profile

Exec Seat: Q&A with Al Bloom, CalExotics

In 40 years, Al Bloom has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, accomplishments and accolades within the adult industry. Credited for being instrumental in establishing the adult home video industry and its legal protection by a unified entity — the Free Speech Coalition, Bloom later moved into the pleasure products side of the business when he joined CalExotics in 2003. Ten years later, Bloom continues to play an integral role at CalExotics as the newly minted director of business affairs for one of the industry’s most renown manufacturers. “Al Bloom is an icon in our industry,” said Susan Colvin, President and CEO of California Exotic Novelties. “He’s been an integral fighter for the platform of free speech and the laws surrounding the adult industry. He’s a senior member and invaluable executive of California Exotic Novelties. His intelligence, passion, dedication and endearing personality have made him a key element to our overall success.”

Jackie White, vice president of sales of California Exotic Novelties adds, “I’ve had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Al for the past 10 years at California Exotic Novelties and enjoyed every minute. The scope of Al’s expertise is felt in every aspect of the business. From marketing and sales to legal and business affairs, Al is a true master of his craft. He’s given critical insights in product development, orchestrated trade show booth construction, created comprehensive marketing campaigns, and developed many of the business strategies that brought CalExotics to where it is today.”

To me, the adult industry has been my life-long career. I am in my 43rd year and have worked in every facet of this industry. California Exotic Novelties is an opportunity to work with a very successful operation, and get to lend a hand to make it even better. —Al Bloom

How does it feel to be with CalExotics for a decade?

When you say “decade” it feels like a really long time! These last 10 years have literally flown by, and I attribute that to the pace of life at California Exotic Novelties. It honestly feels like only yesterday that I joined Susan, Jackie and all of the great people here.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

First off, I never considered it a job. To me, the adult industry has been my life-long career. I am in my 43rd year and have worked in every facet of this industry. California Exotic Novelties is an opportunity to work with a very successful operation, and get to lend a hand to make it even better. It’s a team here, and I find the sharing of my knowledge with everyone here most rewarding. To work on a daily basis with folks just starting out in this industry is a true honor.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Since I joined the company I have had a hand in hiring dozens of new members of our staff. I am most proud not only in their success, but in the way that every new employee has “fit” into the culture that Susan and Jackie have created here at California Exotic Novelties. That, and new perspectives on how to market the company and the great products we sell are most satisfying.

How has your role in the company evolved since you joined the team?

I started here as director of marketing by title, but over the years my role has expanded into many of the business and legal areas of our business. As we expand into new markets and territories around the world, I find that my ability to negotiate deals, protect our intellectual property, and work with new markets, has taken a large amount of my time. I am still a part of marketing, but it is now a team effort which allows me time to work with every department here with their own unique needs on a daily basis.

Discuss the new Senior Director of Business Affairs role?

My new title is indicative of how my role has evolved over the last 10 years. Susan and Jackie want each department to function in the areas of their expertise, without having to deal with the business and legal minutiae that seems to take time away from core responsibilities. When I first signed on 10 years ago, Susan gave me a list of duties. Sure, there were marketing items on the list, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that the list was stuffed with tasks that nobody here wanted to do! So, this new title really defines Al Bloom at California Exotic Novelties.

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 Articles

trends

Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Nefertiti Mitchell

Local retailers are the backbone of the pleasure industry. Driven by passionate business owners who are deeply dedicated to sexual wellness, brick-and-mortar stores serve as safe spaces that uplift and delight customers — while greasing the wheels of commerce for manufacturers and distributors.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Industry Vet Mike Savage Discusses Comeback, Goals With Full Circle Distribution

"We never know where life’s going to take us,” says Mike Savage. He should know. The pleasure biz veteran, who describes himself as “a poor Irish kid from Philly,” first made his name in the adult retail biz over the course of a nearly 40-year career.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Sensually Yours Founder Shellee Rose on Boosting Sex Positivity in Hawaii

Honolulu pleasure store Sensually Yours has served Hawaii for 40 years, establishing itself as a top destination for adult products. Founder and President Shellee Rose says her most important strategy for achieving four decades of success has been prioritizing customers.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
opinion

Westridge Labs Celebrates the History, Future of ID Lubricants Brand

If you work in adult retail, you know ID Lubricants. With its classic, clear bottles and consumer-friendly pricing, ID has maintained a home on brick-and-mortar shelves since the brand’s inception, way back when physical stores were still the name of the pleasure game.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

A Look at the Implications of Texas' Potential Big-Box Sex Toy Ban

Imagine walking into your local big-box retailer, a place where you’ve come to expect accessibility and convenience, only to find that sexual wellness products — an essential part of your wellness journey — are no longer available. This scenario could soon become a reality in Texas, where a proposed bill aims to ban the sale of these products in mainstream retail spaces.

Ian Kulp ·
opinion

Identifying, Implementing Adult Retail Tech Solutions to Boost Business

Technology is the great enabler. For nearly every business goal, there’s a tech solution that can help make it achievable. The catch? You can’t do it all — at least not all at once. But you can pick one or two areas to focus on, then execute a strategy that yields results.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Examining the Obstacles of Operating an Adult Business in India

The sexual wellness market in India is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, yet sex remains taboo in this country of 1.3 billion people. Legal and cultural barriers prevent open discussions around sex.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands, Retailers Can Tap Into the Popularity of 'Romantasy' Erotic Lit

Fans of the “Bat Boys” and demon-born princes alike, rejoice! Sarah J. Maas took 2024 by storm, claiming the title of bestselling author of the year with her raunchy “romantasy” novels, partly thanks to BookTok. With millions of fans worldwide, Maas’ works aren’t just dominating bestseller lists; they’re also encouraging people to embrace role-play and fantasy in their own sex lives.

Scarlett Ward ·
Show More