XBIZ Premiere is pleased to present “Execs of 2016: The Year in Review” — a special showcase of the thoughts and strategies of 2016’s most influential and motivational leaders as they offer their take on the year’s top trends.
Each of the executives we spoke to is among the finalist nominees for the retail industry edition of the 2017 XBIZ Exec Awards.
I do not believe in beating down the people I buy from simply because I am a buyer. I try to take the approach that I will return a favor with a favor. We have to help each other. -Megan Swartz, Deja Vu Love Boutique
The following question about the year in review was asked to those running for the Community Figure of the Year Award:
XBIZ: How did you bolster your community stature this year?
Becky Merbler and Chelsea McCain
Director of Product Management, Adult Empire (Merbler); And Sex Toy Manager, Adult Empire (McCain)
“You form close relationships with people through calls, e-mails and shows. When you’re together, you shoot the shit for a while — and then, business comes into play. Whatever product you’re talking about, the business discussion just flows with ease because we all know we’re on the same page. We also love saying, ‘Hey, go check out our goofy review or porn star interview’ and getting feedback from people that we work with in the business on a daily or weekly basis. It’s like having your crazy uncle or aunt give you a pat on the back for having a good time doing something that you love. Like in any relationship, communication is important.”
Cathy Ziegler
Vice President of Sales, Kheper Games
“My community consists of management, customers, colleagues within the industry — and always new customers unfamiliar with the adult industry who work in the mainstream industry. I pay very close attention to what my customers need, research their stores, call them and discuss my thoughts — and I listen to their thoughts so that we can maintain a business relationship that is based on profit and mutual effort. I talk to my colleagues, other people in my industry and other industries to determine current causes for concern and the success stories of retailers around the globe. I share and truly have a genuine appreciation for the industry — and especially, my fabulous customers. I like industry events that bring many different industry peers together. Every trade show, store appointment and retail training event is a learning experience. Working in the adult industry is like doing business with 1,000 of your favorite cousins. I truly love my adult industry family — who has a better profession than us?”
Dennis DeSantis
Spokesperson, Cousins Group
“I think I bolstered my community stature this year honestly by having a daughter and being an amazing dad to her. I think a lot of people in this industry have seen that on my social media and know what I’m going through and have respected me for the way I raise my daughter. As far as our industry, I’ve always been known as one of the best sales people around, and now that I finally have a product that sells well, it has helped my stature.”
Dave Levine
CEO, CNV
“At CNV.com, Inc., we rely on the industry to help us supply our customers. For us, this is not a zero sum game where we hope to do it all ourselves. If the manufacturers improve products, that helps us. If the distributors get better at distribution, that helps us. If an online marketing company grows, they are simply better partners or better potential partners. We like to view everyone in the community as potential or actual partners rather than competitors. Working together helps us all better serve our customers. In this past year, we worked hard to help our partners, and they in turn helped us. And we all were able to serve our customers better.”
Megan Swartz
General Manager, Deja Vu Love Boutique
“I believe it is important to offer support to not only buyers and retail associates, but sales representatives and manufacturers as well. XBIZ affords me the opportunity to have a voice in this industry by publishing my monthly articles. I always try to use that platform to offer help by sharing our tips and tricks for success and supporting the brands that take care of us. I do not believe in beating down the people I buy from simply because I am a buyer. I try to take the approach that I will return a favor with a favor. We have to help each other. Although in recent years our industry is becoming less taboo and more mainstream, we still have a ways to go. If we help each other out, we will continue to gain success.”
Paul Reutershan
Sales Executive, Pipedream Products
“Communities are built on relationships. At Diamond Products, our team of sales professionals continuously strive to create strong relationships not only with our customers, but also, our industry peers. Since I joined the Diamond Products team in July, I’ve witnessed an amazing amount of respect and comradeship within our organization. We have a large selection of products across the three brands, but we are all providing much more than products. We are also the public faces of an often-misunderstood industry. This industry tends to support each other, whether we are competitors or partners. The sense that the industry is bigger than us is extremely important for creating a communal environment that brings in more customers and speaks to the outside world. We have a tremendous responsibility in this space to spread a message of sexual positivity, which when communicated as one voice, creates growth in all of our businesses.”
Tamara Bell
President, HPPPA
“In any community, relationships are key. In the adult industry, relationships are an absolute must because it is so small, and we look to each other for information, clarity and partnerships. Not partnerships in the workplace, but partnerships in growing and sharing information within the community and outside. Community within the industry is developed from working together, trust and loyalty. I have been in the industry for the past 20 years, but have been involved in the community for the past 12 years when I launched HPPPA. I am very passionate in what I do, and I stand on the sidelines as a cheerleader to assist in any and all areas of this industry’s growth. I foresee in the future tremendous growth in better products, closer relationships and team efforts working together in expos, educational panels or other related opportunities.”
Coyote Amrich
Director of Purchasing And Product Development, Good Vibrations
“In my role as director of purchasing and product development at Good Vibrations, I’ve made it my mission to keep an open channel with our manufacturers, large and small, in an attempt to keep our industry moving forward. I have found that these conversations lead to the creation of relevant and responsible products that meet the diverse needs of our customers. I’ve also cultivated a space between our retail division and our manufacturers to discuss products, branding and packaging at a deeper level. As our industry grows, the importance of these conversations and the impact on the larger industry will grow as well.”
Emily Morse
Founder, Sex With Emily
“2016 was a great year for Sex with Emily. My podcast had consecutive record-breaking months, and I’ve surpassed 1.5 million followers on social media, which means more people than ever are interested in having better sex and relationships. In addition to continually working to grow my podcast and web audience, one of my goals this year was to be even more involved in the industry. I was able to attend more trade shows than ever before, even making it to eroFame. Of course, I owe a big thank you to my sponsors as well as the Sexual Health Expo for continuing to welcome me as their host. It’s been amazing to watch the growth and impact from the industry and the attendees.”
