Seven years ago, two dudes were marveling over the impressively giant cheese-and-crackers spread at the ANME trade show, eyes wide like a couple of teen boys walking into an adult store on their 18th birthdays.
“Dude, is this real life?” guy No. 1 exclaimed. Without missing a beat, guy No. 2 crooned, “Or is this just fantasy?” A couple of Queen lyrics and a few plates of cheese later, Sink or Swim Distribution was born — and the rest is history.
We are the first and only distributor that strictly caters to the adult industry, ensuring exclusive access solely for adult stores and businesses.
By the time they locked eyes over a copious trade show buffet on that fateful day, Hamed Bossett-Allen and Jorge Solorzano, who would go on to co-found SOS, were already experts in selling pleasure products.
Solorzano had previously built a successful Harley-Davidson franchise, where many famous Hollywood types trusted him when buying their next motorcycle. When the economy tanked in 2009, he answered a Craigslist ad that landed him a spot as a sales executive for National Distribution. He was later promoted to a position with National’s lingerie brand, Fantasy Lingerie.
Bossett-Allen, meanwhile, hailed from the holistic health sector, where he helped manage VitaSecrets, his family’s herbal supplement business in Dubai. He transitioned to the adult industry after discovering that his consumer base often struggled with erectile dysfunction related to heart and blood pressure issues.
Following the aforementioned cheesy encounter, new BFFs Solorzano and Bossett-Allen soon concluded that a business venture was the next best step in their burgeoning adult sector careers.
“That humorous exchange was the start of our great friendship, which ultimately paved the way for our successful professional partnership in the future,” says Bossett-Allen.
Shortly thereafter, Solorzano found himself without a 9-to-5 and immediately called Bossett-Allen to share his sour news. Bossett-Allen says he recruited Solorzano that instant, to launch SOS Distro. Ever since, the business has grown to epic proportions.
“Today, I cannot imagine SOS Distribution without Jorge,” says Bossett-Allen. “He is the backbone of our company, and I hold him in high regard. Through many years of hard work and dedication, we have celebrated outstanding accomplishments, honors and industry recognition, and I remain grateful for Jorge’s unwavering support and drive.”
Headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, Sink or Swim Distribution does it all, sells it all and manufactures it all — as long as it’s made to be swallowed.
“Specializing in sexual health and wellness supplements, we form a separate division in the industry, distinct from the sex toy market,” says Bossett-Allen. “Though we take pride in being associated with the sector.”
While a satisfied sex toy consumer may enjoy their purchase for a long time, he points out, the basic nature of supplements means that happy customers may return within a matter of days, if not within 24 hours of their initial purchase. This, Bossett-Allen says, makes supplements one of the most promising subsectors of the industry.
Additionally, the company provides design, branding, packaging and private labeling for both adult and mainstream-friendly products. The pair say they’re happy to help everyone from clients to competitors with the development of their products and brands, offering consultations and private labeling services that extend well beyond the company’s “distributor” title.
SOS is also responsible for its own line of sexy supplements. Surge for Him and Surge for Her are his-and-hers liquid enhancement arousal shots, joined by a unisex version called Surge for All. Hard AF and Juicy AF are, according to Bossett-Allen, the industry’s first arousal and enhancement gummies crafted from a vegan recipe. SOS’ proprietary product line also includes other firsts, such as a coffee-flavored enhancement shot called Steel Erection and vegan enhancement nectars called Big Dick Energy and Big Clit Energy.
“We are the first and only distributor that strictly caters to the adult industry, ensuring exclusive access solely for adult stores and businesses,” says Bossett-Allen. “Our products are not sold to mainstream giants or retailers such as gas stations, convenience stores, Amazon or eBay.
“This exclusive modus operandi helps maintain brand integrity while eliminating unnecessary competition for brick-and-mortar stores,” he explains, “ensuring high margins for our buyers and the prestige of stocking only premium, luxury brands available only in other adult businesses.
“When it comes to mainstream giant interference, our mission is to fiercely ‘preserve and protect’ our industry’s brick-and-mortar and ecommerce businesses,” adds Bossett-Allen. “They’re the reason SOS Distribution is successful. The stores, chains, online stores and adult buyers gave us the support we needed to grow and become one of the leading, most innovative supplement companies in the industry.
“Therefore, we’re going to stick with our industry and hyper-focus on our buyers’ wants, needs and overall success,” he says.
After 15 years in the pleasure biz as Sink or Swim, Solarzano and Bossett-Allen have found not only their calling, but a community that really gets them.
“We have a deep appreciation for the people and unique personalities in our treasured industry,” says Bossett-Allen. “Each individual is incredibly excited about their profession, and we equally share the same zeal.”
Though many of their future offerings are currently shrouded in secrecy, Bossett-Allen hints at a brand-new, members-only wholesale website with interactive features, including training modules, product information and media kits.
“As the years fly by, things are progressively getting better, especially because our relationships with our customers grow more intimate, and cooperation becomes more profitable,” he concludes. “Rest assured, 2023 is going to be an electrifying year, so stay tuned.”
