(Note: This story appears in the May 2021 issue of ED Magazine)

For a time, Joanne Neat thought of working with people’s eyes—now it’s her acute vision as an industry executive that helps shape the clubs she works in.

Joanne Neat went to college to be a licensed optician but, after a short time, found the work was too tedious for her tastes. She then purchased a commercial cleaning company with numerous accounts in the Tampa Bay area. Neat met Jim Dato when she put in a bid for the cleaning contract for Diamond Dolls. They became friends and looked at purchasing other clubs together.

As Jim Dato’s right-hand person, Neat is a member of a highly exclusive adult nightclub industry club: that of the female executive.

ED’s Legal Correspondent Larry Kaplan caught up with Neat as she explains the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of being a female executive in a male-dominated industry.

ED: How long have you been Jim’s right-hand person? What exactly does your job consist of?
NEAT: I’ve worked with Jim since 1999. I pretty much do anything and everything that needs doing. Before we had Murray, our operations manager, I filled in as a manager when someone was out. I’ve also bartended, as needed. Pretty much the only club work I haven’t done is dance.

ED: Positions like the one you hold for Jim seem to go almost exclusively to men in this industry. Why do you think that is?
NEAT: I’m not sure many women think they would be interested in such a position. I was also involved with a sports bar we owned at one time. I’m also not sure many women would aspire to work in management in that industry either.

ED: Do you think some adult nightclub owners might also think women aren’t as credible for executive positions?
NEAT: Absolutely! I’m not sure many owners treat women with the same regard as other men.

ED: Jim said you’re very wise at understanding trends. Can you explain what he means and the role that wisdom plays in your job?
NEAT: Obviously, the adult industry has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. For goal-oriented entertainers years ago, it was more of a stop along the way. Now, I’m not so sure it’s the same. And customers have changed a lot too. You must pay attention to what’s going on around you and adapt to those situations, or you’ll become obsolete.

Sometimes, being a woman in my position is a disadvantage because a woman isn’t always treated like a man in the same role. A woman may be viewed as somewhat inferior. Also, if a woman is attractive, she may be looked upon as though she doesn’t have a brain. She has to overcome that. — Joanne Neat

ED: Are there any advantages you bring to this position as a woman?
NEAT: Probably just the fact that I can communicate with the employees and scold them, as needed, in a way they’re okay with, while sometimes when a man does it, it’s harsher.

Sometimes, being a woman in my position is a disadvantage because a woman isn’t always treated like a man in the same role. A woman may be viewed as somewhat inferior. Also, if a woman is attractive, she may be looked upon as though she doesn’t have a brain. She has to overcome that.

ED: They don’t assume a woman in that position was hired for her brains?
NEAT: Exactly. People assume you were previously a dancer, and that’s what got you the current position.

ED: Are there any specific challenges you’ve faced in this position due to possible gender stereotypes?
NEAT: Yes, when they first meet me, they must get past the appearance thing. When we start talking and realize I know what I’m talking about, then things change.

ED: What’s a quality or qualities you’ve acquired or refined working with Jim that has helped you become better at your job?
NEAT: Many things. Unlike many people, Jim does things very precisely, just as they should be done. I’ve learned to follow-up after delegating a task to ensure its completion. Over the years, we’ve had many challenges dealing with the two counties and the sheriffs. I’ve picked up a lot from Jim on how to handle those situations. He’s done a tremendous job for the whole industry in Pinellas and Pasco counties to develop and maintain those relationships. Without Jim’s tenacious efforts, I don’t know if the clubs would still be operating.

Larry Kaplan has for 20 years been the Legal Correspondent for ED Publications. Mr. Kaplan is a business broker in the sale and purchase of adult nightclubs and adult retail stores and the Executive Director of the ACE of Michigan adult nightclub state trade association. Contact Larry Kaplan at 313-815-3311 or email larry@kaplanclubsales.com.

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