Domain Name Wire Podcast Making a splash with Lake.com – DNW Podcast #554
Sep 29, 2025
David Ciccarelli, a serial entrepreneur and the mind behind Lake.com, dives into the immense value of a great domain. He shares how acquiring Lake.com for over a million dollars transformed his vacation rental business. Listeners learn about the significance of a category-defining domain, negotiation strategies for high-value deals, and the power of branding. David also discusses innovative features like AI-powered searches and a commission model focused on shared success, showcasing how he's redefining the rental landscape.
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Rebranding Fueled By A Domain Purchase
- David told how Voices started as Interactive Voices and later rebranded after acquiring Voices.com for $30,000 paid in installments.
- He used a lawyer to approach the seller anonymously which helped keep negotiations favorable.
A Short Name Signals Category Authority
- A simple, category-defining domain makes a company look like the obvious industry destination.
- That perceived authority drove media coverage and customer pride for Voices.
Paid Millions To Own Lake.com
- David described buying Lake.com after spotting a MarkMonitor splash page showing a mid-to-low seven-figure price.
- He viewed the expensive purchase as strategic brand and category ownership worth the investment.