profile

WIA Profile: Julie Larson

How did you get into the business?

I was actually working with the industry back in the late 90s when I sold mainstream toolbar traffic to adult dating companies. I fully transitioned over to "the dark side" when I helped Rick Bennink introduce Exit Chat into the adult space. My years in mainstream traffic and being an affiliate were instrumental in preparing me for all of the projects I took on in adult.

My work and personal life have gone hand in hand. My close friends male and female are in the industry.

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

It used to be challenging to be a woman doing business in this industry and be taken seriously by the men. They would gather all the info and expect to speak to the "man" behind the curtain in a true boys club fashion. That has not been the case for the last several years. There are so many talented and experienced women in this industry that are well respected and I count myself lucky to be among them. We all do our deals from start to finish without any involvement expected from additional male team members. This business has evolved out of the dark ages in more ways than one.

Does your work life affect your personal life?

My work and personal life have gone hand in hand. My close friends male and female are in the industry. It's difficult dating outside the business especially in South Orange County where I live. When I've admitted what I do crickets can be heard for miles. Only musicians and athletes seem to have no issue with what I do and that's ok with me when it comes to dating ;)

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. Women like Julie Larson, Director of Business Development, Juicy Ads

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