The Start of CrackBerry
In 2006, Kevin Michaluk spent fifteen thousand dollars on a domain name. The word CrackBerry had just been added to the dictionary, capturing the cultural obsession with BlackBerry phones. Most people would have flipped the domain for a quick return. Kevin had a different idea. He saw the potential to build something lasting.
I was transfixed by the BlackBerry and how it was changing the way people worked and communicated. Everywhere I looked people wouldn’t put it down; it was addictive! I also loved blogging.
That led me to buy the domain CrackBerry.com for $15,000 back in 2006, right before Webster’s named “crackberry” the new word of the year and added it to the dictionary. I could have flipped the domain then for a 10x return, but instead got to work on launching CrackBerry as a website. Before long, CrackBerry.com became the biggest BlackBerry-focused site on the internet.
Kevin Michaluk for JoinHampton
CrackBerry.com became the internet’s home for BlackBerry fans. It offered news, reviews, tutorials, a buzzing forum, and even an online store for apps and accessories. What started as a passion project turned into an entire tech media business.
The $115 Million Exit
As BlackBerry declined, Kevin adapted. He and his co-founders launched sites for iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone, building a media network called Mobile Nations. They embraced affiliate models, created YouTube channels, and grew revenue while staying bootstrapped. The company never raised outside funding but managed to scale through smart decisions and a remote-first culture.
In 2019, all that hard work paid off. Future PLC, a major UK media group, acquired Mobile Nations for $115 million. Kevin stayed on for another year to see the transition through, then stepped back to figure out what was next.
Why Domains Matter
Kevin’s story shows how a strong domain name can drive real business results. A short, brandable .com is a valuable asset that builds trust, improves visibility, and sets the foundation for long-term growth. And when paired with the right product and vision, it can unlock incredible opportunities.
Strategic-grade domains have only grown more valuable over time. Kevin turned CrackBerry.com into the foundation for an entire media company. It started with a great name and grew into something that reached millions of users.
Looking Ahead
After Mobile Nations, Kevin co-founded Clicks, a company creating innovative accessories that blend nostalgia with modern function. Clicks has sold over 100,000 units in 100 countries in just six months, gained 500 million organic impressions, earned praise from Amazon’s CEO, appeared on American Idol, and secured retail placement in Best Buy across North America.
Kevin’s story is about timing, insight, and knowing when to go all in on an idea. From a fifteen thousand dollar domain to a one hundred fifteen million dollar exit, he proved the value of owning your brand from the beginning.
The right domain name is an important consideration when it comes to building and protecting your brand. If you’re ready to take the next step and invest in a perfect domain name for your business, contact us to learn more about our available options and how we can help you get started.
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