Page 61 - AVN August 2013

Axel Vézina
Partner and VP of Monetization, Crakmedia
Axel Vézina’s passion for analyzing stats is quickly becoming leg-
endary. During five strong years in the industry, he has led one of
the fastest-rising web traffic companies in the history of adult
entertainment online. Unlike others who choose to hide the things
that make them successful, what sets Axel apart is his willingness
to share his methodology with clients and traffic partners so that
they can take on a more direct role in their shared success.
“Sharing information is the key to enhancing a business rela-
tionship and allowing both parties to grow together,” Vézina says.
“Instead of just making more money for our traffic partners,
Crakmedia takes pride in showing exactly how we are doing it and
why it works. That leads to better collaboration and even greater
success for everyone involved as we move forward together.”
Born and raised in Quebec, Vézina developed his stats skills
inside and outside of the classroom. He studied communications
at Laval University and met Nick Chrétien while running a bar.
The two developed a friendship and eventually became business
partners at Crakmedia.
Vézina has been growing the business full time since
early 2009, and Crakmedia has given him the oppor-
tunity to analyze data from more than 500 billion
impressions of online marketing campaigns. Putting
that massive amount of data to use, optimizing
campaigns and maximizing revenue in a transparent
way has led many industry insiders to view Axel
Vézina as a rising star in adult marketing online.
When he isn’t hard at work, Vézina stays in shape by
playing ice hockey. He also enjoys unwinding with a good
video game from time to time.
Marcus West
Marketing Director, Evolved Novelties
Marcus West might not have been familiar with the pleasure products
industry before he started at Evolved Novelties, but he did know how to
create a brand in the mainstream world.
“When [former Evolved executive] Scott Stein was starting the Store
Program, he reached out to me, because they wanted someone who had
experience in mainstream,” West said.
After running a casino, working for Procter & Gamble and other places,
West knew what it took to take a brand to the next level.
“I had never worked in adult in any form, but I was intrigued,” he said.
Now, as marketing director, West oversees brand stewardship for
Evolved Novelties, Zero Tolerance Toys, and the other companies
Evolved works with, including Adam & Eve, Ouch! Toys, and
Shots Toys.
West said he had a plan for some areas the brands could
cross over, including working with mainstream celebrities on
pleasure product lines. That led to Kendra Wilkinson, reality
TV star, starting her LoveCandy by Kendra line with the
company.
And while that might be enough for some companies, West
hinted Evolved Novelties has only hit the tip of the iceberg as far
as growth, particularly in the mainstream world.
“We’ve got more, much more, coming,” he said.
Jackie White
Marketing Director, CalExotics
Vice President of Sales, CalExotics
Jackie White is the epitome of the behind-the-scenes person who helps keep
things running smoothly and operating efficiently.
“Jackie White is an integral part of California Exotic Novelties and has been
since the beginning. Her tenacity, incredible work ethic, creativity, and
desire for nothing short of excellence have helped make this compa-
ny the largest and most respected pleasure product manufacturer
in the world,” said Colvin, president and CEO of
CalExotics. “I’m proud to have her as the company’s vice
president of sales and I’m also proud to have her as a friend.”
White started in the industry as Colvin’s assistant at the for-
mer adult distribution company CPLC, and has risen through
the ranks during her time at CalExotics. From early on, White
has been instrumental in every aspect of the formation of the com-
pany, day-to-day operations, design of products and more.
“Being a part of California Exotic Novelties and seeing its meteoric
growth over the years is incredibly satisfying,” White said. “We had very humble
beginnings. It wasn’t easy for Susan and I in the early days; the industry was a
much different landscape and an adult toy company owned and operated by
women was something no one had seen before. We were able to do something
others weren’t, though. We understood what women were looking for in sex
toys. We intuitively knew what the market needed and were able to bring
numerous innovations to the industry. I’m so proud to be a part of that. I love
our industry and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
the key to enhancing a
business relationship
”Sharing information is
and all owing both parties
to grow together
—Ax el Vézina, Crakmedia
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