HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — After more than two years without being able to celebrate in person, the adult retail community made up for lost time with a festive, heartfelt and sometimes emotional evening at the 2023 XBIZ Honors awards ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Presented by Satisfyer, the annual red-carpet gala reflected the global scale of the pleasure products industry as it welcomed the most influential company leaders, entrepreneurs and top execs from around the world. XBIZ Honors categories recognize brands and individuals fueling the industry’s expanding international growth.
A branded step-and-repeat backdrop led attendees into the W Hollywood hotel ballroom venue, where glittery screens showcased the event’s top sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors Pipedream Products, Doc Johnson and Bad Dragon.
Before the trophies were handed out, tribute was paid to industry colleagues and mentors who passed over the last year, including Perfect Fit founder Steve Callow, sales vet Lorraine Weinberg, WOW Tech’s Ellen ten Brink and, most recently, an industry pioneer: former Pipedream Products CEO Nick Orlandino.
M.D. Science Lab’s vice president of sales and marketing, Briana Watkins, once a member of Orlandino’s “dream team,” delivered a speech memorializing her friend.
“Most of us in this room knew Nick — and if you didn’t, you’ve surely heard of him,” she said. “There are many words to describe Nick, but these are words that come to mind: headstrong, mastermind, big shot, stubborn, jokester, creative genius, arrogant — or shall I say, ‘confident’? — and his favorite, ‘sensitive and misunderstood.’ He was misunderstood and definitely sensitive. The real Nick had a heart of gold. He was a real big teddy bear. He took care of those around him. Loyalty was everything to him. He liked to surround himself with an entourage, as many of you know. He was all about his team.”
Watkins went on to describe the decadent “Nick E Luv” style of ordering food and having fun in his infamous backyard. She credited Orlandino with transforming adult retail with planograms and goals for taking over stores “one wall at a time.”
“He paved the way for many people in this industry and whether you like it or not, his footprint will be forever embedded,” Watkins said. “He always wanted to be the biggest and the best, the most talked about. He did achieve that until his dying day.”
Watkins closed with a quote shared by Orlandino’s son Cole on behalf of his dad:
“Life is about loving those you care about, letting go of the little things and cherishing every moment. Make the most of your time with those you care about. You can’t get back time, so remember that everyone is human. We all make mistakes, so find your way back to your people. Thank you to those of who loved and cared for me. Nick E Luv.”
A moment of silence followed, led by XBIZ publisher Alec Helmy.
After lightening the mood, Helmy brought to the stage XBIZ Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez, who introduced the show’s hosts, industry vets Megan Swartz and Adam Hasner. Wearing matching tracksuits, the duo strutted in with beers in hand, while the ’90s hip-hop classic “This Is How We Do It” played in the background.
“I’m not Chris Rock, so if I say something that offends you and you come up here and slap me, just know that I hit back,” Swartz warned jokingly.
Hasner took a moment to commend sexpert and fellow industry vet Sunny Rodgers, who hosted XBIZ Honors’ previous two award shows, which were held virtually.
Heather McNeely presented the show’s first two awards, making the inside joke — as an owner of goats — that she ran up there as if she were chasing after the livestock. The first trophy of the evening was for Retailer of the Year — 1-2 Stores.
“Retail is where my heart is,” McNeely said. “You have to continue to have a vision and a dream and a safe space for a retail experience. We also know the challenges that you face as a small retailer, and we commend you and we see you. You are an important part of this industry. Please know that it is all worth it and your contributions are truly valued.”
Museum of Sex was announced as the winner, with Kit Richardson, head of retail, on hand to accept the award.
“The Museum of Sex is really trying to be as progressive as possible and as inclusive as possible, so this means the world that you see us,” shared Richardson. “I know that we are an anomaly, so I thank you so much.”
McNeely returned to present the Couples Toy of the Year award, which went to We-Vibe for its Tease Us collection.
“It’s our 15-year anniversary, and who would’ve thought that Canadians would’ve created this C-shaped device and now here we are,” We-Vibe’s Samantha Brown said. “Thank you to our retailers that sell a lot of these!”
Swartz and Hasner introduced Grayson McCaleb, manager of Modern Adult stores, as the next presenter. He listed the nominees for Pleasure Product Account Exec of the Year, before naming Magic Silk’s Blanca Estrada-Gonzalez as the winner.
“I’m so honored to be up here accepting this,” she said. “I’ve got a ton of people to thank. Of course, my boss Jeff and the company, and there’s a couple people here that saw me, the panty-pushing jockstrap slinger, at a trade show not too long ago and said, ‘Hey, let’s take her on tour.’ So I’d like to thank Tori McCrobrie for believing in me and Rob Novinger for allowing me to tour the country dropping my panties along with their lube and toys. Thank you for my customers across the U.S.”
McCaleb returned to the stage to announce the nominees and winner in the Sexual Health & Wellness category.
“The next category is really important to me,” McCaleb said. “It’s what got me interested in this industry.”
Aneros was crowned the winner for the fourth year in a row.
“Thank you to everyone that’s supported us over the past 22 years,” Aneros Director of Sales and Marketing Brent Aldon said. “This month last year, our founder, Jiro Takashima, received the Legacy Award for his contribution to the industry, and I want to thank XBIZ.”
Before the night continued, Swartz took a moment to applaud all of the XBIZ Honors nominees, past and present.
“I’ve been influenced by a lot of people in this room,” she said. “If you’ve been nominated for an award this year or in the past, then you’ve influenced someone as well, so you should be really proud for helping with someone’s growth.”
Hasner raised his glass, asking all attendees to stand up for a toast.
“Here’s the nights we’ll never remember and the friends we’ll never forget,” he said, also casually mentioning that he and Swartz would be slipping into something more formal.
Joreail Armstrong of Honey Play Box then took to the stage.
“This is my first show and they said, ‘Hey you’re going to be presenting,’ and in my head I said no, but I really said yes so now here I am presenting Lingerie Company of the Year,” he said.
Kix’ies was announced as the winner, with company founder Samantha DeMartini taking the stage to accept the trophy for a second time, having done the same last year.
“When we first started, some people said our price points are too high, but it’s now the second year winning an award so thank you for believing in our brand,” she said.
Armstrong returned to announce the Retail Account Exec of the Year winner: Signe Jarvis from Hustler Hollywood.
“Thank you, Larry Flynt; may he rest in peace,” Jarvis said. “Thank you to Philip Del Rio who’s our VP of operations, and as you know we’ve been growing tremendously. Thank you everyone for supporting us.”
Next to the stage to present XBIZ Honors trophies were Mira Waid from Satisfyer and Ian Kulp from Je Joue. In presenting the award for the Retail Training Program of the Year, Kulp noted how important such resources have become for stores’ success.
“Screw Taboo with The Dad Bod Dom” was named the winner, with sex educator and XR brand ambassador Josh Ortiz accepting the accolade.
“To my first mentor, Larry Garland, thank you for hearing before I was ready to make an utterance; I hope I make you proud,” he said. “To Cheri Curry, my current mentor, thank you for picking me up in my brokenness and showing me that I have a place in this industry when I didn’t think I did. Rebecca Weinberg, thank you for taking a chance on a sweaty pit-stained transsexual five years ago. I hope I make you proud. To my wife and children that let me go 75% of the year to travel as much as I do, thank you. To those of you that are my friends, colleagues and my community, this is for you.”
Next, Sex Enhancement Product of the Year nominees were announced, and S.O.S. Distribution’s Big Clit Energy was named the winner.
S.O.S. Distribution’s Jorge Solorzano and Hamed Bossett-Allen first thanked their wives for their support, then shared the credit for their success, starting with Museum of Sex’s Richardson.
“Thank you to Kit, it was her idea,” Solorzano said, to which Bossett-Allen added, “Thank you to everyone that’s had our back, all our vendors and resellers, thank you.”
Swartz and Hasner then took attendees back in time with a photo of the night she and Hasner met. After reflecting on their history, the hosts brought out Celine Menting of Le Clef des Charmes.
“I have two things to say,” she announced. “It’s an honor to be here, and yes, I am French.” She then presented the nominees for Business Development Executive of the Year. As it turned out, that executive happened to be her French colleague in the industry, Vincent Renou of Letsout.
“I want to thank my fellow colleagues and here, my dear friends, my brothers and sisters, the Europeans, they’re crazy and that’s why I love them,” Renou said. “Thank you to my family and also my boss. It’s been an amazing adventure since 2017.”
Menting returned to present the nominees for Sex Lubricant Company of the Year. The title was nabbed by Wicked Sensual Care.
“We celebrated our 15th anniversary last year and with birthday cake lube of course,” Wicked Sensual’s Jennifer Brice said while accepting the award. “If you haven’t tried it, check it out. I don’t know what else to say, but thank you!”
Taylor Means from Nasstoys presented the next award, for Progressive Distributor of the Year. Pioneering distributor Eldorado was named the winner.
“I just want to thank everyone in the business — I’ve only been here 13 years, but thank you to all of you. Everybody, you’re beautiful, I love you and whatever you need just ask me and I’ll buy it,” Eldorado’s Ragen Hunt said in his acceptance speech.
Means returned to the stage, assuring the crowd that she was not done yet.
“I waited 15 years to present an award, so now I’m giving away two of them tonight,” she said. “Marketing Executive of the Year — these are our industry’s greatest minds, our social media gurus. These are our greatest innovators.”
Thank Me Now’s Danielle Seerley was named this year’s recipient.
“This is the nicest audience in the entire world,” she said. “I’m a little surprised and nervous. Thank you so much, Kevin — you let me be creative. Thank you to the Thank Me Now team. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Before announcing the next presenters, Swartz went virtual with a live Zoom call to Steve and Andy Craig, the owners of pleasure products distributor Nalpac and now Entrenue.
“I just wanted to personally tell you how happy I am to hear about your growth,” Swartz said. “I wish your teams nothing but success.”
She then also praised Entrenue’s former owner, saying, “I’m equally excited for Joe Casella as his professionalism and work ethic is second to none. Joe is a rock star.”
Steve Craig said he was glad to Zoom in, despite the time difference between L.A. and his location in Michigan.
“We’re so excited to go on this journey with Entrenue and to be able to help continue its message that they’ve created over the past 16 years. Thank you so much for allowing us to continue to be a part of this industry.”
Carolyn Eagle, founder and manager of Betty’s Toy Box, was the presenter for the next pair of awards, the first of which was Sensual Bath and Body Product of the Year. JO Naturals Essential Massage Oils took home the honor, with Timothy Ferencz picking up the trophy.
“There’s a person in the audience that’s a big part of this,” he said. “Tori — this award’s for you.”
Next, Nu Sensuelle’s Tulip won the award for Sex Toy of the Year — Powered (Vibrating). Patrick Lyons, the company’s chief strategy officer, recalled that the winning product didn’t initially win him over.
“I just want to say, fuck yeah,” Lyons said. “Thao is incredible at what she does and the motors she develops. Thank you to our retail partners, and for everyone that makes this award special.”
Swiss Navy’s Janet Tamborelli was next to present. Before she fulfilled her duties, Swartz and Hasner brought out a small cake with a candle, as it was her birthday. The audience serenaded Tamborelli, with one well-wisher yelling “Happy 21st!” to the seasoned vet.
“I can’t think of anyone that I’d rather spend my birthday with,” she said. “I’m surrounded by friends and family. People were like, ‘You’re going to work on your birthday?’ But we don’t work — we spend time with family and with friends here. That’s what this is all about.”
Tamborelli then announced the nominees for the Progressive Leadership Award.
“That literally means the culture of our industry, it means they are innovators that set the tone for the industry,” she said. “We’re mainstream, we have a tone to set. We have all sorts of records to set. The people that are up for this award are some of the best of the industry. They have been here for years, and they have fought the war and they lay the law. I am absolutely honored to present this award tonight.”
Kraig McGee Jr. was proclaimed the winner.
“All I can say is wow, the people I was up against have been around forever and have been my mentors,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 22 years and so now I guess I’m the old grandpa in the room. I’m super privileged to be up here, thank you so much.”
Returning to the stage to present International Retailer of the Year, Tamborelli brought attention to the diversity in the room.
“Everybody not from the U.S., stand up, and everyone give applause to everyone that travels to the U.S. We all as vendors thank you so much for your support,” she said. “You have opened up not only your countries but your homes, you’ve become our dearest of friends. And we are honored to have you here tonight in person, together in this room from all over the world from Australia to Canada, Europe … everywhere! Thank you for all your support, from all of us vendors. Thank you for what you do.”
La Clef des Charmes was named the winner, and Menting returned to the stage to receive the trophy.
“I am not crying,” she said, crying. “Thank you so much, I am very honored to be in this business, thank you.”
Kathi Pepper from Pepper’s Parties, Too, took to the stage to present the awards for International Distributor of the Year and International Pleasure Products Company of the Year.
“I’m so excited to be here,” she said. “Although I talk for a living, it’s the first time I get to do it in front of you guys, so that’s exciting.”
Hein Schouten appeared onstage to accept the trophy for International Distributor of the Year.
“We have been working quite hard for the past few years and we’re very proud of the products that we carry,” he said. “Thank you for the nominations, votes and let’s work together for more great success.”
The title of International Pleasure Products Company of the Year was bestowed on Satisfyer.
“Satisfyer is growing; we’re doing great things,” Senior Sales Executive Melody Cazarin said. “We appreciate all our customers, our retailers, distributors and of course, our vendor partners.”
Holly Berejikian next presented the nominees for Community Figure of the Year, which she described as “the badasses, the encouragers, the connectors, the confidants, the trainers, the cheerleaders, the believers, the motivators, the folks who say ‘Fuck imposter syndrome!’”
The winner, Tracy Leone from Rock Candy Toys, wasn’t on hand to receive the trophy, but her friend and colleague Ruben Barrios accepted the accolade on her behalf.
Kyle Tutino next took the stage to present the award for Retailer of the Year — 3-9 Stores. Progressive retailer The Pleasure Chest was named the winner.
“The Pleasure Chest wasn’t expecting this,” said the company’s Ruth Arceo. “Thank you for everyone’s support during COVID. Thanks for supporting us, all our vendors, distributors, colleagues, thank you.”
The winner in the Sex Toy of the Year — Non-Powered category was Fun Factory’s Share Lite. As the manufacturer’s U.S. team took the stage, Head of Global Marketing Kristen Tribby spoke on their behalf.
“We are so excited to be here and to win this award,” she said. “We are so excited to lead the industry through this revolution!”
Barrios returned to the stage, this time as a presenter.
“All the way from Panama, I’m happy to be here to present the award for Brand Ambassador of the Year,” he said, before listing off the nominees and then announcing Lovely Planet’s Anne Meunier as the winner.
“I am honored to be a part of this amazing industry and I’m very grateful for your kindness and your support,” she said.
Sexpert Ashley Manta presented the award for Sex Lubricant of the Year.
“I’m thrilled to present this category because I’m a card-carrying lube enthusiast,” she said. “We all know that wetter sex is better sex, so let’s hear the nominees that are making sex better for everyone.”
Rebecca Pinette-Dorin accepted the trophy on behalf of Exsens.
“Our lube is fucking amazing,” she proudly proclaimed. “We’ve been working really hard on it. Our team is excellent, thank you everybody for voting for us. I’m blown away.”
Manta shared her praise for those nominated in the next category, Senior Leadership.
“The individuals nominated for this award show tenacity, strength of character, and no small amount of sense of humor,” she said.
Pipedream’s Kristian Broms was given the accolade.
“I want to thank the industry founders, Nick most of all, as well as Susan, Elliott and Ron. This industry has meant a lot to me and it’s an honor to get this award. Thank you to our retailers and distributors.”
Following a selfie break with the XBIZ Honors hosts and the crowd, System JO’s Ferencz returned to the stage to present the award for BDSM Pleasure Product of the Year, which went to XR Brands.
“We’re so fucking kinky and we’re so thankful that you allow us to remain as kinky as possible,” XR’s Josh Ortiz said, returning to the stage. “Every single product we make is the result of some customer and some vendor’s request over and over.”
Firmtech’s Tech Ring won the XBIZ Award for Innovative Sex Toy of the Year. Doc Johnson’s Scott Watkins accepted the award on the company’s behalf.
“As the official distributor of Firmtech, you will all learn more about this product very shortly, so thank you from the Firmtech family and the Doc Johnson family as its distributor,” he said.
Briana Watkins returned to the stage to present the award for Chief Exec of the Year, which went to Fun Factory’s Frederic Walme.
“It’s been years in the making — I feel like the Susan Lucci! Thank you to XBIZ and to my team,” he said.
Luxury Brand of the Year was awarded to Svakom, with Jade Buchan accepting the trophy.
“I just recently joined the Svakom team, and I’m looking forward to continuing to do what I do best and bringing it to more stores across the U.S.,” she said.
Kathryn Guy from TAF Distribution was up next to present the award for Progressive Pleasure Products Company of the Year.
“I’m so happy that my dad is an OG of the industry and I get to meet so many amazing people,” she said. “I’m always blown away by how lucky I am and I’m honored to work with some of the companies nominated in this category, and look forward to working more with you.”
CalExotics was declared the winner.
“We’re so honored,” CalExotics founder and CEO Susan Colvin said. “We appreciate our retailers, distributors and our competitors. Thank you to everyone who works hard at CalExotics.”
Guy next presented Businessperson of the Year, sharing that the nominees were all people she looks up to. Shots’ Hein Schouten took home the prized title.
“Wow, look at those names — it’s unbelievable,” he said, referring to his fellow nominees in the category. “I started in this industry when I was 20 years old. It’s been a hell of a year. I became the CEO of Shots Europe in March of last year and it’s a great honor to receive this award. I’d like to thank Oscar, the founder of Shots, for his guidance and all his help and for giving me the opportunity to become who I am now. My wife, for a very stable home to take care of our kids and all her support. And the best team in the world, the Shots team.”
Melody Cazarin from Satisfyer presented the award for Retailer of the Year — 10+ Stores to Hustler Hollywood. Signe Jarvis returned to the stage to accept the trophy.
“I’m not going to say it’s not well deserved — we did a lot of work this year,” she said. “Thank you guys again. We’re going to continue expanding!”
Next, Charles Chapman from LSMT presented the award for Pleasure Product Company of the Year — Full Range, which went to Doc Johnson.
“Thank you to our team,” Doc Johnson’s Chad Braverman said. “I think we are the best team in the entire industry. I want to dedicate this to Michael Warner. He was a really important part of this industry and I miss him terribly. I want to dedicate this award to him tonight and to our team at Doc Johnson, I love you guys.”
XBIZ’s Sara Ramirez presented the second-to-last trophy of the night, the WIA Woman of the Year Award, which she called her favorite. The winner was industry vet Nancy Cosimini from Blush.
“I want to thank everyone in this industry, especially all of the nominees in this category,” she said. “I’ve been in this industry over 20 years. I didn’t think that I would be doing this, but I couldn’t be prouder to be a woman in this industry. We are making a difference in the lives of people for doing what we do.”
Swartz and Hasner approached the stage for the last time, inviting Michelle Liss — a sales vet who’s now heading up her own Maxtasy brand of strokers — to pay tribute to her former boss and mentor, Dennis Paradise, as the recipient of the Legacy Award.
“This man started out in his garage 40-plus years ago, and built an incredibly successful business,” she said. “I’m happy to have had the privilege to be mentored and to have worked for him.”
Paradise thanked his industry colleagues and friends for their support.
“For those of you who don’t know, over the past months I sold my company after 45 years, I had two cardiac procedures, and in between I had a grandson,” Paradise said to the crowd, who responded with loud applause.
“I’m getting used to getting up every morning and thinking, ‘What’s next?’ I’ve had a great run, I have great friends, I have great memories and I’m not done,” he concluded as attendees erupted in cheers once more.
Swartz and Hasner wrapped up the show by thanking everyone for a great night. The festivities continued as XBIZ Honors winners danced it up onstage before posing for a group photo. In the audience, their friends, families and colleagues cheered and danced along, taking the party further into the night with more cheers and congratulations around the W Hollywood’s slick lobby bar.
