LOS ANGELES — Topco Sales founder Martin Tucker has passed away, according to industry friends.
Founded in 1972, Topco Sales was among the largest sex toy manufacturers in the industry, developing groundbreaking brands such as Cyberskin, Penthouse Toys, UltraZone, TwerkingButt, and Virtual Sex. Martin Tucker founded the company with a background in aerospace technology and metallurgical engineering, which enabled him to introduce innovative technology and sophisticated materials to the business.
At the 2016 XBIZ Awards, he was named a recipient of 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. I have many fond memories when I was growing and operating Topco Sales, which I began in 1972 and later sold in 2002,” he reflected.
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,” he adds. “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.”
Online, Global Novelties founder and CEO paid tribute 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. 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 referred to Tucker as one of the most interesting people she’s 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.”
