Michael Cox might just be the luckiest guy of 2020, at least career-wise. While we’re sure his year was far from perfect, both in and outside the office, Cox still managed to maintain an aspect of his job that we could all use a little more of these days: fun.
Michael Cox is Fun Factory’s director of sales, where he heads up the German-based company’s U.S. arm. Cox is passionate about his role in the business, which he says is infectious when you work for a company that truly cares.
“Dirk and Michael worked hard over the course of 25 years to instill an inclusive, caring culture where everyone has a voice. Fred has done an excellent job to make sure that same culture is alive in our U.S. office as well,” says Cox of the company’s founders and current CEO, Frederic Walme. “It feels like we are a family, all with one common mission in mind.”
Cox is an industry natural, so it comes as shock to learn that his sex toy industry journey began just four years ago this March 2020. Prior to his near-half decade of selling vibrating genital goodies, Cox worked with ID Lubricants for nearly three years. He was later recruited to the team at Oxballs by director of sales and operations Ryan Fraga.
“That opportunity was my first real venture into the pleasure products space. I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since,” says Cox. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that led me here, especially now that I’ve found my home with Fun Factory.”
With just six years total under his belt in the greater sexual health and wellness space, Cox is remarkably humble about his business experience. The glowing reputation he’s amassed in this short time span, however, speaks for itself.
“The funny thing is, prior to working in this industry, I had never stepped foot into an adult retail store,” he exclaims. “Now, I truly believe I have found a home in the industry and with Fun Factory, and I see myself remaining here for many years to come.”
Like a true pro, Cox now sees the pleasure trade for its past and present while cleverly intuiting the future. When asked for his insights, Cox speaks like an industry veteran who’s been at the game for decades.
“With business practices beginning to slowly return to what we are accustomed to, I’m feeling pretty good with the direction our industry is heading in 2021,” says Cox of navigating the business during the pandemic. “I admire the way our industry pulled together to support each other in a time of need.”
Cox is also unafraid to explore and divulge the many ways the industry has improved throughout this whole corona mess. He believes the year’s challenges have forced companies to innovate and create new routes to consumers.
“I’ll admit, some of the changes this pandemic caused are for the better,” says Cox, “as we’ve seen some manufacturers become more efficient with work-from-home orders and many stores rapidly expand their online presence, whether by implementing a new website, online education programs, or using social media-based apps.”
While other industries unfortunately flailed around in confusion, Cox says the pleasure space rose to this rather unpleasant occasion and ensured consumers had a good reason to stay in their bedrooms.
Out of all the possible places to be in one’s career since last March, Cox thinks the sex toy industry proved to be a smart choice.
“Even though this year has been a difficult one, quarantine mandates boosted business in our industry, as people explored different ways to find release and self-care,” he remarks.
Cox’s history in sales has similarly given him a 360 view of customer relations. From consumer to wholesale customer, he lives by a golden rule that applies to every audience.
“My motto is to always be as honest and as transparent as possible with customers,” says Cox.
Tensions ran high in a year filled with unique problems, but Cox says retaining customer loyalty is possible, even in the hairiest of times.
“We must recognize that we are all human, so we are going to make mistakes. Maybe even more so with the challenges this year has brought us,” says Cox. “However, if you are honest, own your mistake, and offer alternative but valuable solutions, most problematic situations can be avoided.”
Cox points out, though, that once you’ve lost said loyalty, it can be impossible to earn it back. This cornerstone of business is another reason why Cox feels proud and confident to represent the Fun Factory mission and family of products.
“I love working for Fun Factory because they are a truly ethical company, notably because of their eco-friendly and fair labor business practices. Fun Factory is also a company that cares as much about its end consumers as it does its employees,” says Cox. “You can see this in the details of our products, as we design versatile toys that have something for every body.”
Cox cheekily mentions that all the free sex toys are an unbeatable bonus for his personal life, too.
However 2021 decides to play out, Cox already knows where he’s headed. His role as director of sales was a fairly recent upgrade in his career trajectory, and another example of how Cox continued to kick ass on the job during the uphill battle of corona layoffs.
“In September, I was promoted to director of sales at Fun Factory, which is incredible,” says Cox. “I worked extremely hard to achieve this accomplishment, and I am thankful to Fun Factory for recognizing my value and trusting me to be a part of their team and future.”
Cox gives well-deserved accolades to Frederic Walme, Fun Factory CEO, and Kristen Tribby, head of global marketing, for nurturing his continued growth and ongoing journey with the company. As he heads into 2021, Cox is just as enthusiastic about promoting great sex and quality pleasure toys as the day he set foot into the industry.
He’s most recently proud of a new Fun Factory product launch that’s soared in sales since its October 2020 debut. The Sundaze Pulse Vibe, says Cox, introduced a new product category with novel technology. Shaped like a G-spot-style vibrator, albeit with a flatter, less bulbous head, the Sundaze is a triple threat of vibration, thrusting and pulsation that’s made to please power lovers and sensitive bodies alike.
Though Cox waxes elusive about the company’s coming year of new pleasure products, he can’t contain his excitement for the direction Fun Factory will take over the next 12 months. With these new launches, however, comes the familiar warmth of Cox’s dedication to being a fantastic businessman.
“It is my goal and duty to ensure that we continue to produce innovative products for our retail partners and end consumers alike and provide exceptional customer service and support for all of our partners,” Cox concludes.
