LOS ANGELES — Industry pioneer and advocate Al Bloom is retiring from California Exotic Novelties after 11 years.
Susan Colvin, President and CEO of California Exotic Novelties, says, “It has been an honor and privilege to work with Al over the years. His charm, dedication, and wit will be missed around the office. We wish Al all the best in his retirement; however we refuse to say goodbye! We know Al will come back to visit often and we greatly appreciate that he’ll continue to consult for the company.”
Al Bloom is a graduate of Kent State University and has a BBA in marketing. During his early career from 1970 to 1976, he was the general manager for Capitol News Agency. From 1976 to 1978 he was the general manager of Sovereign News Company—now known as Transworld News, Inc. In 1979 he became the president, and then later the owner, of Caballero Home Video, which was once the largest film producer in the adult film industry. He was also the vice president and co-owner of Vidco Entertainment, also an adult film producer, from 1987 to 1993.
In 1993 Bloom transitioned to the novelty side of the industry as the marketing manager at Doc Johnson Enterprises. He worked there until 1998 when he became a partner at M&M Sales, which was a major novelty distribution company until 2003.
Bloom took the role of marketing director of California Exotic Novelties in 2003. In 2012 he was promoted to senior director of business affairs. Bloom also served parallel positions at its sister company, JOPEN, starting in 2010.
“I’ve developed so many friends in this wonderful industry and I am touched by everyone’s kind words as I step into retirement,” Bloom said. “Thank you for all the memories and I will think of you often while I’m teeing up on the golf course!”
Bloom made many notable achievements including receiving the 1989 Joel Warner “Good Guy” Award which was presented by the Adult Video Association. In 2003 he was honored with the “Industry Founder’s Award” by the Free Speech Coalition — a non-profit organization which Bloom helped found.
In 2009 Bloom was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame. 2011 saw him honored with the degree of Honoris Causa Doctor of Arts from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. In 2012 Al received the XBIZ Executive Leadership Award for the Novelty Industry.
According to the company, Bloom is moving to Arizona with his wife.
“Everyone at California Exotic Novelties will miss the man that has served as their mentor and friend,” the company said.
