Joe Uddeme is a self-starter and entrepreneur who launched his first, brick-and-mortar retail business at the age of 17. He successfully started two additional retail businesses and operated all three for a total of 14 years before selling them off and exiting retail completely. He then built and launched a new age media company and helped clients with marketing, branding and web strategy. Eventually, his dear friend John Ferber, offered him a position as a high-end domain broker at Domain Holdings Group. After more than 5 years and 40mm in sales, Joe went on to become an entrepreneur again and launched NameExperts.com in May 2016.
[heading centered=”yes” margin_bottom=”no” large=”no” background=”no”]Profile Questions[/heading]Name: Joe Uddeme
Company: Name Experts LLC
Favorite Domain: 123.com
Favorite Industry Conference: NamesCon
Favorite Industry Blog(s): DomainInvesting.com, The Domains
Tell us a little bit about your background and your personal story.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. Married with two boys and still reside in the Baltimore Metro area. A self-starter, and entrepreneur I launched my first, brick-and-mortar retail business at the age of 17 and put myself through college while running this business. Successfully started two additional retail businesses and operated those three for a total of 14 years before selling them off and exiting retail completely. Then built and launched a new age media company and helped clients with marketing, branding and web strategy. Eventually, met up with my dear friend John Ferber and went to work with him as a high-end domain broker at Domain Holdings Group. For more than 5 years and 40mm in sales later, I wanted to become my own entrepreneur again and launched NameExperts.com in May 2016.
How did you get involved in the domain industry?
Started as a web consultant and SEO/PPC specialist. That evolved into a full-time domain name broker and valuation specialist.
What is your current role?
Domain name Expert and principle at NameExperts.com
Why did you choose to support the ICA?
The ICA plays a vital role in allowing our industry to be heard. With Phil Corwin at the helm, we continually remain in the forefront of current issues facing our industry on a daily basis. There is a major need for folks in the domain industry to develop a better understanding of the role the ICA plays in representing domain owners and their interests.
Can you share a prediction about the future of the domain industry?
I think we still will see much consolidation in the domain space. Companies continue to look for competitive ways to outlast their competition. GTLDS will continue to disrupt the market and specifically the legacy tlds such as .com/ .net/ .org
What do you like most about the domain industry?
The ever changing landscape. China as a global investor, companies built from the ground up, starting with their seed-the domain name
If you could change one thing about the domain industry what would it be?
The number of people who think they understand how to be successful and reputable broker. There are many good domain brokers, but there are also many terrible brokers that give the good guys a bad name
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges the domain industry is faced with?
Reverse Domain name hijacking and theft of domain names.
What do you wish other people knew about the ICA?
How the ICA not only helps the business investor but also the individual investor.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the ICA?
Have your voice heard, and join an organization built by industry pioneers focused on protecting the rights and interests of the domain name community at-large.
What unexpected doors opened for you because of your involvement in the domain industry?
Relationships, there are new referrals that come in weekly of clients that had a good experience and wish to refer my services to a friend or colleague.
What’s the best advice ever received (domain related or otherwise)?
Domains are only worth what someone is willing to spend on them….
What are your main interests outside of the domain industry?
Music, Outdoors, Gardening, my kids 🙂
Favorite place to get away:
I always love a good secluded island in the Caribbean somewhere