Castle Megastore CEO Mark Franks to Receive Retail Pioneer Recognition at 2012 XBIZ Awards

LOS ANGELES — Castle Megastore CEO Mark Franks, who’s credited with revitalizing the Castle brand since taking over its leadership in 2003, will be the recipient of the Retail Pioneer special recognition at the highly anticipated 2012 XBIZ Awards show slated for Jan. 10 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.

Industry colleague Susan Colvin, CalExotics’ president and CEO, commended Franks’ forward-thinking approach to business and passion.

“Mark’s extensive industry experience, from being a market leader in video production and distribution, to being the driving force behind Castle Megastore Group, Inc., makes him very deserving of the Pioneer Award,” Colvin said. “His passion, dedication and savvy business sense are truly admirable. Congratulations Mark on being honored by XBIZ!”

Longtime friend and business associate, Pipedream Products CEO Nick Orlandino offered a first-hand recollection of Franks’ revival of Castle Megastore.

"I've known Mark Franks for a long time,” Orlandino said. “I was involved in the Castle Megastore bankruptcy as a member of the creditors committee and watched him bring his company back to life and turn it into a viable and outstanding retailer of adult merchandise. I consider Mark a close friend and a great business man who really deserves this award."

Nasstoys President Elliot Schwartz said, “My most sincere congratulations to Mark Franks of Castle Megastore Group — a man of foresight and ingenuity in our industry who I am proud to call not only a colleague, but a valued friend.

“I know Mark for many years and have tremendous respect and admiration for him as a man who is a leader with a reputation for honesty and a hard-driving focus on upcoming trends and the ability to apply them,” Schwartz said. “I have watched Mark operate with ingenuity as he successfully breathed new life into his many projects and he is a leader in marketing and education as well as in the departmentalization and expansion of his kingdom. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”

As part of the XBIZ Retail Advisory Board founding members, Franks has offered guidance and insight in shaping XBIZ Retail 2012 to be multi-faceted and beneficial to all professionals in the adult retail industry.

“It brings us great pleasure to honor Mark Franks for his trendsetting contributions to the development of the adult retail marketplace,” XBIZ President and Publisher Alec Helmy said. “As a high-profile member of the adult business community, Mark has utilized his decades of industry expertise to influence and nurture the success of not only his company but the business community as well.”

With more than 23 years of experience in the adult industry, Franks has been a market leader in video production and distribution in the U.S. and abroad. He also co-founded, built and operated a toy manufacturing facility with global distribution and has owned and operated a mail-order business, chain retail stores, show clubs and video distribution in Australia. In February, Mark Franks was profiled by Bloomberg’s BusinessWeek website as one of the top CEOs in the adult industry, where Castle Megastore was described as the "Best Buy equivalent of sex stores."

“I’m very honored to be considered for such a prestigious award from XBIZ,” Franks said. “I’ve been involved in the adult industry for about a quarter of a century and it’s been a great experience for me from the start and continues to be a great experience. I love the business and there’s nowhere else I‘d rather be. The industry continues to evolve and it’s been an incredible ride seeing how this business has become more and more a part of mainstream America.”

For 2012 XBIZ Awards show information, visit XBIZAwards.com.

For the latest XBIZ Awards news announcements, follow @xbizawards.

Related:  

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 News

Ricky's Room Signs Chanell Heart to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Chanell Heart to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Jonni Darkko Drops Evil Angel Blowbang With Jennifer White

Jennifer White stars in an Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Ariel Demure Leads Latest From TransSensual

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars in the latest TransSensual scene, titled "My Big Cock Cummy Wedding."

Autumn Rain Fronts Latest Release From Evil Angel

Autumn Rain stars alongside Christian Wilde in the latest Evil Angel scene.

Taylor Vixxen Stars in New Elegant Angel Release

Taylor Vixxen stars with Brad Newman in a new scene from Elegant Angel, titled “Wet and MILFy.”

Octavia Red Fronts Latest From Blacked Raw

Octavia Red stars with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Honey Play Box Introduces 'Vibrosa' Egg Vibe

Honey Play Box is debuting its new Vibrosa app-controlled egg vibrator.

XBIZ 2026 Conference to Debut All-New Company Lounges, Community Track

The event website for XBIZ 2026 is now live, unveiling details for North America’s largest adult industry conference, including two all-new show features: Company Lounges and a Community Track.

Maria May Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Maria May stars with her husband Jeff, Hollywood Cash, and Jamie Knoxx in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

ProDx Health Joins The Play as New Testing Partner, Launches 'Play Safe' Kit

ProDx Health has joined lifestyle organization Play LA as its new testing partner and marked the partnership with the launch of its Play Safe kit.

Show More