domaindetails.com
Knowledge Base/Domain Investing/Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz: The Queen of .CA and Pioneer for Women in Domaining (2025)
Domain Investing

Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz: The Queen of .CA and Pioneer for Women in Domaining (2025)

Profile of Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz, the only recipient of the Women in Domaining Award and first female investor on the Canadian .CA domain scene. Learn her inspiring journey and philosophy.

14 min
Published 2026-01-01
Updated 2026-01-01
By DomainDetails Team

Quick Answer

Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz is a pioneering domain investor who has been buying, selling, and investing in domains since 2001. When the .CA extension opened to the public, she became the first female investor on the Canadian domain scene, building one of the world's largest and most valuable female-owned portfolios. Known as "the Queen of .CA," she is the first and only recipient of the domain industry's Women in Domaining Award, presented at the 2014 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. conference by co-founder Howard Neu. Through her company ExcellentDomains.ca, she continues to advocate for women in the domain industry while managing her impressive portfolio of Canadian .CA domains.

Table of Contents

Who Is Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz?

Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz is a domain investor, broker, speaker, and industry advocate who has spent over two decades building one of the most impressive female-owned domain portfolios in the world. Based in Canada, she specializes in the .CA country code top-level domain (ccTLD) and has become a respected voice on domain investing across three continents.

The Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz Profile

Attribute Details
Name Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz
Company ExcellentDomains.ca
Started 2001
Specialty Canadian .CA domains
Known For First female .CA investor, Women in Domaining Award
Recognition Only recipient of Women in Domaining Award (2014)
Speaking North America, Europe, Middle East

Why She Matters

In an industry historically dominated by men, Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz proved that domain investing success knows no gender. Her journey from a daughter of Latvian immigrants to one of the most respected voices in Canadian domain investing represents both personal triumph and industry evolution. She didn't just succeed quietly; she actively worked to open doors for other women.

From Latvian Roots to Canadian Domain Pioneer

Heritage and Background

Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz is the daughter of Latvian immigrants who built a new life in North America. This immigrant heritage instilled values of hard work, adaptability, and determination that would later define her approach to business. Growing up with parents who had rebuilt their lives in a new country gave her perspective on taking risks and seizing opportunities.

Move to Canada

Ilze settled in Canada after getting married, a move that would prove fateful for her domain investing career. Canada's .CA ccTLD was still in its early development stages, and few people recognized the opportunity that lay ahead.

Family Life

Ilze resides in Canada with her two children, Gerrit and Natasha. Her late husband John Plaskacz (August 31, 1951 - July 3, 2016) was a supportive partner in her domain ventures. Together, they discovered the potential of domain investing and built a business that would become one of Canada's most successful domain enterprises.

Entering the Domain Industry (2001)

The Early Days

When Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz began buying, selling, and investing in domains in 2001, the industry was still in its formative years. The dot-com bubble had just burst, and many dismissed the internet as overhyped. But Ilze saw opportunity where others saw chaos.

First Female .CA Investor

When the .CA extension opened to the public, Ilze became the first female investor on the Canadian domain scene. This wasn't a calculated strategy for recognition; she simply saw the value in Canada's national domain extension before most others did.

Why .CA Mattered:

  • Canada's only country code TLD
  • Trusted by Canadian businesses and consumers
  • Growing e-commerce in Canada
  • Limited supply of premium one-word generics
  • Strong legal protections for registrants

Learning from Industry Pioneers

Ilze's early domain career was shaped by connections with established Canadian domainers. She learned from pioneers like Peter Maxymych, Frank Schilling, and Jason Chapnik, who were already experts at registering premium one-word generics.

She has described Frank Schilling and Peter Maxymych as "visionaries" who "were already way ahead" in the domain business. Peter Maxymych would later sell part of his portfolio to Yellow Pages Canada for $2.5 million, validating the approach these early Canadian domainers pioneered.

The PPC Discovery

Chris Stewart proved to be one of the most influential people in Ilze's domain career. After receiving one of her sales letters, Stewart suggested she connect with Ron Sheridan from Domain Sponsor in Los Angeles to learn about their pay-per-click (PPC) program.

The PPC Impact:

  • Discovered a new revenue stream from domain parking
  • Built income from her own domain portfolio
  • Signed up other Canadian domainers for referral commissions
  • PPC earnings grew to the point where selling domains took a back seat
  • Created sustainable income to fund portfolio expansion

This was the beginning of a very lucrative business. Rather than relying solely on domain sales, Ilze and her husband found success with consistent PPC earnings from her portfolio.

Building a Premier .CA Portfolio

Focus on Canadian Domains

Unlike many domain investors who spread their portfolios across multiple TLDs, Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz maintained a strategic focus on Canadian .CA domains. This specialization allowed her to become the definitive expert in a specific market niche.

Portfolio Characteristics

Ilze has built what industry observers describe as "one of the world's largest and most valuable female-owned portfolios." Her holdings include:

Acronyms and Generics: A large collection of sellable acronyms and one-word generic terms in .CA

Category-Defining Domains: Premium domains that define entire industries or activities in Canada

Investment-Grade Assets: Domains selected for long-term value appreciation and income generation

Notable Sale

Among her documented sales, Ilze sold AppliedComputing.com for $75,000, demonstrating her ability to command premium prices for quality domains.

The "Queen of .CA" Title

Industry peers have dubbed Ilze "the Queen of .CA," a title reflecting both the quality of her portfolio and her dominant position in the Canadian domain market. Her portfolio can be explored through her marketplace at Excellent.ca.

The Women in Domaining Award

A New Category (2014)

At the 2014 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. East conference in Miami Beach, a new award category was introduced: the Women in Domaining Award. This award recognized outstanding contributions to the domain industry by a female professional.

The First and Only Recipient

Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz received the inaugural Women in Domaining Award from T.R.A.F.F.I.C. co-founder Howard Neu. She remains the first and only recipient of this award, a distinction that speaks to her unique position in the industry.

Award Recognition:

  • Contributions to the domain industry over nearly two decades
  • Inspiring other women to enter the field
  • Building one of the largest female-owned portfolios
  • Active advocacy for diversity in domaining
  • Excellence in domain investing and brokerage

Historical Context

The 2014 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Awards also saw John Berryhill (attorney) and Michael Cyger (DomainSherpa.com) inducted into the Domain Hall of Fame, along with a Special Hall of Fame Award in Memory of Ren Warmuz (Trellian.com and Above.com). Ilze's recognition at this prestigious event placed her among the industry's most respected figures.

Investment Philosophy and Approach

Quality Over Quantity

Like other successful domain investors, Ilze focuses on quality rather than accumulating thousands of low-value domains:

Premium Focus: Target the best generics and acronyms available

Deep Expertise: Know the .CA market better than anyone else

Long-Term Thinking: Build a portfolio for sustainable income

Strategic Selection: Only acquire domains worth the renewal fees

The Importance of Specialization

Ilze's success demonstrates the power of specialization. By focusing exclusively on .CA domains, she developed:

  • Unmatched market knowledge
  • Strong buyer relationships
  • Pricing expertise
  • First-mover advantage

Sustainable Revenue

Rather than relying solely on domain sales, Ilze built multiple revenue streams:

Domain Sales: Premium acquisitions to end users and investors

Parking Revenue: PPC income from traffic-generating domains

Brokerage Services: Connecting buyers and sellers

Market Intelligence: Unique insights into .CA sales data

Adaptability

Ilze's career demonstrates the importance of adapting to changing market conditions:

  • Started with direct sales outreach
  • Pivoted to PPC parking when lucrative
  • Built a comprehensive marketplace platform
  • Expanded into speaking and industry leadership

ExcellentDomains.ca: A Canadian Domain Hub

About the Platform

Ilze serves as President of ExcellentDomains.ca, a domain marketplace that has become a central hub for Canadian domain transactions.

Unique Features

Direct Buyer-Seller Connection: The platform connects domain buyers directly with sellers, streamlining transactions

Weekly .CA Sales Reports: ExcellentDomains.ca is the only source in Canada providing updated weekly domain sales reports exclusively for the Canadian .CA TLD

Curated Portfolio: Access to Ilze's carefully selected domain inventory

Industry Contribution

The weekly sales reports provide valuable market intelligence to:

  • Domain investors evaluating purchases
  • Sellers setting realistic prices
  • Researchers studying market trends
  • End users budgeting for acquisitions

This transparency helps professionalize the Canadian domain market.

Advocacy for Women in Domain Investing

Breaking Barriers

In an industry where women have historically been underrepresented, Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz has been a vocal advocate for gender diversity. Her success story demonstrates that domain investing is accessible to anyone with knowledge, strategy, and persistence.

The Famous Quote

Ilze's philosophy on gender in domain investing is captured in her widely cited quote:

"Buying and investing in a domain is NOT gender-specific. All Women have the savvy to do what needs to be done. Just do it!"

This message cuts through assumptions about who can succeed in the domain industry.

Women in Domaining Group

The domain industry has made progress in supporting female professionals, with initiatives like the Women In Domaining group introduced at NamesCon. While Ilze's award predates this formal organization, her advocacy helped pave the way for such initiatives.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Ilze's visibility as a successful female investor has inspired other women to enter the field. Her willingness to speak at conferences, share her journey, and mentor newcomers creates pathways for future female domain investors.

Speaking and Industry Leadership

From Fear to Confidence

One of the most inspiring aspects of Ilze's story is her transformation as a public speaker. She was once afraid to speak publicly, but grew into a confident speaker and moderator. This personal development mirrors her professional growth.

International Speaker

Ilze is a sought-after speaker and moderator on the subject of domains, presenting at events across:

  • North America: Including Canadian domain events and major US conferences
  • Europe: Including InterNetX's Domain Summit in Frankfurt, Germany
  • Middle East: Sharing expertise with emerging markets

Domain Summit 2024

Ilze was welcomed as the first Canadian registrant for the 2024 Domain Summit (August 19-21, 2024), continuing her active participation in industry events. She described her experience at InterNetX's Domain Summit in Frankfurt as "an amazing experience at a superb event."

Topics and Expertise

As a speaker and moderator, Ilze addresses:

  • .CA domain investing strategies
  • Building a sustainable domain portfolio
  • Women in the domain industry
  • Canadian domain market trends
  • Domain brokerage best practices

Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges

The Immigrant Spirit

Growing up as the daughter of Latvian immigrants gave Ilze perspective that many take for granted. Watching her parents build a new life in a new country instilled resilience and an understanding that success requires hard work and adaptation.

Finding a New Path

Though entering the domain business was never her initial intention, Ilze found herself drawn into the industry and never looked back. This openness to unexpected opportunities is a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Overcoming Public Speaking Fear

Ilze's transformation from someone afraid to speak publicly to a sought-after international speaker demonstrates that personal limitations can be overcome. This growth wasn't just about domain investing; it was about personal development.

Loss and Resilience

The passing of her husband John in 2016 was a profound personal loss. Yet Ilze continues to build on the business they created together, honoring his memory while moving forward. She now resides in Canada with the "spirit" of her husband and their two children.

Continuous Improvement

Even after two decades in the industry, Ilze continues to focus on improving her already impressive portfolio of Canadian .CA TLDs. This commitment to continuous improvement exemplifies the mindset of successful long-term investors.

Lessons from Ilze's Success

Lesson 1: Specialize Deeply

Rather than spreading thin across many TLDs, Ilze mastered the .CA market. Deep expertise in one area often beats shallow knowledge across many.

Application:

  • Choose a niche you can dominate
  • Learn everything about your chosen market
  • Build relationships within your specialty
  • Become the go-to expert

Lesson 2: Build Multiple Revenue Streams

Ilze didn't rely on domain sales alone. PPC income, brokerage services, and market intelligence created sustainable business revenue.

Application:

  • Park domains for passive income
  • Offer brokerage services
  • Create valuable content or data
  • Diversify within your expertise

Lesson 3: Embrace Personal Growth

From public speaking fear to international conference speaker, Ilze demonstrates that personal limitations can be overcome.

Application:

  • Identify skills gaps
  • Push beyond comfort zones
  • Seek speaking opportunities
  • Invest in personal development

Lesson 4: Advocate for Others

Ilze's advocacy for women in domaining extended her impact beyond personal success to industry transformation.

Application:

  • Mentor newcomers
  • Speak up for underrepresented groups
  • Share knowledge generously
  • Build community

Lesson 5: Stay Focused Long-Term

With over 20 years in the industry, Ilze demonstrates the power of patience and persistence.

Application:

  • Think in decades, not months
  • Renew quality domains through market cycles
  • Build relationships over time
  • Let compound effects work

Lesson 6: Learn from Pioneers

Ilze credits industry pioneers like Peter Maxymych, Frank Schilling, and Chris Stewart with shaping her approach.

Application:

  • Study successful investors
  • Seek mentorship
  • Attend industry events
  • Read industry publications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz still active in domain investing?

Yes. Ilze continues to manage and improve her .CA domain portfolio, operates ExcellentDomains.ca, speaks at international conferences, and remains active in the domain community. She was the first Canadian registrant for the 2024 Domain Summit.

What is the Women in Domaining Award?

The Women in Domaining Award was introduced at the 2014 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. East conference in Miami Beach to recognize outstanding contributions by women in the domain industry. Ilze Kaulins-Plaskacz is the first and only recipient.

How can I view or purchase domains from Ilze's portfolio?

Ilze's portfolio is available through ExcellentDomains.ca and Excellent.ca. The platform connects buyers directly with sellers and provides unique .CA market insights.

What makes .CA domains valuable?

The .CA extension is Canada's only country code TLD, trusted by Canadian businesses and consumers. Limited supply of premium generics, strong legal protections, and growing Canadian e-commerce make quality .CA domains valuable assets.

How did Ilze learn domain investing?

Ilze learned from established Canadian domainers like Peter Maxymych, Frank Schilling, and Jason Chapnik. Chris Stewart introduced her to PPC parking through Domain Sponsor. She also learned through active participation in the domain community and industry events.

What advice does Ilze give to women interested in domain investing?

Ilze's core message is that domain investing is not gender-specific. She encourages women to recognize their savvy and ability to succeed: "All Women have the savvy to do what needs to be done. Just do it!"

How does ExcellentDomains.ca differ from other marketplaces?

ExcellentDomains.ca is the only source in Canada providing updated weekly domain sales reports exclusively for the Canadian .CA TLD. This unique market intelligence, combined with Ilze's expertise, makes it a valuable resource for Canadian domain transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • 20+ years experience: Ilze has been investing in domains since 2001
  • First female .CA investor: Pioneered women's participation in Canadian domain investing
  • Women in Domaining Award: First and only recipient (2014 T.R.A.F.F.I.C. East)
  • The Queen of .CA: Built one of the world's largest female-owned domain portfolios
  • International speaker: Sought-after presenter across North America, Europe, and Middle East
  • ExcellentDomains.ca: Created Canada's only weekly .CA sales report
  • Personal transformation: Overcame public speaking fear to become confident industry voice
  • Active advocate: Continues inspiring women to enter domain investing

Next Steps

Research Sources