The Internet Commerce Association is proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Lonnie Borck Memorial Award and the newly introduced Trailblazer Award. These prestigious honors recognize the outstanding individuals and companies whose contributions have profoundly impacted the domain name industry.
The Lonnie Borck Memorial Award celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering a sense of community within the domain industry. The Trailblazer Award highlights innovative companies and individuals who have advanced the domain name industry with groundbreaking products, services, or ideas.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s remarkable nominees (in alphabetical order):
2025 Lonnie Borck Memorial Award Nominees
Andrew Rosener
Andrew’s passion for domain brokerage and investment has set him apart as a visionary leader in the field. His expertise and dedication to innovation have inspired countless professionals and advanced the industry in meaningful ways.
Bob Hawkes
Bob is a prolific writer whose thoughtful, in-depth articles explore various aspects of the domain industry. His commitment to sharing knowledge with newcomers has helped countless individuals navigate the complexities of domain investing, fostering a stronger and more informed community.
Brad Mugford
Brad’s data-driven insights and tireless support for new domainers have made him a respected figure in the domain industry. Active on forums and social media, he openly shares his expertise, fostering a welcoming and informed community for all.
Jen Sale
With over two decades of experience, Jen is a domain broker and advocate for mental health and digital wellness. Her efforts to support both the professional and personal growth of her peers make her an inspiring leader in the community.
Jeffrey Neuman
Jeffrey’s leadership and contributions to policy development have been instrumental in shaping the domain space. As a longtime advocate for transparency and fairness, he has worked tirelessly to promote collaboration and understanding within the industry.
Richard Lau
A visionary entrepreneur and community advocate, Richard has contributed significantly to the industry’s growth. From founding impactful companies like NamesCon to his charitable efforts, Richard exemplifies leadership and dedication to giving back to the domain community.
Steven Sacks
Steven is celebrated for his community-focused efforts and his ability to build lasting relationships within the domain space. His work emphasizes collaboration and trust, reflecting the values that define the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award.
2025 Trailblazer Award Nominees
Ari Goldberger
Ari’s pioneering work in domain law has shaped how disputes are resolved and rights are protected. His advocacy for fairness and his dedication to advancing legal frameworks have had a transformative impact.
Chad Folkening
Chad has been a trailblazer since the 1990s, driving innovation in domain investment and development. His forward-thinking projects and passion for sharing knowledge have had a lasting influence on the industry.
Darpan Munjal/Atom
As the founder of Squadhelp, Darpan has revolutionized how businesses and individuals approach branding and domain acquisition. His innovative solutions have expanded opportunities for domain investors and end users alike.
Dennis Tinerino/DomainSmoke.com
Dennis has become a trusted name in the domain community through his daily newsletter, which curates valuable domain auctions and opportunities. His dedication to educating and supporting investors makes him a standout in the field.
Dynadot
A leader in domain registration, Dynadot has consistently innovated with user-friendly tools like its AI Domain Search Tool. The company’s focus on technology and customer satisfaction has set a high standard for the industry.
Leanne McMahon
Leanne is the creator of Crunch.id, a platform offering daily insights into domain sales. Her commitment to transparency and making data accessible has provided invaluable resources for domain investors of all levels.
Michael Sumner/NameBio
Michael has transformed NameBio into an essential tool for domain investors. His dedication to enhancing search functionality and offering innovative data analysis tools has advanced how professionals navigate the domain aftermarket.
Rick Schwartz
A legendary figure in the domain world, Rick’s early recognition of domain value and his bold, forward-thinking strategies have inspired generations of domain investors. His contributions continue to shape the industry today.
Thank you to members of our industry for the nominations. It is now up to ICA members to choose the winners.