Slate.com Profiles PriveCo’s Tom Nardone

DETROIT — In a commentary for Slate.com’s MoneyBox column, Mark Joseph Stern profiles PriveCo President Tom Nardone as a “21-century American hero.”

Set against the backdrop of the decaying city of Detroit, the article applauds Nardone’s ability to overcome obstacles while giving back to the community.

Stern writes, “As a rare feel-good success story out of Detroit, Nardone is an anomaly, but his roundabout journey to entrepreneurial success — from Motor City engineer to Internet 1.0 startup founder to fluke-ish beneficiary of the Great Recession to unlikely urban philanthropist — is also a sort of microcosm of the last 20 years of American economic trends.”

Stern covers Nardone’s professional history and current ventures — PriveCo, in particular — during which Nardone opens up about the “dissonance between the nature of his business and his family life.”

“I do what I do to earn a living so I can raise my kids the right way,” Nardone says.

With the city of Detroit two weeks away from filing for bankruptcy, the article focuses on Nardone’s adult business’ contribution to the community. Every Wednesday afternoon, Nardone’s “Mower Gang” of volunteers on lawn tractors mow and restore the city’s abandoned parks.

“Nardone clearly thrills in being a tinkerer, a problem-solver. To him, the paucity of good sex toys — and reliable sexy toy information—was a problem that needed solving. The same is true of his Mower Gang: Detroit had a problem, and Nardone knew how to solve it.”

To read full Slate.com article, click here.

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

Best Kept Secret Store Owner Eric Wexler Passes Away

Eric Wexler, an industry veteran of over 40 years and owner of Best Kept Secret in Queens, New York, passed away on June 11 at the age of 74.

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Noctura' Thrusting Dildo

Honey Play Box has introduced its new app-enabled Noctura thrusting dildo.

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Blue Line' Stim Tool Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Blue Line collection of stimulation tools for men.

Onahole Debuts New 'Aska Mai' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Aska Mai love torso.

Nothosaur Marks Pride Month With Rainbow-Colored Pleasure Products

Pleasure brand Nothosaur has introduced its rainbow color series of fantasy dildos for Pride month.

ULoversDoll Debuts Transgender Love Dolls

ULoversDoll has introduced a new line of transgender dolls from its Dolls Castle collection.

Unpacking the Pleasure Industry's Friend-or-Foe Status With Mainstream Outlets

Over the years, pleasure products have increasingly made their way into big-box stores and mainstream marketing channels. As a result, brands now face a complicated balancing act.

We-Vibe to Launch Retail Summer Sales Contest

We-Vibe has announced its Summer Sales contest for all North American retail staff members, running from July 3 through Aug. 7.

Onahole Debuts New 'Cow Gal' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Cow Gal love torso.

Orion Debuts New Weighted Pelvic Floor Trainer From 'You2Toys' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced a new weighted pelvic floor trainer from its You2Toys line.

Show More