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WIA Profile: Kathi Stout

How did you get into this? What in your background prepared you for what you're doing now?

In 1997 I moved to Seattle and started working for an ISP. I followed the CFO to SexTracker in 1998 and helped to establish their new hosting department. In 2004 I moved to Atlanta and started working for NationalNet. I learned early on it is easier to do work you love with people you like.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

What changes have affected your work since you started it?

Last year we started The Atlanta Forum, sister show to The Phoenix Forum. They do such a fantastic job, it gave us huge shoes to fill and we are continuing to try to make it happen. It was a fantastic opportunity to do business and meet new people. I love to entertain and this was like having hundreds of friends to visit and show my hometown.

What changes have affected your work as the Internet has gone from exotic to commonplace?

Because the Internet is 24/7, it amazes me when I need to shop for something that brick and mortar stores aren’t open when I need them. Bloomingdale's needs to be open at 3 a.m. when I have time to shop. While I do adore shopping online, sometimes you just need to put your hands on the items.

What do you see as the challenges to online adult enterprises as the economy tends to decline and discretionary spending slows?

I believe Customer Service is more important than ever to keep the current customers/clients we have and attract new ones. It is my belief that each and every customer should be made to feel we would bend over backwards to make them happy and — more importantly — successful. After all, if they aren’t successful, then neither are we.

Does your work affect your personal life?

Personal life? What is that?

Do you have a personal motto or slogan that you follow?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.

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