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Originally Posted by SleazyDream
26. Who do you look up to in this industry? Down on?
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Loaded question.
Who I look up to is easy, but it's a long list.
First, Paul Fishbein. A lot of people don't want to give him credit for what he's done for the adult industry. The guy's been busting his ass for over 20 years. He's always professional and frankly, has one of the smartest business minds I know of. Plus, he lets me do what I do. Nothing but respect.
Steven Hirsch is brilliant and can seemingly see years down the road. I think that's amazing.
Steve Lightspeed - when I came into this industry, he wasn't too fond of AVN. Thankfully, that's changed, but he was always nothing but gracious and helpful. I owe a lot to Steve for his insight, his advice and especially for giving me a chance when he had no reason to. Oh, and for letting me hang out with Taylor
Joe and Eric. They've set the business standard in the online world. The Playboy deal confirms that.
Platinum Dave, what can I say? He does it right. Again, one of most gracious people I know. Success hasn't spoiled him, other than perhaps his wine snobbishness
Lori Z and Leslie Sharp. Not to lump these two together, but they've both given me a lot of knowledge and help along the way. I wouldn't be where I am without them. Two brilliant women. They've both gone through some ups and downs, but always rise to the top.
Mike Hawk, who despite his crazy board posts, is a gentleman and, more impressively, a survivor. I appreciate his support.
The guys who will never let me take them to lunch because they're always working - Arthur at Meatcash and Jax at SugarDVD. There's something to be said for working as hard as these guys do.
The entire team at Epoch - I don't know if there's a better run operation out there.
Greg Clayman who is an innovator and a great businessman. He was also the first big company owner to talk to me when I came to AVN. I think that says something about him as a person.
Lars, who I could say the same things as I say about Greg. Just a great guy, and there's something to be said for individuality.
As for who I look down on, that's not really something I dwell upon, but any individual or business that tries to build their name by taking shots at another, well, I can't say I have much respect for that.