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.
As the CEO and face of one of adult’s leading novelty wholesale distributors, Bonnie Feingold touches every part of her operation. Whether it’s sales support, warehouse operations or buying, Feingold is committed to maintaining the high level of customer service on which Honey’s Place was built. And in reinforcing the company’s motto, “Our business is your success,” she strives to cultivate a family atmosphere among her team and loyal client base. But there is something that many may not know about the busy executive: she also holds a master’s degree from a prominent Southern California university and uses those skills to this day.
I’m very proud of how the company has grown and the atmosphere we have created here to work in.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Columbus, Ohio. I moved to California as a teenager with my family and have called it home ever since.
What was your background prior to adult?
Prior to working at Honey’s Place I graduated from Pepperdine University with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Then, I worked as a social worker supervisor for a foster family agency in the inner city of Los Angeles. All of the skills that I learned as a therapist, social worker and supervisor I utilize daily in management and maintaining strong relationships with clients and vendors. My degree has proven to be a great resource for working in this industry as the industry continues to become more focused on women and on enhancing relationships.
What does your job entail as President and CEO of Honey’s Place?
Anything and everything! I am very hands-on and am in the office most days unless I am conducting business outside of the office. I like to keep myself involved in all aspects of the company from the warehouse operations, to the buying department as well as supporting a great sales team. I’m very proud of how the company has grown and the atmosphere we have created here to work in.
What is your business philosophy?
Our business motto is the best way I can answer that question: ‘Our Business is Your Success.’ We focus on making sure our clients get the customer service they deserve, high fill rates and have the best experience possible while working with us. Therefore, our business is actually their success!
What factors do you attribute to the growth of Honey’s Place to where it is today?
We try to provide value to our clients with the services that we have. We have a top-of the-line wholesale website, drop-ship program and product library. We have also worked very hard to constantly update and improve our internal systems, improve our technology and keep bringing new, innovative product selection to make sure we remain at the top of this competitive field. At Honey’s Place we work as a team. I am very grateful for having amazing employees who work incredibly hard. I think that everyone in the company shares the above philosophy.
What is the biggest challenge with being a woman in the adult biz?
Over the years the industry has become more female centered so it’s not as difficult as maybe it once was. However, being one of the only female owned distributors in the industry I work very hard to always ensure I handle things in a professional manner.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing and helping our clients grow. Over the years we have watched many of our clients’ businesses expand from a small start up to a much larger operation that is now making its own impact on our industry. To be a part of that is very rewarding.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
I spend a lot of quality time with my daughter and my friends when I am not working. I have a small network of wonderful people who are very supportive.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
The progress and growth Honey’s Place has made since I have been on board. Taking the company through such large changes in processes and procedures and updating how we handle everything from the inside out to create a more productive and successful distribution company.
