NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Thirty years ago, an adult-novelty novice had an opportunity to navigate uncharted territory in an area of business that many people considered taboo. The year was 1976, and a 30-year-old Ron Braverman was at the helm of a brand new company called Doc Johnson, one of a few outfits developing adult products that, at the time, were available only in the darkest recesses of adult video stores.
Braverman is a founding father of the Free Speech Coalition, and continues to help fight First Amendment issues by offering financial support to companies and individuals battling against government regulations. In 2002, Braverman received the Joel T. Warner Good Guy award, one of the Free Speech Coalition's top honors, for his many contributions. Los Angeles Magazine also named him to of Most Influential Angelenos in their December 2006 Power issue. Under his helm, Doc Johnson has won numerous awards, from Best Packaging to Novelty Company of the Year.
According to his employees, Braverman has been a key factor in Doc Johnson's success. One example: On the night of September 22, 1995, when the Doc Johnson factory burnt to the ground, employees recall a resolute Braverman greeting them outside the factory gates at 5 a.m., assuring them that Doc Johnson would rebuild and their jobs would not be lost. Though it took many months to recover from the setback, Braverman took out a loan to ensure the well being of all of his staffers during the holiday season, while he organized rebuilding and updating the facility.
On April 22, 2007 Braverman turned 60 years old, and his impact on the sex toy industry continues on. ANB wishes Ron Braverman a very happy birthday-and many more.
