NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—In a feature-length cover piece titled “Doctor’s Orders” (with the subtitle “All Abuzz: An Adult Toy Story”), Los Angeles Magazine’s July issue delves nine pages deep into the history of the invincible adult novelty market, with an intimate focus on the inner-workings of Doc Johnson, one of the largest adult novelty manufacturers in the world. Not only did the lengthy piece cover the everyday workings of the manufacturing company, it also touches upon much research into the roots of this sex toy powerhouse, the many trials and challenges that marked the road to success, as well as exploring the relationship between iconic founderRon Braverman, and his protégé progeny, Chief Operations Officer Chad Braverman.
“This article was nearly four months in the writing, and 36 years in the making,” Ron Bravermansaid. “I am very proud to have opened our doors to LA Magazine and shared so much of our story with the world. Long before my son joined the company, I’ve had the support of several vital employees who have been with me for more than 20 years—some since the very beginning, in fact. This is quite a large operation; we employ over 500 people. The heart of Doc Johnson is how we all work together; we’ve raised this business as a collective family and it continues to grow. Every product that comes out of this factory is handled with the utmost care, and every employee and customer is precious to us. We’re an American success story, and we’re still making history!”
Through a series of in-depth interviews, renowned journalist Dave Gardetta (New York Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone and GQ) got to know the expansive family of hardworking staff behind the Great American Toy Company, and was able to see the day-to-day workings of the company; much like a fly on the wall. Gardetta’s sources and extensive research made for a gripping story about the rise of Doc Johnson, the history of vibrators and sex toys in general, and contrasts the longevity and Americana of Doc Johnson with some insight from a few relatively new imported-goods companies that are competitors within the adult industry.
This unbiased look at the novelty business from an outsider’s perspective has been nothing short of fascinating for the subjects featured in the piece. For an industry that’s been called “recession-proof” by the media countless times, it’s refreshing to read something other than the dollar amount summaries of what this market means. Having the intentions and character of the toy business’s founder laid bare for Los Angeles Magazine’s readers can only help make people feel more comfortable with the material—to relate to the father of the sex toy world, and perhaps see a bit of themselves in the extensive Doc Johnson family; if nothing else, to be intrigued by the abundance of pleasure products being handmade in Los Angeles and channeled through valley and beyond.
Chad Braverman, COO, added, “The experience of extensive interviews with Los Angeles Magazine was great for us—ultimately this article helps bring our core beliefs and candid nature to the public, giving them an unbiased behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, triumphs, and ingenuity of Doc Johnson. It’s an honor to be featured and we’re all very excited.”
To read the article online, go to LAMag.com/features.
