LOS ANGELES — Pipedream Products CEO Nick Orlandino has been named the recipient of XBIZ’s prestigious Industry Pioneer Award. The honor will be presented to Orlandino at the 2014 XBIZ Awards show, presented by Fleshlight, on Jan. 24 at the opulent Century Plaza.
The Pioneer Award distinguishes Orlandino as an influential leader in the pleasure products industry through his commitment to providing quality products and market innovation, while maintaining the highest level of professional ethics, integrity, and corporate social responsibility.
"It's been an amazing ride, from unloading trucks to running and owning one of the largest novelty companies in the world,” Orlandino said. “I've had a great career with too many highlights to count, and I've made so many great friends along the way. I've seen this industry change so much over the last 30 years, and I feel very honored to be considered among the elite in the novelty business and part of this amazing growth."
At 15, Orlandino got his start in the adult and gift industry unloading trucks for Forum Novelties in New York and eventually worked his way up to general manager. In 1992, he relocated to Los Angeles and joined Pipedream Products as vice president of sales and marketing. In 1994, he became a partner in the corporation and currently runs all day-to-day operations at Pipedream. In 1996, Orlandino founded the Adult Novelty Manufacturers Expo, the industry's first and largest business-to-business trade show, which he still currently manages.
In 1999, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Free Speech Coalition, where he served as Treasurer for four years. In recognition of an outstanding career as CEO of Pipedream Products, Orlandino is included in the 2008/2009 Princeton Premier Registry, where he is listed among the most accomplished business leaders and professionals.
In addition to his corporate duties, Orlandino remains committed to civic responsibilities. He’s the founder of the Frank N. Orlandino Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing tuition assistance for students with financial difficulties. Orlandino is also recognized for his charitable contributions to Rock Out Cures, a nonprofit organization based in New York that provides financial assistance to the American Cancer Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He stays active in the local community through volunteer activities and charitable endeavors, including annual contributions to the Sierra Canyon School Foundation.
“With his excellent command in importing, manufacturing, product development, sales, and merchandising, Orlandino has lead Pipedream on a trajectory path that shows no signs of slowing down,” XBIZ President and Publisher Alec Helmy said. “It is with great pleasure that we celebrate Nick Orlandino’s remarkable career and his undying passion and dedication to his company and the industry as a whole, with this prestigious award.”
XBIZ Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez adds, “Nick Orlandino has undoubtedly made his mark on the pleasure products industry as a top authority of the pleasure products industry. His drive and commitment to being No. 1 has propelled Pipedream to incredible success and paved the way for so many others to follow suit.”
The XBIZ Awards will honor outstanding achievements across every segment of the industry during the past year. Adult film superstar Jenna Jameson will be master of ceremonies for the gala at the historic Century Plaza Hotel. The ceremony coincides with the industry’s top trade events series, XBIZ 360, which will take over the entire property of the W Hollywood Hotel Jan. 22-25 for a lineup of events dedicated to exploring the future of digital media, movie production, pleasure products and retail.
