Unfortunately the new year has started out with some very bad news as we learned that Anthony McDermott, who was a domain investor and one of the early leaders in the legal internet vertical passed away on December 23rd, 2015
Anthony was the founder and president of SWI Digital, Inc., “a Full Service Multimedia and Lead Generation Company primarily focused in the legal space.
At the time I knew Anthony he was based on Ft. Lauderdale and had a large office with a lot of employees signing up lawyers to advertise on one of many legal domain he owned and developed out into directories.
SWI managed over “31,000 websites that provided exclusive advertising and lead generation services through its brands such as LawFirms.com, PersonalInjuryLawyer.com and MedicalMalpractice.com.”
In 2007 Anthony sold SWI to GeoSign Corp., an American Capital Company for $28 million in cash and $10 million in stock.
Some of the domain names Anthony sold to GeoSign he acquired from my company Worldwide Media, Inc., including LawFirms.com.
In April 2015, TheDirectory.com, Inc. (OTC PINK: SEEK), announced they were bringing Anthony McDermott on as a consultant to develop a new legal vertical.”
At the time, TheDirectory.com announced they were acquiring at the same time the domain names; Divorces.com, BankruptcyLawyers.com, BankruptcyLawyers.net, EstatePlanningLawyers.com, EstatePlanningLawyer.com, WorkersCompLawyers.com, WorkersCompLawyer.com, SocialSecurityLawyers.com, SocialSecurityLawyer.com, InvestmentBanker.com, FinancialPlanners.com, AutoRepairs.com, BodyShops.com, Sportsbars.com and EquipmentRentals.com.
As you can see from the picture from his Linkedin page, Anthony was a young, good looking, and high energy guy.
Judi and I had the pleasure of spending some time with Anthony many years ago. Many others in the South Florida Community knew Anthony as well as did those in the legal domain space.
A very smart and successful guy who passed away well too soon.
We believe Anthony was only 48 years old.
Anthony McDermott, R.I.P. Here is the formal notice that appeared in the BostonHerald.com:McDERMOTT Anthony J., of South Boston, December 23, 2015. Loving father of Riley and Brandon McDermott. Devoted son of Edward John Scanlon of Quincy and the late Theresa (Peterson) Scanlon. Loving brother of Denise Peterson of AZ, Ralph McDermott, his wife Christie of South Boston and Danielle Scanlon of Quincy. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visiting hours in the O’Brien Funeral Home, 146 Dorchester St. SOUTH BOSTON, Monday from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass in St. Brigid Church, Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend all services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Anthony’s memory to St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.
