Jack Kal is the the founder and CEO of Apex Moon, a domain acquisition and brokerage firm that specializes in premium top-level domain names. Jack’s been in the domain industry for over 6 years and has completed sales on the buying and selling side, totaling 8 figures USD. Jack was born and raised in Montreal, Canada but moved to Dubai a couple of years ago.
Profile Questions
Name: Jack Kal
Company: ApexMoon
Favorite Domain: EVA.com
Favorite Industry Conference: NamesCon
Favorite Industry Blog(s): DomainSherpa, DNW
Tell us a little bit about your background and your personal story.
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. I moved to Dubai sometime in late 2017. I got my diploma in business management at John Molson School of Business. I held many odd jobs throughout my young life, including working in restaurants and in sales. I quickly realized that owning my own business was the only way to go.
How did you get involved in the domain industry?
I got started nearly 6 years ago. It started off as a hobby while I was studying in college but it quickly grew into a passion.
I launched my first website FunnyMemes.com and I realized the value of having keyword rich domain names. With zero dollars spent on advertising, I was able to rank on the first page of Google for each of my websites and I was making a decent amount for a kid in college. Then, one day to the next, Google decided to change their algorithms and payouts and the entire business all but collapsed. I see this as a blessing, though, as it taught me a valuable lesson: you cannot depend on third party companies to make your own company run. I had also gotten a taste for domains and I was hooked.
Owning and brokering top-tier domain names, which can only be described as prime pieces of online real estate for people from every corner of the world, is extremely fun and exciting.
I quickly learned about the true value and beauty of domain names. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or where you’re from, as long as you have access to the internet, your gateway to a company’s presence online is through their domain name. Companies pay a fortune for prime real estate in major cities like New York, London, and Singapore. They do this not only because of the traffic, but also the prestige. The internet is ubiquitous and a domain name is the first and arguably most important aspect of a company’s online presence. I believe it is even more important for organizations to own their prime domains to show the world they mean business. It’s the equivalent of owning the best piece of real estate across every metropolitan city across the globe.
What is your current role?
I am the founder and CEO of the brokerage firm Apex Moon.
I pride myself at being able to get deals done, no matter how difficult. I love negotiating nearly as much as I love a challenge, but I like nothing more than helping a client get a domain name they desire quicker and cheaper than they had hoped.
Why did you choose to support the ICA?
I have tremendous respect for what the ICA stands for. As an investor myself, I believe in the ICA’s mission. Moreover, I both admire and respect its members. From Zak to Nat and everyone in between, the ICA exudes professionalism.
Can you share a prediction about the future of the domain industry?
If we’ve seen anything in the last year, it’s that companies are opening their eyes to the true value of premium domain names. We’ve had our finger on the pulse of the domain industry for a long time and as the scarcity of available premium domains increases, so does the value. The industry as a whole will continue to evolve and grow.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the ICA?
I believe anyone who takes domain names as an investment seriously needs to be aware of the ICA. Their mission is to protect investors and without them, companies like Verisign would have nothing holding them back from implementing damaging policies.
What’s the best advice ever received (domain related or otherwise)?
“If you’re going to do something, might as well do it right”. Those were the words my father told me at a young age that stuck with me.
What are your main interests outside of the domain industry?
No question about it: traveling the world and eating great food.
Favorite place to get away:
It’s so difficult to pick between Italy, Bali, and Thailand. Each has a unique aura and so much to offer. From the people to the food to the scenery, all three are simply different versions of paradise.
The views expressed here are the personal views of the member and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ICA.