Jeffrey G. Cartwright, president and CEO of the Florida based Adult Stars Magazine Incorporated has just announced plans to resign. Cartwright, who founded the Internet media empire, is stepping down after nine years.
"My decision to step down was not a quick one or an easy one nor was it the result of any single event although recent business disappointments played a big role in helping me make up my mind," Cartwright said. "While I am proud of all that ASM has accomplished, I am most proud of business and personal friendships we have established within this industry."
Cartwright, who was a general contractor before starting ASM, recounted ASMs history from its roots as a free online magazine, which he refers to " the good old days."
"A friend told me that if I wanted to make a lot of money, I should put some dirty pictures on the Internet. This was in '94. I said, 'What's the Internet?'" remembered Cartwright.
He sorted it out soon enough. In the process he discovered that the adult industries foray into the Internet at that time was limited to commerce. "There was no information. So I started accumulating information and facts. Similar to AVN, but not for insiders. We went for the consumers. In '96 we launched ASM as a free site. We knew whoever is selling these dirty pictures would have to advertise. We had 4 million uniques a month."
Then Cartwright lead ASM into the adult content provider business through a strategic alliance with Python Video and to the inception and introduction of its many products including Adult Stars Magazine, Porno News Network, Gay Adult Stars Magazine, as well as a number of original and joint-ventured video projects. He was especially proud of ASMs unique transition from online to actual "hard-copy" print magazine and was very disappointed for the print version's inability to remain viable.
"I imagine everyone looks back to '96-'99 and wishes those years would happen again. I had checks coming across my desk for enormous sums, people were anxious to advertise," Cartwright said.
He took special pride in recalling the origin of the Consumer Choice Awards Show, how it began as a simple idea to build traffic to the ASM exhibition space at the (then) January CES Show how it grew into last Januarys media event at the Blue Note Cafi, and how the most current version failed to materialize for a "variety of reasons."
Effective immediately, all operations of Adult Stars Magazine Incorporated will be divided into two distinct parts: Richard Hagen, current chief of staff, will assume the title of President and Chief Operating Officer. He will remain in ASM's Florida offices and will be directly responsible for conducting all aspects of the company's day-to-day business.
Don Benn, current editor, will assume the title of Executive Publishing Editor and will be directly and solely responsible for all creative, journalistic, public, and media relations endeavors. In order to accommodate Benns other business and personal responsibilities, the creative offices and staff of ASM will, effective immediately, be relocated to Philadelphia.
Benn has been at ASM for over three years, with a career in adult that dates back to 1995.
" It is my expectation that the new 'Hagen/Benn' management team will not only reverse our current negative direction but also quickly return ASM and all of its various outlets to its former glory and prominence," Cartwright stated.
Although his resignation is immediately effective, Cartwright will remain onboard for the next 60 days in an advisory capacity to allow for a smooth transition.
"Its been a volatile nine years. The most memorable moment would be would when I met wife in '96. She was a bar manager at one the clubs we were hosting a party for. We've been married six years now.
"Other memories would be the AVN Awards, from the first to the last, the conventions, the business shows and, of course, our relationships with production companies. We hold them and they hold us in high regard and we're still going to continue to be in business with them," Cartwright said.
Cartwright will still own ASM, but will be spending the bulk of his time on other aspects of his holdings including Stacey's Bar and Grill, a liquor store, and four massage/adult retail establishments. Cartwright intends to open an additional five massage/ adult retail establishments by the end of this year.
