LOS ANGELES -- For years Joe Francis molded and built Girls Gone Wild (GGW) into one of the most widely recognized entertainment and lifestyle brands in the US. This one-time pop culture phenomenon has become a part of the fabric of America and is synonymous with youth culture.

After nearly a decade of evolution Francis' efforts were formally recognized by editors at USA Today as they identified the Girls Gone Wild brand as a primary influencer of the most important trends of the past quarter century.

In short, Girls Gone Wild has had a direct hand in changing the culture of the United States.

This week, USA Today editors and reporters picked the 25 most important trends of the past quarter-century. Standing at 23rd on the list was the category of "Sexualization" and Girls Gone Wild was cited as helping to eliminate the taboo element from sex.

"USA Today has recognized what millions and millions of America's youth have known for the last 10 years; that Girls Gone Wild has set and continues to set trends that America and the rest of the world follows," said Joe Francis. "This is welcome confirmation and legitimization that Girls Gone Wild is mainstream America."