ICA Member Profile: Brian Harbin

Brian Harbin – Founder & Broker @ GritBrokerage.com:  “Using our passion and perseverance to serve our clients.”

Name: Brian Harbin
Company: Grit Brokerage
Favorite Domain: Grit.org
Favorite Industry Conference: ICA of course!

Tell us a little bit about your background and your personal story,  how did you get involved in the domain industry?
As an 18-year-old college student, I took my first sales job during the summers, going door to door selling educational books on straight commission. I built a large sales organization during that time and developed not only tremendous life, sales, and leadership skills, but I met my wife who also worked in this program in college.

I then pivoted my sales and leadership skills to build an insurance agency over the next 14 years. I also began investing in real estate during this time, so when a friend told me about the domain world, I was immediately intrigued and started to learn as much as possible about this industry and then started Grit Brokerage in 2014.

My wife and I have been married for 19 years and have 3 boys 16, 11, and 8 and reside in Jacksonville, Florida

What is your current role?
Founder/Broker at Grit Brokerage

Why did you choose to support the ICA?
To help the industry and make more connections within the industry.

Can you share a prediction about the future of the domain industry? What do you like most about the domain industry?
The value of premium domains will continue to increase as awareness and education continues.

I like the fact it’s a niche industry and the bedrock of all that happens online.

If you could change one thing about the domain industry, what would it be?
For more people to understand the value of a good domain and not have as many low-ball offers on premium domains.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges the domain industry is faced with?
Mass education on the value of premium domains.

What do you wish other people knew about the ICA?
The quality of the people associated with it and the value of being interconnected in such a niche industry.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the ICA?
Not sure what there is to think about. It’s a no-brainer in my opinion, ha!

What unexpected doors opened for you because of your involvement in the domain industry?
Many doors including financial opportunities, improved lifestyle and family life, and the many new relationships that I have formed through the industry. And some fun stories along the way!

What’s the best advice ever received (domain related or otherwise)?
You are 5 years from now, the result of the books you read and the people you associate with.

What are your main interests outside the domain industry?
Coaching youth sports (over 40 total seasons and counting), Building grit in young people (GritUniversity.com, GritCamp.com, and Grit.org/podcast)

Favorite place to get away?
Any hotel or house by the beach with my wife.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Looking forward to playing more pickleball 🙂