profile

WIA Profile: Kathi Stout

How did you get into the business?

In 1997 I moved from Mississippi to Seattle. My first job there was with the ISP that hosted Flying Crocodile (SexTracker). The ISP was sold and several members of the accounting department moved over to Flying Crocodile. I was with Flying Crocodile’s hosting department for five years. I moved to Atlanta in 2004 to work for Tony Morgan and NationalNet, staying with my hosting roots. I moved to Phoenix last May to be closer to my family and to work for Ron Cadwell and CCBill. I have to say, I have enjoyed and learned from each of my opportunities.

I think the biggest challenge for me is keeping up with technology. There are so many changes happening so fast.

What in your background prepared you for what you are doing now?

I come from a large Southern family. We planned events months in advance to accommodate everyone. Nothing is ever last minute in my family! This helps me with the organization needed to help plan The Phoenix Forum. It is attention to details and follow-up that makes an event run smoothly.

What do you see as the challenges of working in the adult online business? How do you overcome them?

I think the biggest challenge for me is keeping up with technology. There are so many changes happening so fast. I keep up by reading all the magazines and online blogs about different advances and what new is coming out.

Does your work life affect your personal life?

Absolutely! My work enhances my personal life. I get to travel and meet fascinating people. I get to expand my family to people I work with all across the world. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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.

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