it like negotiating to acquire the oldest domain name forum?
George Verdugo: For about a month we negotiated back and forth, once I was made aware DNForum.com was up for sale.
Other parties were interested but offered considerably less money, as far as I know. To get the forum, I knew I had to get a partner or two. Someone else dropped out. Adam Dicker was determined to sell.
Kevin joined me during the first week of the negotiations. We kept things tight until all the contracts were finalized by the lawyer and announced the relaunch.
DomainGang: Is Adam Dicker involved in the new DNForum anymore?
George Verdugo: No, Adam Dicker has absolutely nothing to do with DNForum anymore. We wanted to make sure as part of the agreement that it’s a clean, legit sale.
Business is business, we saw the opportunity and acquired DNForum and all of its assets at a good price. We want to move on rebuilding DNForum in a positive, trusty manner.
DomainGang: What do you anticipate to roll out this year from DNForum?
George Verdugo: We will be introducing a lot of new things, including a separate platform for the Hispanic domain market on DNForo.com and a domain news portal from Noticias De Dominios.
We’ll also be expanding the content for the Chinese and Indian domain markets. We made a lot of new contacts here at NamesCon, it’s amazing how much support and encouragement we received. Both our phones have been blowing up since the forum went live.
DomainGang: What kind of domain investors will DNForum be aimed at?
Kevin Faler: We want to make DNForum great once again, a serious domain name platform for serious domain investors. We’re 24/7 think tanks, we’re brainstormers and we know social media well. We have family and friends that are skilled and talented in this business.
At the same time, we want to reach out to blue collar people, just like us. We want to uplift people, all domainers that are and feel unknown, who remain underground in the domain industry.
We want to be able to give a voice to everyone, and offer them a platform to discuss domains and feel at home.
DomainGang: What type of relationship do you expect to have with other domain forums?
George Verdugo: We want to keep things friendly and kosher. We play fair and expect the same. Cooperation at many levels will benefit the domain investor community overall. We have many fresh ideas and we’ll reach out and talk to the right people.
DomainGang: George, tell us a bit about yourself:
George Verdugo: I was born in East LA, I’m a big family guy. Grew up in a rough area and I’m hardworking, especially as the sales and real estate business demand that.
My first encounter with computers was in 1989 when I worked at GN Goldwine. Then I became a salesman of antiques and this lady would buy them all in bulk and resell them on eBay. That’s when I knew I had to move my business online! I bought my first domain in 2004.
DomainGang: What about you, Kevin?
Kevin Faler: I’m a highly decorated police officer (Lieutenant), narcotics division, now retired. I’ve seen a lot of things in my life but I’m not judgmental and wear many hats.
As an entrepreneur, I registered my first domain in 1996 for making online sales, eventually drop-shipping items on eBay. I extend out a hand to everyone in this industry, together we’ll make great things happen.
DomainGang: Gentlemen, thank you for this candid interview. Wishing you all the best of success with DNForum.com and with all that you do.
Visit DNForum.com – The Place to Talk Domains.
Good interview.
I would like to see DNF strive like it was in the past.
Good Luck to both new owners.
Cool Interview and Pics!
Best of luck to the new owners of DNForum.
The more the merrier … variety and competition in any marketplace is key for industry growth and success!
I think Geroge Verdugo ate Adam Dicker
Misha – George is a great guy, and I’m sure he’d laugh with your comment. But don’t judge a man by his physical size.
I’m not, at all, I apollogize for my previous comment if anyone felt insulted by it, it wasn’t my intention.
Nice Interview Theo!
I was a moderator there for many years, made some friends and lots of contacts.
It used to be a great place to do business.
Wish the New Owners much success!
Don
Just noticed things over there at DNForum were back online… nobody tells me nothin’.
I would echo Biggie’s comments and wish all the best for them.
-Commerce
AKA Alan
Will previous memberships be honoure
Jimp – Yes. Your account is active, might need to reset your password.