profile

In Memoriam: Peter Serratore Remembered as Team Player, Loyal Supporter

In Memoriam: Peter Serratore Remembered as Team Player, Loyal Supporter

Peter Serratore, who began in the industry in the late 1970s and was a top sales rep at Holiday Products for more than 20 years, passed away on Dec. 22.

Born in suburban Philadelphia, Pete moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s and quickly found work in the warehouse of Marlan Distributing. He later moved to CPLC, where he met colleagues who would become lifelong friends. For more than 20 years, he was a top sales rep at Holiday Products, and though he left the company in March of 2016 remained proud of his contributions to their success.

Pete was also very creative. He was instrumental in coming up with titles, marketing tag lines and sales promotions. He was a true team member and contributed in every way possible. -Susan Colvin, CalExotics

In 2011, Pete lost his sight due to a rare genetic disease; what he did not lose were his keen instincts, warmth and generosity, and quick humor. He was preceded in death by two of his best friends from the industry, Cory Ipson and Christian Mann, with whom he loved attending hockey games and concerts. He leaves behind a daughter, Angela, who lives in New York City, and countless friends and relatives who will miss him dearly.

Susan Colvin, founder and CEO of CalExotics, offered the following words: “Pete Serratore, Cory Ibson, Helene Kusens and Al Ornstein made up the most amazing team of sales associates at CPLC and Video Team. All four were smart, ambitious and competitive. When you add in Chris Mann who managed Video Team, it was a group of incredible personalities and a lot of fun. It was an exciting team to work with and it’s so sad that the last of the team members, Pete, has passed away.

“Pete was an amazing father. He raised his daughter Angela on his own and he made it clear that Angela was his No. 1 priority. Many times Angela visited us when the babysitter didn’t show up or school was out. Pete managed to help his customers and still make Angela feel that she was No. 1.

“Pete’s customers loved him! They were loyal and trusted him. Pete recommended products, made sure his customers’ products were shipped first and considered his customers close friends. When CPLC ended, Pete went to work for Holiday Products and every customer followed him. They wouldn’t have it any other way. If Pete was out for a day to take care of Angela, customers told us they’d wait to order until Pete returned. He really built friendships that are so rare.

“Pete was also very creative. He was instrumental in coming up with titles, marketing tag lines and sales promotions. He was a true team member and contributed in every way possible.”

“Although it’s been 23 years since Pete and I worked together, we’ve always stayed in touch. I’m thankful for his friendship and his incredible support of CalExotics. Pete is tremendously missed. Thank you, Pete for all of the great years together.”

An email account has been set up in Serratore’s honor: serratorecondolences@gmail.com.

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

Multipurpose Products Take Center Stage as Pleasure Brands Face Headwinds in Europe

As 2025 unfolds, the European pleasure industry finds itself balancing between resilience and recalibration. After riding high on customer demand during the pandemic, the sector is now adjusting to more cautious customer behavior, global geopolitical tensions and shifting retail strategies.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Sara Gaffoor

Though it may seem surprising to outsiders, industry veterans are well acquainted with the self-esteem, personal growth and rewarding career achievements that can come with a job in the sex toy space.

Women in Adult ·
profile

Zhe Founder Karyn Elizabeth Creates Gender-Affirming Lingerie Fashion

For years, the mainstream lingerie market has been shaped by narrow beauty standards and cisnormativity, with little room for gender diversity. Most lingerie is designed to fit cisgender female bodies, while trans people are often forced to go DIY with uncomfortable solutions like pantyhose, duct tape and ill-fitting shapewear.

Naima Karp ·
profile

Neon Coyotes Sets the Tone for Trendiness With Bespoke Leather Kink Wear

If your kink wear can’t readily make the leap from a dark BDSM dungeon to a sunny, mimosa-fueled brunch, you haven’t yet been initiated into the cult of the Neon Coyotes — fresh, leather kink wear brand transforming restraints into runway-ready art.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Why It's Time for Adult Retail to Embrace AI

In the late 1980s, I was working in the rental car business. My first company didn’t have a single computer. Everything — contracts, inventory, employee records — was done by hand. If you wanted a report, you dug through paper files and crunched numbers on a calculator. It was tedious, but it was all we knew.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

What Retailers Gain by Partnering With Family-Run Brands

In an age increasingly dominated by corporate consolidation and faceless supply chains, choosing to work with a family-owned and operated business can offer retailers a depth of value that goes far beyond pricing and product margins.

Briana Watkins ·
opinion

How the 'Back Massager' Vibrator Became the World's Most Versatile Sex Toy

Wand vibrators are once again having a pop culture moment. Recently, Harry Styles expanded his lifestyle brand, Pleasing, by introducing a “Pleasing Yourself” double-sided wand vibrator developed in collaboration with sex educator Zoë Ligon.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Strategic Retail Buying in a Shifting Pleasure Economy

Retail buying has never been a static job, but recent volatility in pricing, caused by shifting tariffs, global import costs and freight variations, has demanded a new level of agility for adult industry buyers and managers. As business expenses rise, so does the pressure to optimize the return on every product.

Rin Musick ·
profile

WIA Profile: Cynthia Wielgosz Elliott

The past year has been a challenging one for the team at premier lubricant manufacturer Sliquid. Late in 2024, company co-founder Dean Elliott passed away after battling cancer, though he managed to flash his wide, signature grin until the very end.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Michigan's Intimate Ideas Offers Playful Retail Setting for Wide Range of Shoppers

Jerry Manis, the regional manager of Intimate Ideas’ Michigan stores, never planned on working in adult retail — but he says it’s turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding gig.

Quinton Bellamie ·
Show More