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.
Kimberley Gordon may be a young executive but her experience dates back generations. With an industry vet father (Keith Gordon), Kimberley picked up on his entrepreneurial spirit and as soon as she was able to walk through his place of business without covering her eyes, she dove into the business head-first. In this month’s WIA Woman of the Month spotlight, Kimberley Gordon sits down with XBIZ to discuss her role at the newly revamped Joy Hollywood.
I was thrown into this industry head-first using Keith Gordon’s University of Hard Knocks.
What is your role and responsibility as the Executive Director of Joy Hollywood?
Getting our crew here at Joy Hollywood motivated, happy and coming together as one is my first priority. Then I make sure we are supplying the newest product to all of our customers, representing Joy Hollywood at trade shows, meeting with all sales reps and keeping myself up to date on current events, thus allowing us to grow each year that passes.
What is it like being part of a family business rooted in adult?
It’s normal. Growing up, at the age of 10 walking through Bizarre Video’s halls, having to keep my eyes closed until arriving at my dad’s office door. Having to listen to him speak, handle every situation that would come his way whether he was receiving five phone calls at once to 10 people asking different questions all at the same time. I’ve observed, heard and 12 years later this industry speaks my language.
How (and when) did you get into the adult novelty business?
At the age of 18 I started doing sales for our East Coast operation. Two years later I decided to create a fresh start and moved out to California. I went to Joy Hollywood and have been walking/working “Joy Hollywood Lane” ever since and will continue on this path. I was thrown into this industry head-first using Keith Gordon’s University of Hard Knocks.
What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
When starting at Joy Hollywood thinking back to the first ANME I’ve attended, I walked up to Doc Johnson and introduced myself not having a clue I was speaking to our sales rep — not even knowing we had sales reps. The director of Joy Hollywood during that time had failed to train me on all accounts and had his head focused on everything but our company. After letting him go and having no choice but to take his chair, I was teaching myself everything from square one. Gaining the respect of my employees and everyone in this industry was most challenging. Three years later all obstacles and challenges prosper with each step taken, transforming me into who I am today and I will continue to grow, knowing nothing will stop us.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Waking up knowing year 2010 we started with just myself to growing and gaining a team in year 2013. Receiving recognition from everyone in the industry on all the hard work we’ve accomplished keeps me going. Wanting to continue growing striving to bring Joy Hollywood on top allows me to keep the momentum and shine light to our family.
What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
There’s no hard feelings — its just business. “Every life you have some trouble, when you worry you make it double — don’t worry, be happy.” I couldn’t get through my day without reciting those words of wisdom.
What are your professional goals for the rest of 2013?
My professional goals for 2013, now that our office is running like clockwork, it’s time to focus on new product, introducing safe sexual wellness to my customers, increasing sales, as well as bringing on new vendors, and revamping Joy Hollywood for the next New Year!
