Simply Stogies

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 now. We find out that Amanda started as a producer in Hollywood, and has her own IMDB page. The four of also discuss working with family, how Dan Thompson (President of Micallef Cigars) joined the team and how he navigates differences of opinions between Al and Amanda, as well as women in the cigar industry and their importance of growing the consumer base and the industry. We talk cigar pricing and the "Micallef Affect." It was a great conversation. You can talk with Al, Amanda, and more of their team at their Micallef Socials later this year (you can find one nearest you on Eventbrite).

34 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim brings James and Nick back to the studio to talk about the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with Miguel Schodel with Crowned Heads and OZ Family Cigars. We notice there are no screaming children in the background while we  appreciate the hard work  and dedication that goes into leading a team to success. Nick tells us how boutique cigars are still a vital part of the industry and we discuss how information at our finger tips can hurt and help the industry.

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 how they have made the industry better and more competitive. We also talk about how technology has impacted the business through consumers, as well as the pros and cons of boutique and mainstream cigar makers. Miguel talks in-house sales reps, being the leader you want to see, and he gives us his predictions for the cigar industry.

This episode is brought to you by Valacari Cigars and Small Batch Cigar.

33 Clear The Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

How hard is it to run a good cigar of the month club? Tim brings James and Nick back to the microphones to discuss the this and much more about the latest episode of the Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Ben Rotem and Luxury Cigar Club. Enjoy this conversation while saving 15% at luxury cigar clubs website. Use coupon code "SIMPLE" at checkout for 15% off anything except subscriptions at luxurycigarclub.com

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 for the discerning cigar enthusiast. They boast a discord server that connects their customers to both manufacturers and themselves. Ben talks how they started, their ideas, their focus on customers service, and their new B&M outside of Reno, NV that's a Room 101 branded cigar lounge. Ben then gives our audience a SIMPLE coupon code to save some dough on your next purchase.

32 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

In this episode we dig behind the scenes of the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Lou Cross, brand owner of Lure Cigars. We have been hearing the hype behind this new brand, and we're on board for the ride as we talk personality and story behind a brand.

Episode 129: Lou Cross III of Lure Cigars

<span;>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, and walks us through his journey. We discuss the "grind" that boutique cigar manufacturers go through to promote their brands and his focus on connecting directly with consumers. We also learn about his latest offering, "The Last Cast," an LE made to remember his dad.

To find where you can try Lure Cigars, visit their website.

31 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

In this episode of Clear the Air Tim, James, and Nick go behind the scenes of Episode 128 where James sits down and talks to Dwight Adkins and Stephen Wray of FatAsh Cigar Lounge. The three discuss the dynamics of what makes a cigar lounge enjoyable and friendly. They dig into what makes the My Old Kentucky Herf an event that you don't want to miss.

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 at the lounge. We also talk about how My Old Kentucky Herf got started, where it's at, and where it's going.

30 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Tim welcomes James and Nick back to another Simply Stogies After Show to dig in a little deeper on the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with their guests Jonas Santana and Miyagi Montes of Blackbird cigars.