Simply Stogies is a podcast for the cigar enthusiast and the veteran cigar aficionado. Join James on his journey through the world of cigars as he covers a variety of topics that are important to cigar smokers. Cigar and cigar accessory reviews, cigar news, reviews with those in the cigar industry, and discussions about all things premium cigars are all on the dockett. Sit back, relax, light up a stogie, and enjoy the show.
Episode 134: Eddy Guerra of Davidoff Cigars
James and Nick welcome Eddy Guerra, Head of Brand Marketing for Davidoff Cigars, to the show. Eddy tells the story of how he got in the industry and the type of people that he interacted with. Eddy’s goal was to eventually work for Davidoff, but his journey had a few stops along the way. Eddy...
Episode 133: Chef Rick & Sara Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Co.
James and Nick sit down with Chef Rick Rodriguez and his daughter Sara, of West Tampa Tobacco Co. We discuss what they’ve learned since starting West Tampa Tobacco. From what they thought being prepared looked like, to wearing different hats for the company, to learning to delegate. Sara discusses the stories that she’s making, the...
Episode 132: Al & Amanda Micallef of Micallef Cigars
James and Nick sit down for an in-depth discussion about business and entrepreneurship with Al Micallef, founder of Micallef Cigars, and his daughter and head of marketing, Amanda Micallef. The conversation begins with Al discussing how he had an interest in business from a young age and how he parlayed that into where he is...
Episode 131: Miguel Schoedel of Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars
This episode we have a great conversation with Crowned Heads and Oz Family Cigars National Sales Manager, Miguel Schoedel. Miguel walks us through his history in the cigar industry: from his early interest in tobacco and agriculture, to his time with CAO, and ultimately to where he is today. Miguel discusses informed cigar consumers and...
Episode 130: Ben Rotem of Luxury Cigar Club
James and Nick sit down with Ben Rotem, one of the founders and owners of Luxury Cigar Club. If you’re not familiar with luxurycigarclub.com now, you will be after this episode. Luxury Cigar Club is more than just a “cigar of the month” club. They have a large online inventory of cigars, accessories, and humidors...
Episode 129: Lou Cross III of Lure Cigars
James and Nick welcome Lou Cross III, founder of Lure Cigars, to the show. Lou talks about honoring his late father, Lou Cross Jr., to naming his cigars after his family, he walks us through his journey. We discuss the “grind” that boutique cigar manufacturers go through to promote their brands and connecting directly with...
Episode 128: Dwight Adkins & Stephen Wray of FatAsh Cigar Lounge & My Old Kentucky Herf
James visits FatAsh Cigar Lounge to talk with Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray about FatAsh Cigar and My Old Kentucky Herf. We discuss how FatAsh started, why Dwight started it, how Dwight and Stephen met, and their new Live from the Lounge series on YouTube by MyTownTVHD, where they highlight local singers and musical artists...
Episode 127: Jonas Santana & Miyagi Montes of Blackbird Cigar Co.
James and Nick welcome Blackbird Cigar Co. owner Jonas Santana and his National Sales Rep. Miyagi Montes to the show. We discuss how Jonas got into the business, his focus, and his passion for the industry, as well as their newest core line: Superb. We discuss how Miyagi and Jonas met and why Miyagi joined...
