2015 XBIZ Exec Awards Honors Retail Industry

LOS ANGELES – The 2015 XBIZ Exec Awards celebrated the career success of individuals from the various fields within the pleasure products and retail sectors Wednesday night.

The 2015 XBIZ Executive Award winners are:

  • Business Development Executive of the Year
    Lynn Swanson, Classic Erotica
  • Brand Ambassador of the Year
    Conde Aumann, The Screaming O
  • Marketing Executive of the Year
    Desireé Duffie, CalExotics
  • Senior Leadership of the Year
    Chad Braverman, Doc Johnson
  • Progressive Leadership of the Year
    Scott Watkins, Doc Johnson
  • Tech Leadership of the Year
    Erik Van Riper, Honey's Place
  • Community Figure of the Year
    Coyote Days, Good Vibrations
  • Chief Executive of the Year
    Bob Pyne Jr., Williams Trading Co.
  • Businesswoman of the Year
    Bonnie Feingold, Honey’s Place
  • Businessman of the Year
    Steve Volponi, Devil’s Film

About 200 industry professionals, including nominees and several others who were there to cheer along colleagues, attended the exclusive cocktail-style awards ceremony.

The Senior Leadership Award was among the event’s highlights with tender moment beginning with a special introduction by XBIZ founder and publisher Alec Helmy.

“A little over three yeas ago I became a father,” he said. “Those of you that have children already know what an incredibly rewarding experience it is. To think that one day your child will become fiercely ambitious is incredible. For your child to choose to also choose to follow in your footsteps and built on top of your own accomplishments is a dream.”

Making a surprise appearance from behind the XBIZ Exec Awards stage, Doc Johnson founder Ron Braverman followed with words for his son.

“A few years ago I had the pleasure of accepting the Man of the Year Award,” he said. “At that time it was a tremendous affirmation that your peers, the people in your industry, recognize you. You feel strongly about it, it’s very satisfying. When I was asked to be here I realized the real affirmation is giving this award to my son – to know that he is being recognized.

“But there’s more to it than a father-son situation. Chad is really the face of the modern-day Doc Johnson. As many of said over the years, the packaging, the branding, the line are really the face of Chad.”

In his acceptance speech, Braverman said, “I grew up in this industry with a lot of the people in this room tonight. Watching the adversity that my father faced along with the other pioneers of this industry instilled a lot in me, to work hard and take this company into the future. It’s something that's near and dear to my hard and I will continue to fight hard for it.”

Another accolade for the Doc Johnson team went to Scott Watkins, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing.

“I just want to thank everyone here,” he said. “You guys are all friends so I’m truly honored to be recognized by my fellow colleagues that I respect so much. I want to thank the entire Doc Johnson team.”

In her acceptance speech for the Marketing Executive of the Year award, Duffie said “everybody in at CalExotics works toward the same goal. It’s all about product, packaging promotion so really this is an honor that goes out to Susan Colvin and the entire CalExotics team.”

Businessman of the Year winner Steve Volponi said, “I didn’t expect this. Behind every little guy, there’s a driving force and that force is Nick Orlandino. I’d also like to thank my partner Eric Gutterman – without them this just wouldn’t be possible.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Williams Trading, ANME Founders Partner for Livestream Event

Williams Trading has partnered with CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys to host a virtual trade show July 14-15 during ANME.

Eldorado Names Sandy Nuyt Sales Director

Eldorado Trading has appointed Sandy Nuyt as its new sales director.

Show More