LOS ANGELES — Topco Sales founder Martin Tucker has passed away, according to industry friends.
Tucker founded Topco in 1972. His background in aerospace technology and metallurgical engineering enabled him to introduce innovative technology and sophisticated materials to the business, and the company grew to number among the largest sex toy manufacturers in the industry, developing groundbreaking brands such as Cyberskin, Penthouse Toys, UltraZone, TwerkingButt, and Virtual Sex.
At the 2016 XBIZ Awards, he received the Industry Pioneer Award. At the time, he thanked his colleagues for acknowledging his contributions and accomplishments.
“The adult toy industry has been, and still is, ‘an exciting ride’ for me,” he reflected. “I have many fond memories of when I was growing and operating Topco Sales, which I began in 1972 and later sold in 2002.”
Tucker launched a new company, MYWORLD, in 2003.
Doc Johnson President and CEO Ron Braverman credits Tucker as “a giant in helping start the modern-day health and wellness marketplace.”
“He was very innovative and creative — not only in product, but also how to present it to retail,” Braverman said. “He was a one-of-a-kind person. I not only knew Marty in business, but also in our personal lives. He was always a true family man. In business, he was a man of his word.”
Nasstoys President Elliot Schwartz called Tucker "a genuine legend."
“He was the professor,” Schwartz said. “He invented many of the materials we use today: jelly, Cyberskin, etc. I remember one day he sat me down in Topco’s conference room and, on the board with a magic marker, gave me the formula to calculate a true 40% markup. We had many fun times together over the years. I’ll miss Marty.”
Susan Colvin, the founder and CEO of CalExotics, recalled having the privilege of knowing Tucker for over 40 years.
"In that time, he was creative, helpful, and a supportive colleague and friend," she said. "When I started CalExotics, Marty was someone I could always count on. He gave me advice that has stayed with me throughout the years and introduced me to many important people. His advice and connections have helped shape my journey, and I am forever grateful for that. Marty was a constant source of inspiration and insight, always generous with his time and ideas.
"Together, Marty, Ron Braverman, Elliot Schwartz, Nick Orlandino, and I founded ANME," Colvin added. "ANME is a testament to our collaborative vision and dedication to this industry, which we all love. Marty’s contributions were groundbreaking, and his passion, innovation, and drive have left an indelible mark that will inspire generations to come. Marty was more than a colleague; he was a trusted friend, and I will deeply miss him."
Autumn O'Bryan, a former Topco exec and now founder and CEO of Global Novelties, paid tribute online to her mentor and dear friend.
"He saw something in me, even when I was young and inexperienced, that I couldn’t yet see in myself," she wrote. "He believed in my potential and gave me the confidence to take my first big steps — moving from hosting home parties to exploring the world of manufacturing and design. Marty didn’t just teach me skills; he opened my eyes to new cultures, new possibilities, and a broader vision of what my life could be. He introduced me to lifelong friends and encouraged me to discover and embrace my own strengths, bringing out the very best in me.
"Marty’s energy was unstoppable, his creativity unmatched. He built one of the most successful companies in the industry, driven by his endless curiosity and visionary ideas. For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing him, Marty wasn’t just a leader; he was a pioneer, a creator, and a true genius whose legacy will forever inspire."
On Facebook, XR Brands President Rebecca Weinberg hailed Tucker as one of the most interesting people she has ever known.
"I’ll miss our talks about the history of the sex toy industry, how he started Topco Sales, and all the stories he loved to tell," she said. "A true curious creative, who showed me that anything is possible. He will be sorely missed."
