Tobacconist X

Save The Cigar Industry Now!

2011-10-20T12:19:00.000-04:00

We must stop the FDA from decimating the premium cigar industry! They want to ban all cigar advertising, deface cigar box art with warnings and graphic imagery, and eliminate self-service humidors (ie walk-in humidors). After years of excessive taxation and legislation, we must draw the line here! And thanks to Cigar Rights of America and the IPCPR, we have the opportunity to do just that. Sign this petition and share it with your customers and friends! And DO IT NOW!!!!

Sign The Tobacconist Preservation Act too!

Tobacco Flavor Chart

2011-05-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

http://tobacconistuniversity.org/blog/?p=1725

Do you ever struggle for descriptors to identify the flavors (taste + aroma) that you are sensing in your tobaccos? Or, do you wish there was a tool to help you distinguish and organize all of those flavors so you can document the taste of your favorite cigar or pipe tobaccos? Well, now there is – thanks to Certified Master Tobacconist David “Doc” Diaz! After years in development, Doc has produced the Tobacco Flavor Chart to help all luxury tobacco lovers describe and analyze their favorite tobaccos. This Tobacco Flavor Chart can be used to help you describe the cigars or pipe tobaccos you smoke as well as save that information for reference at a later date. This is a handy tool for retailers to give to their customers and for consumers to use and save so they can remember what they smoked. This Tobacco Flavor Chart was created as an educational tool for anyone to use and please feel free to email Doc or TU suggestions, additions, or corrections if you think they are needed. Enjoy!

A True Vintage Cigar

2010-12-02T20:32:00.005-05:00

The Tatuaje La Vérité is a special and revolutionary collaboration between Pete Johnson (Tatuaje Cigars) and Jose “Pepin” Garcia (Don Pepin & My Father Cigars). The cigars are composed exclusively of tobaccos grown at Don Pepin’s La Estrella Farm (vega) in Esteli Nicaragua.

The La Vérité cigar is a true vintage cigar because all of the tobaccos in it are part of the same crop - grown during the same year. Furthermore, it is an Estate (or Farm) Vintage cigar because all of the tobaccos in it come from one farm. To our knowledge, this is the first time a premium or super-premium cigar has been produced in this manner; similar to Vintage and Estate wines. As a Farm Vintage, the La Vérité cigars provide a snapshot of taste and aroma that captures a specific time and place.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE...

Humidor Setup Video

2010-10-22T19:17:00.005-04:00

After purchasing a new humidor, you will need to "season" it and make sure your hygrometer functions properly. This video will walk you through all of the necessary steps to keep your cigars in perfect condition. If you have any further questions, please visit the Tobacconist University FAQ & How To.

Fighting The NYC Ban

2010-05-08T12:43:00.004-04:00

On May 4, 2010 the New York Tobacconists Association (NYTA) appeared before the NYC Board of Health to make their case for not banning flavored tobaccos: including cigar and pipe tobaccos, but not menthol, wintergreen, and mint flavorings - typical hypocritical exclusion of 'big tobacco' products, just like the FDA law. This ridiculous law was written, probably with great assistance from the heart, lung, and cancer societies, in order to 'protect children': even though it is already illegal to sell tobacco products to children. While the Board of Health has already written the law, and it has been passed by the city council, there is still a chance to protect tobacconists from this devastating and draconian law. Impassioned and articulate speeches were delivered by Ron Melendi, CMT, Michael Herklots, CMT, Jorge Armenteros, CMT (me), representatives of Gotham Government Relations (who represent the NYTA), and others. While it is too early to tell if we are making significant progress, there is a chance we can keep the Board from enforcing this ridiculous law inside of retail tobacconists. If this law passes and is enforced in NYC it will spread throughout the nation, so it is a critical fight for all tobacconists. This is the fight of our lives because the 'Empire State' is ground zero for the Nanny State in America, and whatever passes in NY will surely follow everywhere else.

FYI: View the article about the meeting by Greg Mottola of Cigar Aficionado, and the text of my speech is below...

NYC Health Committee: 5.4.2010

3rd Floor, Rm 330

125 Worth St. (b/w Lafayette & Centre)

New York, NY 10013

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. My name is Jorge Armenteros and I am the president of Tobacconist University. We are the organization that educates and certifies consumers and professional tobacconists – just like a sommelier organization does for wine. We have over 350 Certified Tobacconists and apprentices around the world with the highest concentration of Certified Master Tobacconists right here in NYC. People come here from all over the world to visit these luxury goods specialists in the same way they come to visit great chefs and sommeliers…. The products we sell are rare and special.

As a retail tobacconist and one who represents hundreds of similarly honorable professionals, the most important thing I can tell you is that there is nothing more reprehensible to us than the thought or act of selling tobacco to children. The first line of our code of ethics & standards states that we will “obey and enforce all local, state and federal laws regarding tobacco age/use restrictions.”

Retail tobacconists, by and large, are small family run businesses, many with generations of traditions and important cultural history. We pay our mortgages, and raise and educate our children just like you. And the thought of selling tobacco products to children is despicable to us.

Tobacco
The next point I want to make is that there is a world of difference between mass produced, homogenized, and chemically enhanced cigarettes and the world of luxury, premium, and natural cigars and pipe tobaccos.

While it may take a few months to grow, dry, and manufacture a cigarette, it takes years to cultivate premium cigars and pipe tobaccos. We estimate that every one of the 6 to 8 leaves in a premium cigar is touched at least 300 times by human hands, and it can take up to ten years to make a premium cigar. Those 6 to 8 leaves are picked at different times, from different plants in different farms and countries. It is an extraordinary process that requires dozens, if not hundreds, of highly skilled and trained artisans to turn a rustic leaf into an organoleptic delicacy – a sensory pleasure. Premium cigars, pipes, and pipe tobaccos represent generations of knowledge, culture, and skill; much of which was already invented before Europeans discovered the new world.

Premium cigars and pipe tobaccos are curated like rare horticultural specimens. They are cultivated from seed varietals that have taken generations to breed and these varietals have very little in common with the plants that are used for cigarettes. It’s like the difference between a bicycle and a Rolls Royce…

From a chemical standpoint, cigarettes are acidic and they are meant to be inhaled into the lungs, whereas cigars are alkaline, which is not conducive to inhalation. By and large, cigar and pipe smokers do not inhale and this dramatically affects their relationship with the nicotine in the plant. (BTW nicotine is also found in tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and eggplant) The lung specific delivery method and concentration of nicotine, coupled with the instantaneous effects of inhalation, are what make cigarette smoking a potentially compulsive and/or addictive behavior. This is profoundly different than the effects of premium cigars and pipe tobaccos which are not inhaled. The average premium cigar smoker enjoys less than two cigars per week.

Premium cigars and pipe tobaccos are savored for their taste and aroma. Cigar and pipe smokers do not smoke when they have a stuffed up nose cold because that prohibits them from tasting the product – which is the purpose of the product. Taste and aroma, relaxation, camaraderie, celebration, and savoring your time: that is why people smoke cigars and pipes.

Taste
I can tell you that most days non-smokers come into our shops just to enjoy the aroma. They tell us about their fond memories of a father or relative who smoked, and sometimes buy an aromatic (i.e. flavored) pipe tobacco just to enjoy the smell in their home or car.

Smell is the human sense most closely linked to memory and emotion. Positive smells anchor fond memories and experiences; they relax us and help us decompress; they enhance the quality of our lives. People who like the smell of cigars and pipe tobaccos do so passionately – it is a quality of life issue. Conversely, those who dislike the smell of “tobacco” usually have a very strong and negative emotional response to it.

It is estimated that less than 5% of the population occasionally smokes pipes and cigars. We are a tiny minority, with unique tastes. But taste is by nature a personal preference. And as Thomas Jefferson said “taste cannot be controlled by law”. Taste is also something that cannot be measured or judged. Taste is subjective. People will like what they like. While you may enjoy clove or anise in your food, I do not. But I respect your taste, and I humbly ask that you respect and protect ours.

Thank you very much.

Procigar 2010 Festival Wrap-Up

2010-03-25T15:22:00.007-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
PROCIGAR FESTIVAL 2010

Santiago, Dominican Republic - Beginning on Sunday, February 14, 2010, leading cigar manufacturers and sponsors came together to kick off the third annual Procigar Festival to celebrate the Dominican Republic's role as one of the world's foremost tobacco producing countries.

Sponsored by world-renowned Dominican cigar producing companies, General Cigar, Matasa, Tabacalera de Garcia, La Aurora, Tabadom, and Tabaquisa, the 2010 Procigar Festival welcomed more than 200 guests representing more than 20 countries.

During the Festival, participants enjoyed guided tours of each sponsor company's tobacco plantations and cigar making operations. In addition, the Festival also celebrated the rich culture of the island nation by treating guests to authentic Dominican cuisine, merengue music and visits to local cultural centers.

The festival began on February 14th in La Romana, Casa de Campo, where Jose Seijas from Tabacalera de Garcia welcomed the cigar lovers to the Dominican Republic. While in La Romana, guests participated in the third annual Procigar Golf Tournament at the legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course, one of two golf tournaments that took place during this year's festival.

On Tuesday February 16th, Festival registration began in Santiago and on Wednesday February 17th the official activities of the festival started in the host city of Santiago de Los Caballeros. During the three-day itinerary, guests were treated to guided tours of Matasa, La Aurora, General Cigar and Davidoff factories, where attendees saw firsthand how their favorite cigars are produced. As a bonus, guests had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with executives and cigar makers from each sponsor company and participated of tastings, seminars, tobacco rolling experience and the launching of new cigars.

New for this year, each guest had the opportunity to select from one of five daily activities online to customize their itinerary before arriving. In addition to cigar factory and plantation tours, Procigar festival participants had the option to partake in activities including Presidente Beer, Brugal Rum, Karoma Coffee plantation, the Dominican Craftsmanship and City Tour or the Path of Chocolate tour. For the adventuresome, the Damajagua River Adventure featured a guided tour of Dominican waterfalls. In addition it was held a second golf tournament, which took place at Santiago's Las Aromas golf course.

Also new for 2010, the Festival's first-ever press conference was held at the Hodelpa Gran Almirante in Santiago with the participation of Hendrik Kelner, Manuel Quesada, Dan Carr, Guillermo Leon and Juan Clemente, followed by the seminar "Why Dominican Republic is Cigar Country". A cigar blind tasting contest was made during this seminar ending with 7 lucky winners that received discounts and full paid trip for the 2011 Festival.

The welcome dinner was filled with Dominican culture featuring carnaval, Dominican cuisine and perico-ripiao music performed by "El Prodigio". A dancing contest was made up again of festival participants, the finalist were again Arthur Zarestky, Michael Herklots and new on stage Thaddeus Bug, the latter took the crown earning the prize of selecting 100 cigars from any of the Procigar members cigar factories.

A gorgeous white dinner was offered at the Monumento a los Heroes de La Restauracion, which is the main symbolic building of Santiago, here the participants enjoyed a beautiful view of the city and a taste of a unique cigar, never to be repeated again, made with special tobaccos from all factories of Procigar. A silent auction was also held to benefit the sister country of Haiti. A fun after party continued after this dinner for those that did not want to end the night early.

The closing ceremony was held at a private club in Santiago called Centro Espanol. This year's theme embraced the history of Santiago and celebrated the sights and sounds of Santiago in the early 1900's. The evening culminated in a live auction of limited edition cigars and related items to benefit the Voluntariado de Jesus con los ninos (Non-Profit organization for ill children) and the Hospicio San Vicente de Paul de Santiago (retirement home for low income elders).

Gold Sponsors:
Hodelpa Gran Almirante, Presidente, American Airlines, Ferquido, Cigar Rings, Banco Popular, Intabaco, Fersan, Casa de Campo, Consejo Nacional de Zonas Francas de Exportacion, Vriijdag premium printing, Corporacion Zona Franca Industrial, Ayuntamiento Municipal de Santiago, Karoma.

Silver Sponsors:
Manne Tobacco Flavour, Editoria Premium, Brugal

Bronze Sponsors:
El Catador, Coca-Cola y Dasani, Golf Destinaire (Callaway), El Sendero del Cacao, CEI-RD, International Packaging, UPS, Direccion General de Aduanas, BME, Seguros BanReservas

Visit the TU Facebook page for Procigar 2010 Pictures & Video

NYC Says Heroin-Yes, Tobacco-No

2010-01-10T14:54:00.006-05:00

Last year the New York City (NYC) health commissioner and mayor stated their intent to ban outdoor smoking because 'children should not have to see smokers'. NYC also banned the sale of all flavored tobacco (specifically by professional tobacconists), and mandated that retail tobacconists must place graphic and disgusting images of disease next to our products. Clearly, NYC hates tobacco in a way that transcends science, facts, tolerance, taste, or the value of self-determination and freedom. The bigotry of NYC's legislators and leaders could not be more obvious in a society that ignores the value of protecting smoker and business owner rights. And we know all of this because NYC continues to tax, ban, prohibit, and over-legislate our industry into near extinction.

What we did not know, is that while they are pursuing the prohibition of tobacco, NYC is simultaneously promoting the 'safe' use of heroin - you can't make this stuff up! While NYC forces tobacconists to display images of disease, they provide heroin users with step-by-step guides, colorfully illustrated for their heroin using pleasure! Click on this CRA News Alert to get the full story.

Don't be surprised if NYC [and all of the other towns and cities that mimic these legislators] force bars, liquor and wine stores to post grotesque pictures of drunk driving accident victims; while publishing 'How To Cook Methamphetamine" brochures - Coming to an America in 2010? PROBABLY.

Please read and share this news alert from the CRA; you have to see it to believe it. Channel your anger into pro-activity, make sure you are participating with the CRA, and show your friends the destructive path we are being led down.

Humidor Setup

2009-12-11T17:39:00.001-05:00

Cigar Interview: Jorge Armenteros, CMT, Tobacconist University

2009-11-27T17:00:00.001-05:00

Stalk Priming: Content Preview

2009-11-09T19:51:00.004-05:00

For the better part of 2009 we have been researching and studying a very unique dark tobacco harvesting method known as Stalk Priming. This is an exclusive presentation of an agricultural and processing method which has been hidden or lost to the contemporary world of cigar smokers. We are calling this content "in development" because we would like to re-create these harvesting and processing conditions and ultimately taste the final product; that will take money, time, and more effort. In addition, this is considered CMT Curriculum, or 'advanced' content which will eventually go into the testing process for Certified Master Tobacconists.

Regardless of all these details, none of the research and writing we do has any value if we do not share it, so here it is... Please feel free to comment and share.

Thanks to Jose "Don Pepin" Garcia for sharing hist time, experience, and wisdom during the develpment of this content. The astute observer may have noticed that we included a definition of Stalk Priming in The Tobacconist Handbook and TU Glossary, but this is the first preview of the academic curriculum.

"We Are Better Than Them" Bigotry

2009-11-06T19:17:00.005-05:00

"We are better than them" is a notion that anti-smokers and the anti-smoking movement hold close to their hearts and minds. But they do not have a monopoly on that sentiment, as I just heard a cigar salesman tell me that "we are better than them" when referring to cigarette smokers.

We know that cigars and pipe smokers enjoy tobacco very differently from cigarette smokers and the products themselves are very different. But, dependency and patterns of use does not make anyone better than another.

Are you better than me because you work out four days a week and I only work out three? Are you better because you eat more vegetables? Are you better because you are thinner? better looking? have more hair? etc..... The notion that one person is better than another for the pleasures they choose, their tastes, and/or preferences is absurd, divisive, and it is the reason all smokers are losing their rights. The anti-smoking/nanny-state/pleasure-police movement capitalizes on the notion that 'they know better' and that 'they are better'. But, this is a fraud and it is the essence of their bigotry. The only qualitative measure of a person should derive from how they treat other people.

Ultimately, we must all respect each others' rights and freedoms in order preserve our own. Tobacco users are not "dirty", "filthy", or "disgusting" people any more than non-smokers, fat, or ugly people are. In fact, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and taste is subjective, so who are we to judge?

Tobacconists and tobacco lovers are clearly the besmirched underdog in this society and we are going to have to change the way we view the world in order to make significant progress. We must change our perspective, become less divisive, build more coalitions, and teach others to respect our freedoms and choices as much as we respect theirs. If every cigar lover, as 5% of the population, convinced 12 people to respect our freedoms, then we could have a chance at surviving the tyranny of the majority.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

- Benjamin Franklin

The Tobacco Smokescreen: Distracting Bigotry

2009-11-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

In NYC we are now fighting the prohibition of all flavored tobaccos; plus the threat of banning smoking outdoors in parks and beaches so 'children won't have to see smokers'. Meanwhile, taxation, smoking bans, and de-normalization of smokers continues to increase. Yet, we learned this year that the use of anti-depressants has doubled over the last decade and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, you can walk into any convenience store, supermarket, or 'nutritional center' and buy yourself amphetamine-like drinks and diet pills, erectile aids, and five hour energy shots. Plus, I just read that the new 'hot' product on the market is caffeine laced meat!

Politicians and legislators are beating up on the tobacco industry and the people and businesses suffering the most are retail tobacconists and luxury tobacco aficionados. Yet, 'feel-good' prohibitions, taxation, and restrictions continue to be passed by local, state, and federal agencies. Meanwhile, the substantive problems of the world seem to go unaddressed. At this point, even cigarette smokers are more than paying for any societal costs associated with their pleasures, yet the government is milking them to pay for childrens' health-care - this is happening because the societal perception that cigarette smokers (or all smokers) are "filthy" or "dirty" people with a "disgusting" habit. Well, as long as our government chooses to stigmatize and punish unpopular people, I can guarantee that nothing positive or substantive will ever get done. Consumers of alcohol and fat people beware! This will not stop until we stand up and help minorities protect their choices/pleasures/freedoms, even if they are not the freedoms that we choose to exercise.

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

The Worst Freedom is OK

2009-10-28T12:32:00.004-04:00

As a retail tobacconist I have paid half a dozen floor taxes and tax increases this year alone. The campaign against all smokers is in full effect around the globe while smoking bans (both indoor and outdoor), de-normalization, perpetual and unreasonable tax increases, continue to usurp our freedoms. But the hallmark of 2009 is the prohibitions that have been put into place by the FDA (banning flavored cigarettes) and now NYC banning ALL flavored tobacco; again, under the intellectually bankrupt logic that these products are 'attractive to children' - even though it is illegal to sell these products to children.

Today Dr. Michael Siegel, a famous anti-smoking advocate, wrote in his blog "the anti-smoking movement is very much a religious-like one and that it is based largely on ideology rather than science." Now we should be able to see things clearly; smokerism and the relentless taxation is not based on science, but rather bigotry. And smokers, along with other freedom loving people, have been saying for years that the health police/nanny state will come after soda pop, obese people, and alcohol soon enough. Well, soon enough is already here!!! Taxes and bans on fatty foods are becoming prevalent while European cities have started to ban happy hours!

Behaviour and pleasure control has never been about health, because happiness cannot be measured in years or numbers. As a society we must accept that cigarette smoking is the absolute worst personal freedom and then move on. It's OK; there will always be a WORST Freedom. But, the key to living in free and democratic societies is to preserve freedoms, not constantly whittle away at them. Today, smokers pay more than their fair share of the 'societal' (health care) costs associated with smoking; they are not a burden to non-smokers. So it must be time to leave them alone. Otherwise, our government is just punishing people who they do not like and that is reprehensible. At this point, it will be up to non-smokers to stand up and say "Enough Is Enough". Even the worst freedom is OK, now lets get on with our lives!

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

In Loving Memory of Rudy Garmendia

2009-10-22T12:44:00.000-04:00

It has been just over a year since our industry lost one of its greatest leaders, Daniel Miranda of Miami Cigar & Co. Danny was too young and good to leave us so soon. Sadly, today I was informed of another great loss which has come as a big surprise. One of my oldest friends, Rodolfo (Rudy) Garmendia, was killed by a drunk driver on August 11, 2009 on 836 in Miami. This tragedy is unfathomable, and statistically improbable, but true. Rudy left behind three beautiful children, a wife, and extended family. He was just 36 years old.

Just a few weeks ago I was sitting on the rooftop of the Clevelander hotel in SoBe with friends and family telling "Rudy" stories; twenty years after the fact, he had us laughing! To my mothers surprise she learned a lot more about our high school exploits than she ever wanted to know.

Rudy had an extraordinary ability to make people smile and laugh. He had a special swagger and a natural exuberance for life. He was also a classic Cuban exaggerator and ball-buster and we loved him for it! And he was a cigar lover. He was beautiful.

I'm writing about Rudy because he embodies all of the great things that I happen to love about my friends, tobacconists and cigar smokers: they have a unique gift for savoring and creating special moments. In many ways cigars add punctuation and anchor the special moments in our lives; they are part of the process of relaxing, decompressing, and savoring our time. And, while we all live and die, very few of us have the ability to create and spread as much joy and fun as Rudy Garmendia. I suppose the lesson I will take from this tragedy is to show more exhuberance for life and smile more! That is the greatest gift I ever got from Rudy. Thank you Rudy; I will miss you and learn from you as long as I live.

My heartfelt condolences, prayers, and love will continue to go out to his family and friends.

Tobacco Prohibition 2.0: Banning Flavor

2009-10-15T11:29:00.001-04:00

Today, the New York City city council voted 46 to 1 to ban/prohibit flavored tobacco products. The ban does not include Menthol or Mint, like the FDA 'Protect Your Family from Smokers' bill, and it does not ban flavored pipe tobaccos - yet.

All of this is happening in the same city where the nanny-minded mayor changed the law so he could stay for a third term in office, banned indoor smoking, and is now trying to ban outdoor smoking in parks and beaches - because 'children should not have to see smokers'.

Where are all of the infuriated people? Where are Americans who value freedom? Individual Rights? And not just the rights you use, but all individuals' rights?

Within thirty minutes of this news breaking, I have witnessed emails, facebook, and twitter messages from industry members and not one of those messages had anything to do with the usurpation of our freedoms. Topics did include: tonight's featured bottle of wine to drink at home; something about farmville; a note about splurging on a ribeye steak because it's 'hump day'; a bejeweled score; what you are watching on TV or the internet; what you are smoking; what you are wearing for Halloween; what game you are watching tonight; who you are rooting for; and something about a golf tournament.

Sadly, many NYC tobacconists did not find out about the vote until the day before; so some of us are being rail-roaded and disenfranchised by the system. But, the real problem is our own apathy and lethargy. Where is the anger? The vote was 46 to 1!

These prohibitions started with the FDA justifying a ban of cigarettes that have a 'characterizing' flavor that 'can be attractive to children'. Yet this is the most bankrupt and illogical justification because IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL TOBACCO TO CHILDREN. So that should be the focus - stop sales of tobacco to underage children! It's not rocket science; you don't have to be a genius to figure it out. The prohibition of products that are 'attractive to children' is the most insipid legislative trend I have ever seen in my lifetime; it is as bad as McCarthyism, Racism, anti-Semitism, and any other 'ism' which is based on an ideology of hatred and bigotry.

One hundred years ago men congregated in bars, pubs, and clubs to discuss matters of the day... at the time, most of them smoked. Yet today, we are not allowed to congregate, smoke, and talk in the same place - except for the rare retail tobacconist. And now the walls are crumbling around us.... The guiding principle behind the founding of America was 'the individual pursuit of happiness'.... so it was. What is the guiding principle behind America today?

Unfortunately, the path to freedom is wrought with challenges and sacrifice. For starters, sign The Tobacconist Preservation Act, join the CRA, get Certified, and finally, get your head out of your arse and take half of the time you spend watching TV, sports, or shopping for crap, and start fighting for your freedoms. Otherwise, all that is worth living for, the simple human pleasures, will be lost.

Cigar Myths: Body

2009-10-05T12:01:00.000-04:00

Body = Strength

Myth: The body and strength of a cigar are the same and/or related.

Truth: Body, in terms of flavor (taste+aroma) profile, does not necessarily correlate with the Strength of a cigar. Strength refers to nicotine potency or the intensity of spice – two separate factors. Body is a flavor descriptor which can refer to the depth, breadth, and richness of a tobacco (flavor).

So, a strong cigar can be medium bodied, while a full-bodied cigar can be mild or medium strength. As an example, imagine that chicken has a mild body, while beef has a richer body, yet both can be spicy/strong, depending on how they are seasoned.

Visit Cigar Myths for comprehensive content.

Blunt Debate

2009-09-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

One of the most recent and grotesque legislative threats to cigar smokers, our freedoms, and common sense is the Washington DC City Council's efforts to ban the sale of single cigars; because they are considered 'drug paraphanalia'. This is a legislative trend we have seen in other places and despite its stupidity, I'm sure we will see it again. So, we must address the problem with facts before it gets more ridiculous.

First, we must explain what a 'blunt' is, since most cigar smokers probably have no idea. The Urban Dictionary defines a blunt as a "cigar hollowed out and filled with marijuana." The term derives from the short-filler Phillie Blunt brand which was originally used to create blunts. The term blunt originated in the 1980s and continued to be a popular inner-city technique for smoking marijuana throughout the 1990s. Our research indicates it has faded in popularity over the last ten years.

It is important to note that blunts are made from short-filler, cheap cigars, which are available at convenience stores. Blunts are not made from premium cigars nor do they use natural tobacco leaves; they use homogenized tobacco leaf. A long-filler premium cigar cannot be emptied in the same way a short-filler cigar can and it would be prohibitively expensive to purchase a premium cigar to smoke marijuana. So, even if you think the government should prohibit products which can potentially have illicit uses, you must understand that premium cigars do not fit into that category. Furthermore, if you follow the logic of prohibiting products that can be used to smoke marijuana, then you will have to ban all paper, all plastic bottles, apples, and a myriad of other benign objects.

Ultimately, the idea of banning a product that has potentially illicit uses is absurd; by that logic you could ban almost everything in the world*. Even worse, it shows how intellectually bankrupt our legislators are and does nothing to protect citizens or our freedoms.

*This legislative mentality is brought to you by the same nanny state that believes it makes sense to ban products that are "attractive to children."..... Remember that our current legislators can take away ever pleasure and freedom you enjoy in the name of your "health and welfare".

WITWITTH? - Where In The World Is The Tobacconist Handbook?

2009-09-03T17:35:00.000-04:00

It took over a decade to create and our pre-marketing campaign left many people wondering, where in the world is The Tobacconist Handbook? Well, The Tobacconist Handbook (TH) is here and available at Amazon.com. More importantly, we want to know who has the TH and would like to share your pictures with the Tobacconist University community: we are calling this the WITWITTH? Project. You can view the photos on our Facebook Fan page or Follow TU on Twitter to see the latest and greatest contributions to the WITWITTH? Project. Thank you to everyone who is contributing, and especially Jessica Padrón, who took the extraordinary photograph above.

The Certified Medallion: Leveraging TU

2009-08-30T17:34:00.000-04:00

We tell all TU Apprentices and Certified Tobacconists that getting Certified and passing the final exam is just the beginning of the process, albeit the hardest. Ultimately, Certification must be leveraged by wearing the Certified Pin and using the Certified Medallion, on business cards, store signage, and your website. After all, if you get Certified and never mention it to your customers, co-workers, vendors, and the community around you, then the benefits will never materialize. While TU is no magic bullet for what ails our industry, the ability to leverage it is a massive competitive advantage.

PS: every CRT store gets a framed diploma with their logo, store signage stickers, and the right to use the Certified Medallion as long as they maintain one CRT. Individual CRT receive the Certified Pin, a personal diploma, mouse pad, and more...

The Tobacconist Handbook Proof

2009-08-19T17:32:00.001-04:00

The Tobacconist Handbook Proof has arrived. And, it is indeed proof of our credibility and professionalism. These 205 pages, 120+ custom images/graphics, and 41,000+ words took almost fifteen years to create and then another 2,000 hours to distill into a handbook. I could not be more excited to preview it here for you. Thank you to all of the well-wishers and inquirers; it will be available in September 2009 and you will definitely be hearing more about it in the months to come. Please sign up for our email list (top left) to get the latest and greatest news!

Take a sneak peak at the Padrón Foreword.

TU Pays CRT $100

2009-08-18T17:30:00.001-04:00

Today we cut our first check to a CRT for certifying a consumer (CCT). While the $100 check may not lift us out of the current economic crisis, this is nonetheless an historic occassion. CRT around the world can certify consumers and earn $100 for doing practically nothing! Pure profit (less postage)!! This is what we mean when we say TU creates "new value and opportunities". So, in the tradition of retailers framing their first dollar bill, we are posting our first $100 check written to a CRT for certifying a CCT. This is just the beginning and we could not be more proud than to create value and profit for retail tobacconists.

FYI: you can read all about CCT here.

National Media Honors Certified Tobacconists

2009-08-05T17:22:00.000-04:00

Certified Tobacconists from across the country received national media recognition for their accomplishments in a news report today:

Gaining positive media attention is a rare thing indeed these days, and important to projecting and preserving the honor and credibility of the luxury tobacco industry. Congratulations to everyone who has been certified and was mentioned in the article. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. And thanks to all our apprentices. We look forward to certifying all of you and watching this list grow!

Sickening Health Industry

2009-08-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

Over the last few weeks the FDA has come out against the use of e-cigarettes, and the state of Oregon has banned them, even though these products are estimated to be 1400 times safer than regular cigarettes (see http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/ for further enlightenment). Meanwhile, a study was just released showing that the use of antidepressants in America has doubled over the last decade. Antidepressants are the drugs that affect serotonin levels, a.k.a. the pleasure center of the brain. Perhaps this is what people turn to when they are scared into giving up natural delicacies like tobacco (see Pills vs. Cigars)... I don't know the reasons why, but clearly there is something wrong with a society that needs to medicate so many people just to be functional. I can empathize with anyone taking these drugs, but I am ashamed to live in a world where they are so prevalent and the real drug pushers are multi-national pharmaceutical companies (the same companies that push nicotine replacement products - not including e-cigarettes though).

I hope we can get back to a place where a stiff drink, good cigar, or long night of shagging can cure what ails us.... Let's remember that we have lived on this planet for thousands of years without the aid of pharmaceuticals and there are many natural and traditional values and practices that can enrich and balance our lives; they include, but are not limited to: great food, wine, chocolate, tobacco, sex, sunshine, long walks, relaxation, being around the water, nature, excercise, friends and family. Perhaps, the only thing getting in the way of real pleasure and happiness is the sensationalized and fear mongering news media and health organizations which want us to buy their products. I think there was a time when doctors and health organizations were admired and trusted by the citizenry... but for me, that time has passed; I am sickened by the health industry and the fact that they never cure anything.... What do you think?

F-D-Absurdity: Electronic Cigarettes

2009-07-24T11:42:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday July, 22 the FDA held a press conference which essentially banned e-cigarettes (definition) and tried to spin the information (as opposed to scientific data) so it seems like they are as bad as cigarettes. Dr. Michael Siegel does a great job of outlining the lunacy of the FDA's position in his article: FDA Lunacy: Product We Know Will Kill 400,000 People This Year - Approved; Product that May Well Help Prevent Many of Those People from Dying: Banned.

Clearly, the FDA, lung and cancer associations, pharmaceutical industry, and anti-smoking groups hate the thought of e-cigarettes. It seems they abhor the thought and/or act of smoking more than the negative health effects. Perhaps the thought that people actually enjoy nicotine or sensory pleasures is unbearable to the nanny state and pleasure police so they must vilify any act that resembles smoking anything.

The horrible irony is that there are nicotine replacement therapies (nrt) whose side effects are SUICIDE, yet they are just fine by the FDA and the pharmaceutical companies that sell them; as well as the lung and cancer lobbies/associations (there are too many to name them all so please allow the generalization).

We all know that cigarette smoking is the most unhealthy of all our freedoms... and it will remain that way... unless they make them illegal or allow a product that will shorten the lives of 500,000 people per year (as opposed to the supposed 400k who die prematurely from cigarette smoking). But, in a free and healthy society people must be able to take educated risks and live their lives as they please without infringing on the freedoms of others.

There will always be a "WORST" or "MOST UNHEALTHY" freedom/lifestyle choice/personal preference/activity/taste. And that should be OK. Society does not need to continually beat up and/or prohibit 'the worst' freedoms; a healthy society will just accept them and educate the population. Otherwise, the most dangerous threat to freedom is the continual legislation and pursuit of health and safety.

In the end, I don't believe that 'Greed Is Good' (to quote Wall Street's Gordon Gecko)... But RISK IS GOOD - as determined by the individual, for the individual. Risk is necessary to move civilization, technology, and individuals forward. Risk is the foundation of the pursuit of happiness - the fundamental premise behind The United States of America. Risk is good.

PS:

Dear FDA,

Please relax, smoke a cigar, and remember that WITHOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND RISK THERE IS NO REWARD OR PROGRESS. Clearly you understand that when allowing the sale of pharmaceuticals whose side effects include suicide, depression, heart attacks, etc... FREE TOBACCO. LET THE FARMERS LET THE PLANTS CONTROL THE NICOTINE. And leave my coffee, alcohol, and chocolate alone too.

The Hard Truth

2009-06-30T16:41:00.001-04:00

: Rostros Anonadado (Bewildered/Stunned Faces) by Eduardo Expósito

As a retail tobacconist, I can unequivocally state that the last ten years have been difficult (dramatic understatement). The challenges we face are unlike any other business persons' or industry (i.e. FDA, S-CHIP, OTP, smoking-bans, tobacco de-normalization, etc...). And, if you think the last ten years have been bad... what do you think the next ten will be like?

If we don't make dramatic changes to our industry and culture, our future will be exponentially worse! This is the hard truth. While marketers, manufacturers, salespeople, and retailers tell you 'business is good', that is either a lie or tunnel vision. Business people must 'spin' positivity because negativity does not improve sales. But, just because you make money this year does not mean 'business is good'. A viable industry/business-model needs to be sustainable; we must be able to plan ahead for things like retirements, recessions, childrens' educations, growth, asset preservation, business sales, etc...

One of the worst trends that has infected our industry and political climate is the 'grandfathering' of existing tobacconists and cigar bars without allowing the creation of new ones. Yet, whenever these laws pass, our industry claims a victory because we preserved a 'business'. But we also put a nail in our coffin if no one can open a new business!

Yet another sad sign that we are in trouble is the inconspicuous nature of our customers. One of my oldest and dearest friends/customers who has a passion for cigars hides this from his own children; he takes a 'fabreeze' shower before going home and swears to his kids that he does not 'smoke'. Partly, this is because children are thoroughly indoctrinated in school that 'smoking kills' and they do not distinguish between types and frequency of tobacco use. On a similar note, I am still irate, years after a policeman went to my little sister's school, in full uniform with a badge and gun, and gave an hour long lecture about how 'smoking kills' - still no distinguishing between types of smoking and the value of human freedom and personal choice. Plus, what is a policeman doing lecturing kids about smoking?

So, without writing a book here.... I would like to end on a positive note... since I have devoted myself and resources to the preservation of the luxury tobacco industry and retail tobacconists. I am not a negativist! Our path to salvation will not be easy. First, we must join and support the CRA in order to fight the short term battles and legislative momentum. Next, we must get Certified, and project our credibility!!! But, when we say 'project our credibility', we do not mean sit around with other cigar/pipe smokers and talk about how good or knowledgeable we are! Projecting our credibility is about making non-smokers, friends and family, and the society we live in understand and RESPECT our profession, passions and choices! Make converts out of non-aficionados! If every cigar and pipe smoker convinced 10 people to respect our rights, then we would still have our rights!

Final Note: Part of the TU Mission is to "research, learn, and teach in order to educate ..." and our Vision is to "build and project the credibility of the luxury tobacco industry in order to gain cultural acceptance around the world..." With that said, we are not beholden to any person or business. We are an independent educational institution with a clear mandate to speak the truth: the truth as we see it - not the 'truth' as devised or spun by marketers or business people. We receive no money from the IPCPR and our Sponsor(s) know that they are funding free education and certification without infringing on our Vision and Mission: perhaps, this is why we only have one sponsor. But, you can rest assured that TU will continue to research, learn, and teach while delivering the truth and working to build the credibility we will need to survive... for generations to come. Ultimately, we will only be successful if you and the rest of the industry participate. So, what are you doing to ensure the survival of the luxury tobacco industry?

Einstein Smoked!

2009-06-16T16:37:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's true, Einstein smoked: pipes and cigars.

Albert Einstein's contributions to modern science are so extraordinary that it may take generations and hundreds of years for science to catch up with his theories on space, time, gravity, light, physics, etc... Ironically, Einstein had speech problems as a child and was probably missing portions of his brain, while other parts seem to have 'compensated' and given him extraordinary thinking, visualization, and conceptualization abilities. In fact, we are all a little bit like Albert Einstein in that our brains have different strengths and weaknesses and there are many different ways to be 'smart'. Intelligence takes on many different forms and varietals.

: Albert Einstein, Berlin, Germany 1931. Photo from Fortune Magazine March 6, 2000.

Albert Einstein claimed that he thought through images, rather than verbally. That is why he spent much of his time ruminating, meditating, thinking, and walking the grounds of the Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University, with a pipe or cigar in hand, of course.

As the proprietor of the retail tobacconist in Princeton, NJ, I like to think that Albert Einstein would be a customer if he were around today. After all, many of Princeton's esteemed intellectuals and luminaries are my customers, and they love their luxury tobacco. But this is not just a 'puff' piece about smart people smoking tobacco. Luxury tobacco is something we use out of choice, not addiction. Furthermore, we smoke great cigars and pipe tobaccos to savor our time, ruminate, decompress, gather our thoughts and emotions, and revitalize ourselves, among other reasons.

Just as our 'brains' are different, so are the things that bring us pleasure, happiness, joy, and peace. America's founding fathers recognized the inherent importance of individualism and freedom, so they anchored our country's constitution and values on the 'individual pursuit of happiness' and human freedom. For better or worse, good, bad or indifferent, human beings must be free to choose their own destiny and guide their own lives.

What would Albert Einstein think about S-CHIP, FDA tobacco regulation, extreme tobacco taxation, smoker demonization, smoking bans, and tobacco denormalization? Where would civilization be without Albert Einstein's genius? Who or what power has the legitimate authority to tell him (or us) how to think? What to enjoy? After all, we hold the truth of human freedom and equality to be self-evident.

The greatest tragedy to result from smokerism and anti-smoking laws will never be known. The greatest cost from impeding human freedom is the opportunity cost: those things, ideas, moments, realizations, and appreciations that will never exist, because the opportunity was lost. But these losses, while intangible, are as real as light, gravity, and time. Ultimately, every law that restricts individual freedom and choice retards our culture and undermines real progress and quality of life.

The Junk Science of Tobacco Control

2009-06-03T13:00:00.005-04:00

Dr. Michael Siegel wrote a great article last week titled:

IN MY VIEW: Why Has the Science in Tobacco Control Deteriorated So Much?
Because the Tobacco Industry Has Relinquished its Watchdog Role.

Around the year 2000, as smoking ban laws gained momentum, 'big tobacco' (the only people with the resources to fight) seemed to stop challenging any of the extreme, ridiculous, and unfounded propaganda released by the anti-smoking and tobacco control movement. So, for almost a decade we have been bombarded by exaggerated claims, fear mongering, and extreme taxation and legislation furthering the goals of tobacco de-normalization.

I will leave the commentary and analysis up to Dr. Siegel... but I would agree with his assessment that the tobacco control industry has run amok and there is no one (substantively) standing in their way. Just yesterday I saw a nicotine gum advertisement where they encourage people not to stop smoking cigarettes 'cold turkey', even though this is the most successful method. Instead, they encourage you to use the nicotine gum and tell you you will have 'a higher success rate'; while in tiny print on the bottom of the screen it says 'over a placebo'.... Meanwhile, the image of the cold turkey quitter is of him walking off a cliff/building... as if he is committing suicide by quitting 'cold turkey'... Someone/thing needs to keep big pharma in check and who better than big tobacco?

National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day: Friday June, 12

2009-05-26T14:03:00.003-04:00

Miami Cigar & Co. and Nestor Miranda will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary on Friday June 12th at over 500 retail tobacconists across America. Any customer who purchases ANY cigar at a participating tobacconist will receive ONE Nestor Miranda Special Selection Danno 20th Aniversario cigar for free; as a token of Miami Cigar & Co.’s appreciation and their commitment to consumers and tobacconists. This could be the biggest and best giveaway our industry has ever seen! And it could not come from a more extraordinary group of people and company.

Miami Cigar & Co. is the world’s only fully certified salesforce of CST. Both their in-house staff, salesforce, and Nestor Miranda himself are all TU Certified Tobacconists. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment to consumers and tobacconists is unparalleled in this industry.
You can visit Nestor Miranda Cigars to find a participating retail tobacconist.

In my continuing efforts to be brief, I will refrain from writing a book here… but I would like to add that there are few companies or people with the character and integrity of the Miranda family and Miami Cigar & Co. All you have to do is google Nestor and/or Miami Cigar & Co. or read through the Cigar Aficionado archives to learn what character and perseverance are all about. Congratulations to them on 20 years of excellence… we are looking forward to the next 20!

Voice of Freedom

2009-05-25T19:24:00.004-04:00

# 53
2009-05-20 15:00:42
Tomasch, Nathan

"As a proud member of a nation founded upon freedoms that once were the envy of all other nations, I am distraught over the over-reach of current tobacco laws. Regulation of the sale and use of a legal product should be minimal and logical and it is my perception that the current taxation and penalty conducted in regards to tobacco usage is skewed and unevenly discriminatory towards the tobacco smoker. The details can be discussed later. At hand now is the final bastion of tobacco use that isn't marred by a false sense of shame and guilt; the tobacconist's. Surely consumption of tobacco at an establishment catering to such would seem self-evident! Any attempt to cease the legal and adult consumption of tobacco at a tobacconist's will be met by fierce protest and resistance. Even us smokers, self-apologetic and crippled by law, will not tolerate this final offense to our civil liberties and legal choice."

I think this comment says it best... posted here with permission from Mr. Tomasch. Sign the TPA.

Cigar Culture Wars

2009-05-01T20:16:00.009-04:00

This week Cigar Rights of America (CRA) reported that the Cancer Action Network (lobbyists for American Cancer Society*) are about to spend $3 million dollars over the next few months to lobby the administration and Congress to increase taxes on cigars and other tobacco products. Absurdly, this is happening just weeks after the S-CHIP tobacco tax increases that will fund health care for people making under $80,000 per year. The Campaign for Tobacco Free kids noted, "There is plenty of room to go [for taxes] for cigars and smokeless."

You must see by now that tobacco taxation is not really about using the money to recoup societal costs incurred by smokers. Sadly, it is estimated that only 5% of tobacco tax money is used for health care, cigarette cessation and education programs! Clearly, this level of extreme taxation is a punitive measure used to penalize a minority of people who do not conform to 'dictated' norms. In fact, the de-normalization of smokers is nearly complete as in California it is almost illegal to smoke outdoors on public sidewalks. And the hysteria and lies regarding second hand smoke has people believing smokers are dangerous and dirty people. Yet, any open-minded person who has ever read beyond the first page of the Surgeon's General report on ETS must find smoking bans perplexing and unjustified.

Sadly, tobacco taxes and smoking bans will continue to increase because they are politically expedient. Over the last two decades our economic, political, scientific, and ideological arguments have failed to preserve individual, business owner, and tobacco user rights. Just take a look at how many republicans vote for smoking bans, declining rates of return on increased taxation, and the fact that smoking rates are relatively flat.

The increased persecution and taxation of tobacco users defies logic. It is about ideology. This is a cultural war against a certain 'kind' of people. And apparently, I am one of those people. Yet, cigar smokers only represent about 5% of the population - we are a bonafide underdog. That means each of us will need to convince at least 11 people to respect and support our freedoms, just to survive. In addition, as cigar and pipe smokers, we must proactively support the CRA as they are our infantry which battles the local, state, and federal government on a daily basis.

However, winning political battles will not be enough either. The anti-smoking movement is funded and organized beyond reason and comparison to any other political farce (sp?). They have waged a cultural war and we must meet them with commensurate force. The only force capable of resisting this movement is the value of freedom, inherent to being American. And the only way to change the culture is through education. So, Tobacconist University continues to build and project the credibility of our industry - endeavoring to preserve luxury tobacco for generations to come. There is a lot of work to be done and we must start yesteryear. Please join the CRA, convince 11 people to respect you, and get educated - sign the TPA, share & communicate, and learn something.

* Yes, it's true, American cancer has a society and lobbyists. And if they have their way, all of the delicious carcinogens and smoke surrounding this steak will eventually be taxed, controlled, and eliminated as well.

De La Concha + Padron = Excellence

2009-04-26T18:09:00.006-04:00

On Thursday April 23rd I had the privilege of attending the Padron event and dinner at De La Concha Tobacconist, indubitably one of America's greatest tobacconists. De La Concha's GM and soon to be Certified Retail Tobacconist Ron Melendi was gracious enough to invite me to the event, feed me, and give me the opportunity to learn from the best. As anyone reading this article knows, Padron and De La Concha are the best at what they do, simply because they focus on two things: Products & Customers. It is in their blood; you can see it in their eyes; it is palpable and you can feel it when you are around them. They are focused and committed to the point that they are inspirational.

I think what inspires me the most in this case is the extent to which a great tobacconist will go to provide their customers with extraordinary service and value. Mr. Melendi has started the tradition of turning his retail store into a fine dining restaurant in the middle of NYC since the anti-smoking laws have become so draconian and repressive. He could easily not provide an extravagant dinner event and merely settle for an afternoon visit from a cigar maker. But, he is not the type of person to compromise or give up. Instead, De La Concha closes their store early and transforms their already elegant retail environment into an extraordinary fine dining restaurant, served by nothing less than the best, Rue 57, located just up the block. What other business or group of professionals would go through such trouble to provide their customers with this kind of value? I don't know of any other profession that goes to these lengths to serve.

Ultimately, it was a privilege to attend the event and meet so many great tobacconists. Ron and the other exemplary tobacconists at De La Concha will go down in the annals of history as the best and most committed professionals who refuse to be beaten, stifled, or compromise. It was an honor to see them in action.

Salt: The New Smoke?

2009-04-19T15:18:00.008-04:00

I'm sitting at my desk on a Sunday afternoon working on my monthly retail taxes. This paperwork nightmare takes about six hours since the state governments don't seem to understand the concept of streamlining or efficiency. Much of the information I have to provide is redundant and/or useless... but I persevere because I love being a retail tobacconist. In a momentary diversion I noticed an article (and an even better article) on the internet about NYC mayor Bloomberg and the 'health' dept. rallying against salt and launching new efforts to curtail its use - not just in NYC, but across America! First they banned smoking, then trans fats, and now they are focusing on salt. All of this comes from a democrat, turned republican, turned independent who changed the state law so he could stay in power for another term. I feel like I'm living in some horrible version of the future I had nightmares about ten years ago. I fear that our nanny govt. will be dictating our weight, complexion, taste, language, opinions, and clothes ten years from now. In the year 2019 our supermarkets will probably be void of food and filled with nutritional pills made by some non-governmental organization (i.e. partnership between pfizer & con-agra), just because our legislators and health zealots deem it in our 'best interest'.

Smoking was the gateway civil right, but we are well past that now. In the midst of our economic recession all I hear politicians talking about is new taxes and laws. Whereas, I would just like to see the old laws work, govt. made efficient, individual liberty/choice/freedom preserved, and the slavery of 'sin' taxation abolished since it is unfair (albeit politically expedient). It used to be republicans would fight smoking-bans, excessive taxation, and the usurpation of our individual liberties... but today, there is no difference between the political parties in office; they are just two sides of the same coin serving lobbyists and manipulating public perceptions with junk science and a 'holier than thou'/'we know better' mentality.

I, for one, would like more options come election time. I would like to see a (cigar smoking, salty french fry eating) politician who runs on the platform of no new taxes and laws. Just a simple leader who believes in correcting the path we are on. Someone who is not afraid to look inward at the bureaucracy and make if work, instead of compounding the problems with ad hoc solutions, feel-good laws, and obfuscations. But, above all, I want to vote for someone who believes in Education vs. Legislation! Because all people are born free and the American government should be in the business of preserving that.

Sadly, I don't have a better solution as I am still waiting for the greatest minds of our time to stand up and return this great country to the vision of our founding fathers. The best I can do is fight for what I believe in and put my money where my mouth is by fighting to preserve the retail tobacconist profession - that is why Tobacconist University exists. At the very least, we should all be members of the CRA and never lose sight of the fact that individual liberty (freedom) is the greatest human value.

Dr. Shoplifter - 3.23.2009

2009-04-16T12:32:00.002-04:00

This shoplifter stole over $150 worth of cigars in two visits on the same day. You will notice he has handfuls of cigars before he leaves the humidor and then magically appears at the register with just ONE cigar. You can follow the video clock to see the time-continuity. He takes advantage of a blind spot at the door to shove the cigars in his pockets, knowing that no camera or person can see him. And the fact that he was a friendly and regular customer kept tobacconists from suspecting him of being the scumbag that he is.

Go to the TU Forums for more Shoplifter Content. We are building a Most Wanted section for retailers to submit their pictures and information. Hopefully we can all learn from these experiences and catch a few of these criminals. I have put Wanted posters with his picture up in my store and will begin the prosecution process. Unfortunately, local prosecutors and judges have never been able to get any kind of significant restitution to us. Years ago we prosecuted a $1000+ thief and handed over all the videos, but the prosecutor, for expediency sake, simply prosecuted the one easiest theft, so the judge awarded us about $19.80 - which is insulting considering it takes hours just to compile the video footage.

Ultimately, shoplifting is the killer of all retail, and having a walk-in humidor makes tobacconists particularly vulnerable. Yet, many tobacconists like myself take great pride in providing the walk-in environment to our customers. I can only hope that we will be able to continue to provide this special service and that our customers and vendors will appreciate the sacrifices we make to be the best retail tobacconists we can be.

Best Sommelier in America 2009

2009-04-12T15:24:00.003-04:00

Last Monday I had the privilege of being a (cigar) judge at the American Sommelier Association's Best Sommelier in America 2009 competition in NYC. It was an extraordinary and significant experience on many levels and for several reasons.

First, I had the opportunity to spend the day with my host, who I affectionately like to call 'America's Tobacconist', Mr. Michael Herklots, the GM of Davidoff of Geneva stores in NYC, as well as another great tobacconist, Mr. David Kitchens, GM of Holt's. Just spending time with two extraordinary tobacconists would be enough to make it an educational and rewarding experience. But, the most educational and rewarding part was watching and learning from America's Best Sommeliers. The four finalists exhibited extraordinary professionalism, knowledge, and panache while performing for the wine and cigar judges. In particular, it was inspirational to see the world's greatest professionals competing to be the best. Their focus, intensity, and commitment was impressive, to say the least.

Ultimately, the fact that there is a cigar part to the Best Sommelier in America competition is probably the most significant point to make. The American Sommelier Association and their President, Andrew Bell, honor our industry by including cigars in the competition. By doing so, they acknowledge and reinforce the fact that cigars are an organoeleptic delicacy worthy of study and enjoyment, just like great wine and food. This simple fact should not be lost on tobacconists and consumers. Unlike the wine industry, tobacconists are swimming upstream against a torrent of taxation and repressive legislation every day. As we move forward, our survival will depend on our ability to build and project our credibility, which is why TU Certifies Tobacconists. There is much to learn from the wine industry and sommeliers.

Best Sommelier in America 2009

Michael Engelmann

Gary Danko, San Francisco

First Runner Up

Fernando Beteta, M.S.

NoMi, Chicago, IL

Second Runner Up

Inez Ribustello

On the Square, Tarboro, NC

Third Runner Up

Hristo Zizovski

Restaurant Jean Georges, NYC, NY

.... but, of course, they are all winners in my book...

Smoking Bans: A Moment of Truth

2009-04-09T15:30:00.005-04:00

The most definitive study to date concludes that smoking bans in all fifty states of America have had no impact on heart attack admissions and mortality rates. The study, conducted by researchers from the RAND Corp., Congressional Budget Office, University or Wisconsin, and Stanford University, concludes that workplace smoking bans have had no effect on heart attack rates and there are as many areas showing decreases in heart attacks as there are showing increases! So much for the junk science and fear tactics our legislators and public policy makers use to justify usurping our freedoms. You can read of the The Rest of the Story by Dr. Michael Siegel.

Double Our Business - NOW!

2009-04-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

It's simple math, really - just convert 10% of cigarette smokers to cigars and you double the size of the cigar industry. This is our reality, and in the process we can help enhance the quality of life for millions of Americans.

I continue to believe that tobacconists are modern day freedom fighters, enduring torture, demonization, and endless taxation for their beliefs and passions. If you don't believe me, just note that today is April 1st, 2009 and tobacconists all over America are being slapped with massive tax and cost increases on their products. The inventory, paperwork, price changes, and customer implications are brutal. Is there any other group of business owner or consumer being as severely taxed, legislated, and debilitated? And in this economy! It's pathetic. But, there is hope! Now is the time to help our cigarette smoking customers end their allegiance to inhaling.... Particularly if they are consuming products laced with chemicals and additives. They will thank us for it. Help someone savor their time and they will be a customer and friend forever.

PS: Dear legislators, politicians, government people; please stop taxing us to death. And by 'us' I mean all Americans, but especially those in the luxury tobacco industry.

PSS: Sign the new Tobacconist Preservation Act petition - we must project our voice and opinions!

Healthy Freedom?

2009-03-16T13:44:00.004-04:00

The Rest of the Story blog by Dr. Michael Siegel is now reporting that obesity is becoming a bigger health threat than cigarette smoking. And judging from all of the new 'fat taxes' and social discrimination, that should thrill our health zealots and nanny legislators. I have been writing for years about how smoking is the gateway civil right, after which the rest will crumble. After all, freedom comes with inherent risks and individuals should be allowed to define their own pursuit of happiness; as opposed to having it dictated to them by the government, big business, and the health control police.

For those of you who don't know, Dr. Siegel is an anti-smoking health advocate who has supported workplace smoking-bans; but he has rallied against the pseudo-science, lies, exaggerations, employment discrimination, and science by press release, strategies used by the tobacco control movement. (If you don't read his blog, you should do so daily as it is one of the only near even-handed and honest publications about tobacco and tobacco control.) Furthermore, employment discrimination against smokers is becoming a big trend in America and it is shameful.... and now overweight people are next... when will Americans remember what it means to be an American? If we are to be a free people, our government must allow us to be free; consequences and all....

Note: the painting used in this blog post was owned by ArtistaCuba (a company I own) and is now owned by Bam Margera, another freedom loving American. If our legislators read this, they will probably think themselves geniuses to enact a tax on art which depicts anything unhealthy!

Cigar Shoplifter: Senior Citizen X

2009-03-09T22:42:00.008-04:00

I can't put into civilized words how gut wrenching it is to watch people steal cigars from my stores. Every Tobacconist with a walk-in humidor experiences significant theft and it is a f&%^#ing nightmare.

Its a shame that this animal will probably never be caught, but I will do my best nonetheless. What drives me nuts is that he doesn't need it... he just WANTS it... feels like he DESERVES it.... And the worst part is that I am knee deep into rising health insurance costs for four of my employees and I am sick to my stomach about what I am going to do. They are raising our premiums another 20% this year and its brutal... my Tobacconists rely on our health insurance and the next cheapest alternative plan will require a $1,500 annual deductible... which is practically like not having health insurance at all. I'm sick to my stomach trying to provide health care to people that deserve it and este pedaso de mierda me esta robando... me cago en su ma..... Oh, sorry, my anger deviated me into Spanish. Anyway... this sucks.... But I'm onto you grandpa.... coming for ya.... no mercy.... Actually, this is all bluster because the police and prosecutors (in New Hope, PA) barely bother to defend retailers rights.... but that is another blog.

Other videos of senior citizen shoplifters can be found here.

Tobacco Beetle Video

2009-02-27T23:58:00.004-05:00

I do believe this is the world's most extraordinary tobacco beetle video. Of course, you will learn everything you need to know about tobacco beetles and how to eradicate them, but there is more....

WARNING: this video documents the intentional decapitation of a tobacco beetle pupa; the voracious creature that ruined the cigars you see on camera. Admittedly, this is a deviation from our other educational videos, in that we normally would not harm a living creature or add sound effects to enhance the experience. But, anyone who has ever experienced a beetle infestation knows the heartache and emotions involved. Furthermore, there are practical considerations, as a beetle cannot be allowed to live and procreate. So, it had to be done.

We have done a lot of bizarre experiments at Tobacconist University, including growing cigar mold, freezing cigars and smoking them, switching wrappers, and more.... all in the pursuit of knowledge in order to share and teach. But, growing a tobacco beetle infestation has to qualify as one of the most bizarre experiences to date. I hope you enjoy the video and learn something too.... there is plenty more content on L. serricorne in the TU FAQ.

TOBACCONIST ANECDOTE: About twenty years ago, a Tobacconist in a major market in the United States was having beetle outbreaks in one of their humidors. They were losing cigars on a weekly basis and didn't know how to kill the beetles. To remedy the problem they would put lizards (geckos I think) in the humidor at night and collect them in the morning. From their point of view, this seemed to work. But, the problem was trying to catch the lizards in the morning. I can only imagine the challenges... apparently they are slimy and fast. Anyway, being protective of their cigars and diligent in their pursuit of the beetles, the Tobacconist starting tying the lizards to a string at night, so they could be caught in the morning. I think things went well for a while, until they found the lizard hanged and lifeless one morning. Whether the lizard killed itself intentionally or suffered from a terrible accident will never be known. Fortunately, we have better information today and consumers and Tobacconists alike know where to get educated.

The Great Humidor Catastrophe of 2009

2009-02-21T16:01:00.003-05:00

No matter how much you dote on your cigars and humidor, there are always events and malfunctions out of our control. Last month the hygrostat (humidity control) in one of my walk-ins failed to work properly. Over the course of one night the humidity shot up into the nineties and devastated several hundred dollars worth of cigars. Fortunately, most of the cigars that were hyper-saturated survived without permanent damage. As you can see in the picture above, the cigars were laid out on paper towels to dry the wrappers and help them return to normal humidity levels. Fortunately, the few hours they spent in 90+% humidity did not ruin all of the cigars. Had this happened for an extended period of time, all would have been lost. However, a few dozen cigars did not make it through the night. Mostly, they suffered from wrapper damage which resulted from expansion. Most bulged and tore at the foot while others burst in the center. Some of the cigars were permanently disfigured as they contorted while expanding and contracting.

On The Bright Side
I have been smoking the aesthetically damaged cigars for over a month now and I can honestly say that their flavor+aroma qualities have not been significantly effected. While they may be ugly, they are delicious. As a professional Tobacconist, I am used to smoking damaged cigars. Some months I smoke nothing but damaged cigars. Its not so bad really.... life could be worse.

While extreme humidity can ruin cigars by fostering mold growth or drowning the leaves, it is not always a total loss. Remember, cigar tobacco is rolled at much higher humidity levels than 70% - usually in the 80-90% range. So, they can be resilient enough to recover.

Facebooking Phenomena

2009-02-16T16:46:00.008-05:00

Have you noticed the cigar industry emerging on Facebook? Lately it seems like everyone is getting in on the action of this social networking tool: everyone from the 'old-timers' to the 'whipper snappers'. Whether you are the IPCPR, Tobacconist University, a cigar brand, cigar maker, or just a cigar lover, our industry is beginning to Facebook. I feel like I'm late to the party since I don't have any extraordinary technological know-how, but I may in fact be early. I say this because a huge percentage of Tobacconists don't even use email, so I think we are just beginning to scratch the surface of Facebook's potential. So, let me emphatically say that I have no idea what I'm doing on Facebook, but I am enjoying every minute of it....

Recently we added a TU group and I created a group for my retail stores. While I don't really have any goals for these endeavors, I do know that it is important to connect and build community. Perhaps that is the purpose of being on Facebook! I would argue that you don't need a goal (i.e. # of friends or members). All you need to do is put yourself and/or your company out there and connect with people. See what they are doing and learn from it - let the users generate the content. The upside is that we build a stronger community and industry!

So, if you're on Facebook, friend me up*.....

THE FINE PRINT
Of course, there is always a downside. Firstly, no matter how private Facebook seems, it is still a public forum and one should comport themselves as such. Second, and VERY IMPORTANT, is the fact that Facebook considers anything you post as [practically] their property! Facebook reserves the right to reproduce and license anything you post on your page, even after you terminate your account. So, watch your mouth! And keep your intellectual property off of Facebook!

*Disclaimer: for now, I am only friending human beings....

Clean & Organize: content preview

2009-02-07T16:56:00.006-05:00

"Clean and Organize", while it sounds like simple common sense, there is nothing common about common sense and the simplest things can be the most profound.

Cleaning and Organizing can be the most powerful business practice you employ. If business is slow, clean and organize; if the weather is bad, clean and organize; if the country is in a recession, clean and organize; if you are bored, clean and organize. On the surface, the benefits may seem obvious: the store is cleaner, customers see you cleaning (positive perception), and things look better. But the real benefits of cleaning and organizing can be far greater. I have found thousands of dollars worth of 'missing' inventory while cleaning. More importantly, cleaning and organizing allows you to discover hidden assets, liabilities, and opportunities in your retail store (or any other business). Every basement, storeroom, shelving, closet, cabinet, drawer, and shelf in your store can reveal a hidden opportunity. Sometimes you will find old displays which can freshen up the shop, or products which have long been forgotten. But, the greatest benefit from cleaning and organizing is not the things you will find, but the potential ideas you will have. Nothing clears the mind like a fresh environment or good organization!

Whether you are a shop owner or manager who does this yourself or delegates, the rewards are always positive. Try to Clean & Organize and let us know if you discover anything special! Leave some comments on the blog or send us an email.... we would love to hear from you.

Super-Events: Outlaw Cigar Co. - content preview

2009-01-26T17:01:00.004-05:00

Offering anything different from the usual store operations can constitute an Event. The key to having a successful event is communicating it to your customers! Even those that do not attend will appreciate the service and recognize you as a vital business who strives to please their customers.

Something as simple as providing coffee, donuts, and a newspaper on a Sunday morning can be marketed as a “Cigar Brunch” while cigar makers, food, live music, and endless other novelties can be brought together to create a Super-Event.

While most Tobacconists may be satisfied to organize intimate events with 10 to 30 customers, others can be more extravagant. The Super-Event is defined by its scale and ambition. Perhaps any event that extends beyond the physical boundaries of you store can be a Super-Event. While Super-Events may be hard to define, you will indubitably know one when you see it.

Case Study:
The Outlaw Cigar Co. in Kansas City, MO has monthly events which draw thousands of visitors. Located in a suburban mall, The Outlaw utilizes its parking lot (and store) to create what is America’s biggest and most exciting regular cigar party. While this type of event may not viable for all Tobacconists, it is the ultimate example of what extraordinary (Certified) Tobacconsits, organization, and leadership can accomplish.

HealthScare Ping-Pong

2009-01-18T16:08:00.009-05:00

Just one week ago the media was disseminating the good news about a new study that showed one cup of coffee a day reduced the risk of oral cancer by 50% in both normal and high risk individuals.

As a coffee drinker and cigar smoker, I thought this was excellent news. While drinking coffee comes easy to me, I am constantly grumbling about having to work out and eat healthy.... so I was quite thrilled about the newly discovered benefits of coffee.

Today, I tuned into AOL and saw this:

And, for a second I almost felt bad for the coffee industry. I was thinking, 'here we go again; sensationalized headlines touting something else to be afraid of".... And, then I remembered, "I'm in the tobacco industry!!!".... No one gets more beat up, demonized, be-smirched, taxed, legislated, and scapegoated than us.

The fact is, health and safety are big businesses... and there will always be contradictory, conflicting, or sensational claims on every side of an issue. One day meat is good, another it is bad. Sometimes alcohol is good, other times it is bad for you. And the news media loves reporting anything dramatic; and reporting everything dramatically. And it certainly seems like negative and scary things get much more play - notice the AOL header: 'Don't Drink That Coffee'. While positive (non-scary) topics get more mundane exposure:

Sadly, fear and death sells (just watch how easily legislators pass anti-smoking laws). People 'click' on scary articles and 'stay tuned' for negative news. In our fast paced world, it can be very difficult to get 'the real story'; today's 'real story' is tomorrow's lie - and vice-versa. I suppose the best thing an enlightened citizen can do is stay educated and open-minded, practice tolerance and moderation and avoid harsh knee jerk reactions to the news, science, and everything else. The world is far too big and dynamic to think we can know it all.

But, I am really preaching to the choir here, as cigar and pipe smokers take the time to sit back and relax, contemplate and get perspective on life. I suppose that is what the anti-smokers in the world don't understand; they don't understand that cigar and pipe lovers are savoring their time... We are trying to decompress from the hysterical and sensationalized world we are forced to live in... like we have been for thousands of years. Instead of reacting to HealthScare Ping-Pong and every other fear that is thrust upon us, we should make it our mission to share our values with those that are less enlightened.... thus, making the world a better and more healthy place.

Morhealthity: confessions of a fake health and safety advocate

2009-01-04T13:30:00.011-05:00

Well, I have a confession to make and it makes me sick just thinking about what I have done. But, in my defense, I did it all in the name of preserving freedom. For about a week in 2008 I wrote a blog called Morhealthity - Beyond Liberty: Legislating Safety, Health, & Morality. As you can see, it was an exercise in stupidity and narcissism, void of freedom-loving values, tolerance, and common sense - but it was 'logical'. Honestly, it made me feel like a dirty person; a nazi or some other kind of grotesque totalitarian pontificating morality and social structure.

In the past I have said that smoke bans, excessive tobacco taxation, and most health and safety laws imposed on individuals are intellectually bankrupt ideas as they fail to preserve our freedoms. In fact, freedom is inherently risky, like life, and that is what makes it precious. So for about a week I put myself in the mentality that many of our contemporary legislators and health and safety advocates use.... and the results were clearly disastrous. Using their logic I easily managed to justify making hair dye illegal, closing down any business where an accident may happen, and created posses to try and tame and manage the 'dirty' smokers in our society. While I only wrote about a handful of ideas, my mind conjured up hundreds - like banning grilling, sizzling fajitas, bar-b-q, or any type of cooking that produces carcinogens or smoke - oddly the smoking bans have never addressed any of these realities. In addition, I started to think about how horrible the sight of smokers and 'less than physically perfect' people might have on our children.... maybe we should keep them out of sight... The most horrific thoughts popped into my head many times a day. Every time something bad happened in the news, I would think: 'close it down', 'ban it', 'tax it', 'legislate and control', etc....

This is what happens when individual liberty is displaced as the highest value of a society.... and I truly fear what the future holds if we do not get a grip on our most precious values! Remember, that our constitution guarantees the individual right to the pursuit of happiness! And remind your friends and legislators too.... Health, Safety, and Longevity are all useless without Freedom. And while every man dies, not every man lives well and the government has no right to tell people what will make them happy.

There are billions of dollars funnelled into the anti-smoking campaigns, both by the tobacco companies (capitalism's greatest irony), the cancer, lung, heart institutes, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (winner of the 2008 Anti-Smoking Hypocrisy Award), drug companies, and the Robert Wood Johnson foundation - just to name a few.... These lobbies work day and night pressuring legislators to pass these feel good laws. And they continue to succeed. In the end, all I can think of now is what a massive waste of human life and intelligence this has been. After all, couldn't these do-gooders accomplish so much more addressing war, genocide, disease, mal-nutrition, potable water, education, etc.... ??? Our legislators continue to restrict what individuals choose to do to themselves instead of fighting the injustices that we do to each other.

Food for thought:

In Dallas, TX Tobacconists cannot keep their doors open now because the local legislators fear people might actually smell tobacco smoke wafting outside - protecting odor annoyance?

Apartments and Condominiums throughout the country are now making smoking illegal both indoors and on balconies because some tenants hate the smell - will they legislate what and how you can cook next?

PLEASE DO YOURSELF AND OUR SOCIETY A FAVOR: SIGN THE TOBACCONIST PRESERVATION ACT PETITION.

Sign This: Tobacconist Preservation Act

2009-01-01T05:01:00.002-05:00

Please sign the petition if you support The Tobacconist Preservation Act, a proposed Federal Law which will preserve and protect Tobacconist and consumer rights to smoke in retail Tobacconist stores.

THE PETITION

* Please note, you can only sign The Tobacconist Preservation Act Petition once; whether you sign it online or a paper copy - only one signature per person.

Product Placements - Intro

2008-12-30T21:55:00.005-05:00

Product Placements are technical product listings in our academic curriculum which are used to teach Tobacconists and consumers. Companies participating in Product Placements (PP) donate their products to the TU Product Library and get a picture, technical specs, and hotlinks in the academic curriculum - (read more). While PP help support TU services and the websites, they are also an ideal resource for consumers and Tobacconists. Looking for new Torch Lighters, Double Guillotines, Two-Way Humidifiers? Just go to TU and get the facts! Learn about the products that interest you, in an educational environment; free from marketing exaggerations and advertising bias.

We have spent years creating this 'product' and are very excited to introduce you to it. At this point, you will see one extraordinary manufacturer who has contributed and is participating with TU - that is Xikar. In addition to extraordinary products and service, Xikar continues to lead the way in quality and innovation and we are grateful for their help and vision while helping us develop the TU Product Placement model. While many companies are getting ready to participate in PP, Xikar was the first and that says a great deal about their commitment to Tobacconists and consumers.

Companies who participate in Product Placements are doing TU, Tobacconists, and consumers a great service. While they could spend their money in a myriad of ways, they choose to focus on Tobacconists and consumers interested in educating and improving themselves. PP companies are helping us build a more professional and prosperous industry, one Tobacconist at a time: 'preserving luxury tobacco for generations to come'. For that, we are very grateful.

The Tobacconist Preservation Act

2008-12-13T17:21:00.008-05:00

THE PETITION

This proposed federal law is intended to preserve the rights of retail Tobacconists* (and their customers) who must be allowed to taste, smell, and sample their products within retail Tobacconist stores.

Retail Tobacconists acknowledge and accept any and all risks associated with smoke and knowingly and willingly choose to work in retail stores. Retail Tobacconists accept any potential risk associated with their profession in the same way that professional pilots, skateboarders, truck drivers, judges, police, dancers, mountain climbers, factory workers, soldiers, and other professionals accept the specific risks of their chosen professions.

Professional Tobacconists are custodians of natural products which are artistically grown and hand crafted into delicacies which are beloved by millions of consumers. Premium and luxury cigars and pipe tobaccos are enjoyed by individuals who seek the natural human pleasures of taste, aroma, camaraderie, and relaxation while savoring their time - no different than the pleasures derived from food or drink. The artistry and specialized qualities of luxury tobaccos requires legitimate professionals to represent the products and serve their customers. In addition, professional Tobacconists are well suited to ensure that tobacco products are sold only to adults.

The Tobacconist Preservation Act acknowledges the existence, validity, and necessities of the Tobacconist profession and preserves Tobacconists' rights to smoke on their premises. This act overrides any local and state laws which may prohibit retail Tobacconists from performing their professional duties, representing their products, and serving their customers; including but not limited to the right to smoke in retail Tobacconists. In addition, The Tobacconist Preservation Act acknowledges the significance, validity, traditions, and historical value that Tobacconists represent in The United States of America; in so doing this act protects the rights of a minority of the population and enriches the whole culture.

*Tobacconist: an expert dealer in tobacco and the related accoutrements.

President's Note: As the IPCPR and organizations like the CAA & CRA fight to protect our industry from S-CHIP, FDA, more taxation, and increasingly repressive smoking bans, The Tobacconist Preservation Act will be the first/only proactive and direct political act to be initiated by Tobacconist University. Go directly to our Petition website if you would like to sign our petition to support federal legislation that will preserve Tobacconists' rights to smoke in their shops. We must act now, so tell your friends to start signing the petition too.

Prohibition 2.0: Boston & Dallas

2008-12-13T16:00:00.005-05:00

This December the Boston Public Health Commission voted unanimously to ban smoking outdoors on bar and restaurant patios. Similarly, the Dallas City Council successfully voted to ban smoking 15 feet from public doorways. Both cities banned the opening of new cigar bars and Boston has only allowed cigar bars to exist for the next 10 years. WTF?

These laws are based solely on a hysterical response to the fears of secondhand smoke. In reality, the outdoor bans only protect citizens from the potential of odor annoyance; since educated and reasonable people understand that a whiff of smoke is no more unhealthy than a sip of whole milk. In addition, banning the opening of new cigar bars is the equivalent of sanctioning a monopoly - far from protecting business owners and individual rights. And, only allowing them to exist for 10 years is just an insulting usurpation of rights - as it is common sense that you need at least a ten year lease (with options) and a commercial mortgage usually lasts 20 years. So, how can anyone expect to build a career, invest in their community, take care of their family, and live the American dream under these conditions? Or, is the American Dream only available to non-smokers?

Any politician who votes for laws like these is placating a mis-informed public, fear mongering, usurping rights, and undermining the most fundamental values behind our Constitution; including but not limited to the pursuit of happiness as defined by the individual. Please be proactive and help us protect our rights by signing The Tobacconist Preservation Act.

To learn more about these new Prohibitions see CRA or CC. To learn more about the lies behind secondhand smoke propaganda read what Dr. Michael Siegel, a scientist with integrity, has to say at http://www.tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/.

Certified Testimonial

2008-12-10T13:26:00.008-05:00

You have been hearing me talk about the importance and value of TU and Certification for years now. And we get many kind and inspiring letters from Certified Tobacconists every month, but this testimonial has special meaning to me and it really captures much of the intangible, yet priceless, value TU provides:

"I cannot sing your praises enough, these certifications my employees have achieved with TU has meant so much to them, their pride is measurable in so many positive ways. As a store owner, TU brings a rare gift to me because no amount of money in bonus or spiff I could give could ever match the value of being a graduate of TU, my guys are so damn proud of their accomplishment and having their diplomas and PINS. Thanks for all the years of hard work you have put into TU because it is going to pay off for years to come for all of us involved in this unique and precious pursuit; loving the lore.

Kindest regards,

David Berkebile,
Georgetown Tobacco
Washington, D.C..

P.S.: You can quote me on this anytime."

The Tobacconist Alamo

2008-12-06T20:51:00.007-05:00

The most frightening thought in the world to any Tobacconist is that smoking bans will be instituted inside retail Tobacconist shops. It has already happened in Delaware and other parts of the country. In addition, many Tobacconists are going to court to preserve their right to smoke and sometimes just to prove they are Tobacconists - because the laws are so poorly and/or maliciously written. No other profession in the world suffers under such draconian laws. Sadly, the hostility of legislators and our society are making it more difficult to survive. Yet we persevere, not because the financial rewards are great, not for the prestige, but because we love our products and customers.

Obviously, Tobacconists must taste their products daily just to be able to communicate their value to customers; and customers need to sample products in order to make informed decisions. Not to neglect the fact that smoking in a smokeshop is akin to eating in a restaurant.

Yet logic alone is not enough to preserve our professional rights. Ultimately, the health zealots and nanny state will try to ban smoking everywhere; and retail Tobacconists will be the final frontier - the Tobacconist Alamo. Here at TU, we are preparing for that last stand. It is our commitment to prove our professional credibility and legitimacy through our curriculum and standards. Through Certifications we are building an army of Certified Tobacconists who are substantive and credentialed enough to fight for our rights. We are not just individuals who feel we have the right to smoke 'just because' or 'just because we like it'; clearly that tactic has not worked. We are professionals who have invested time and money, our lives, into an honorable existence and we will be here to fight when the rest of the industry needs us.

Stay tuned to hear about and participate in The Tobacconist Preservation Act....

My Little Inventory

2008-12-03T23:12:00.007-05:00

Inventory is everything to a retail Tobacconist. As we wrap up the fiscal year and analyze our inventory, it is hard to imagine that something so important, precious, and vital can be articulated on a few sheets of paper. The final printout for the year is 61 pages of SKUs, descriptions, costs, and more numbers. There are some oddball figures like 23,000 matches, 740 logo guillotine cutters, 111 pipe filters, 201 pipe screens, -927 waters, and probably $20,000 (retail value) worth of stolen products - this is something the public rarely realizes, but shoplifting is a brutal reality inside walk-in humidors; plus damaged cigars! I smoke so many damaged cigars I think I could play the flute professionally since my finger muscles are so well developed.... but I digress.....

What strikes me every time I do inventory is just how amazing the breadth and depth of our inventory is. In my little 680 sq/ft store the (Certified) Tobacconists have to be familiar with 100+ pipe tobaccos, 300+ cigars, 22 brands of rolling papers, dozens of pipes, humidifiers, humidors.... its even too daunting to summarize; but somehow we do it. Of course, we try to have specialists for every department, but it is still an overwhelming amount of knowledge to retain.

Currently, TU is working with companies who realize the unique challenges Tobacconists face, and together we are researching and developing new ways to help Tobacconists stay educated about their products. While TU teaches consumers and Tobacconists directly through the University, we are also trying to influence the way the industry teaches Tobacconists and customers. Getting manufacturers and distributors proactively involved will dramatically improve the amount of knowledge Tobacconists impart on our customers and society, thereby improving customer service and satisfaction. Just imagine, if it's hard for Tobacconists..... what are our customers thinking? Well, .... don't worry, we are on it.... but if you have any suggestions, please let us know!

100 Year Vision

2008-12-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

TU does have a 100 year strategy in that we are "preserving luxury tobacco for generations to come", and we definitely intend to be a vibrant institution in the year 2108. I also like to think in terms of a 100 year vision when focusing on my retail Tobacconist businesses. First, all companies should have a Vision & Mission statement, but it also helps to think very long term. After all, nothing good or significant gets accomplished overnight and fussing over quarterly stock prices and short term goals adds little value - as our current economy indicates. I am often inspired by retail Tobacconists that have been around 25, 50, or 100+ years (some of which are now Certified!). These Tobacconists (and businesses) always seem to have deep expertise in every facet of the industry; they are always proactive; they have cultivated knowledge, inventory, and traditions that translate into superior businesses. Since 1995 my retail company's Vision & Mission statement has been:

Our Vision is to be the best luxury retail Tobacconist in the world, while providing an oasis for aficionados and connoisseurs.

Our Mission is to facilitate our customer’s pleasure through the dynamic interaction of our Ambience, Exclusive Inventory, Product Knowledge, Professional Service, and Commitment to Excellence.

My father used to say ' who do you want to be when you grow up?'; actually he said this when I was an adult and he was referring to my business. And it has been helpful advice to imagine what the endgame is and base current decisions on that goal. This mentality can put the petty issues of running a business into perspective and make you focus on the important facts.

If you are struggling or dealing with difficult business conditions in the present, it is important to look far into the future. Are you cultivating long term customers? Tobacconists? Business relationships? Saving to buy your own real estate? Investing in the future or squandering it away? The future starts now..... so, who do you want to be when you grow up? Plant those seeds today and you will reap their benefits in the long term.

Georgetown Tobacco: A National Treasure

2008-11-24T13:43:00.015-05:00

If you know me well, you may know that walking into Georgetown Tobacco in the early 1990s changed my life. I never knew the world of luxury tobacco existed until I stepped into that store; I was used to buying cigars at cafeterias on the streets of Miami. To this day I remember the extraordinary Tobacconists that helped me discover great cigars and new ways to savor my time - perhaps this is why I have such a fondness and respect for Tobacconists. And I can only begin to imagine how many thousands of people have been impacted the same way.

While Georgetown is coming up on its 45th Anniversary, and they just Certified their 11th CRT, it is no mystery why they are one of the world's greatest retail Tobacconists. Starting with their founder, David Berkebile and every Tobacconist I have met in their stores, there is enough passion and knowledge on their sales floor to make any Tobacconist and customer salivate. While TU writes about putting Products & Customers first, I think that philosophy might have been absorbed from Georgetown. I'm sure someone could write a book on the knowledge, history, tall tales, and passion found at Georgetown; and I can honestly say that their retail store is one of the world's most beautiful - in any industry!

Ultimately, we are lucky to have such an extraordinary group of Tobacconists Certified, and grateful for the things they have and will teach us down the road. Congratulations to Georgetown for continuing to be the best at what they do. And many thanks for sharing that with TU, your customers, and the rest of the world..... Looking forward to the next 45 years.

Carry An Unlit Cigar II

2008-11-15T19:09:00.006-05:00

"I am beginning to be able to really sympathize with smokers and to see how this treatment by institutions in our society really marginalizes them and makes them feel like social outcasts or pariahs. Were I a smoker, this would probably make me angry and motivate me to identify even more strongly as a smoker and to resolve even more strongly to continue smoking. Any desire to quit would be tempered by the viciousness of these anti-smoking advocates and their bigotry. I am starting to really see where many of my readers are coming from."

-Dr. Michael Siegel

Smokers to Be Banned from Fostering or Adopting Children in Several Districts in Scotland

November 14, 2008

www.tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com

As I postulated over a year ago, we need to Carry An Unlit Cigar; mostly to project our existence and credibility; while refusing to be marginalized or de-normalized. Smokerism continues to rob more individuals and business people of their rights than any other legislative/social reality today. In Boston, cigar bars are on the verge of being voted out of existence by 'health' crusaders, college campuses everywhere are banning smoking on their property, and in Los Angeles they may make smoking outside of your home illegal. There are even Tobacconists in the United States of America that cannot smoke in their own stores, even though sampling and studying our products is absolutely necessary. We need to put ourselves 'out there'! And as far as I know, even the 'unpleasant' smell of an unlit cigar (either partly smoked, or fresh) is still LEGAL everywhere!

At the very least, Carrying An Unlit Cigar (or Pipe) may give us the opportunity to talk to a few people and maybe even sway their opinion.... making converts and teaching tolerance while sharing our passions. Be a positive public ambassador for the luxury tobacco industry!!! If every cigar smoker convinced just 10 people to respect and value our rights, then we would be in the majority...

What do you think? Do you Carry An Unlit Cigar/Pipe? Making friends or enemies?

Butane Lighter Maintenance: How To Video

2008-11-14T05:10:00.000-05:00

Retail Tobacconists spend at least five minutes a day (20+ hours per year) helping customers learn how to properly fill their lighters. And, many customers spend countless hours trying to get their lighters to work properly. Most customers need to be taught the proper filling technique when they buy the lighter, while other customers return because they filled it incorrectly and think it is broken. Either way, this Butane Lighter Maintenance Video will save you and your customers time and frustration. Along with Humidifiers, Butane Lighters are the 'trickiest' products we sell so a thorough knowledge of the product is necessary to provide good customer service. For more information or help with lighter repairs, please visit the TU Lighter Maintenance FAQ.

TU Outtakes

2008-11-13T06:25:00.001-05:00

At the risk of inundating you with too much content this month, I can't resist posting this Outtake video from our 2008 How To video shoot. We have put well over a thousand human hours into these videos and it is easy to forget how much fun it was.

My only lament about TU is that there is really no place for humor (or sex).... and anybody who knows me knows I value a sense of humor (because I'm hilarious).... so it is an especially nice treat to post something funny.... Hope you enjoy!

Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI)

2008-11-09T01:09:00.010-05:00

The first step towards acceptance and credibility is to build awareness. A decade ago I had people laugh at me when I told them I was a 'Tobacconist'. And, the society we live in barely recognizes us as a legitimate profession - most days they treat us like criminals. So, awareness is the first step towards carving out a respectable niche in our society.

Tobacconist University exists largely to build awareness and credibility for the luxury tobacco industry. While many more consumers visit TU than Tobacconists, we consider every impression we make a positive Certified Tobacconist Impression (CTI). CTI are created every time a consumer visits TU, thinks about TU, mentions TU to a friend, or says the words 'Tobacconist University'. CTI are created every time TU helps somebody refill their lighter, learn how to cut their cigar, season their humidor, and enhances their appreciation of luxury tobacco: always educating and enhancing appreciation under the umbrella of "Tobacconist University".

Ultimately, if you had to distill down the priceless value of TU into something quantifiable, you could think in terms of Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI). After all, you need something to measure and strive for when you are trying to change the culture and fighting for your freedoms. Knowing this, TU regards every Tobacconist Certification with extreme reverence. Every TU Certified Tobacconist goes into the world creating thousands of Certified Tobacconist Impressions per year; by showing customers and civilians that we are legitimate, valuable professionals. Every time a Certified Tobacconist mentions Certification, or shows their lapel pin, or posts their Certified Logo, an impression is made. Every time a human being thinks about Tobacconists as professionals a positive impression is made. In fact, every Certified Tobacconist creates between 15,000 (lazy Tobacconist) and 50,000 (not lazy) Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI) a year (conservatively estimated). At this rate just one thousand Certified Tobacconists can create 50 MILLION positive impressions per year. Ultimately, this simple notion of projecting and leveraging our credibility through Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI) is a big part of how we will "preserve luxury tobacco for generations to come": one Tobacconist at a time, one impression at a time.

Guns, Tobacco, Fear & Control

2008-11-08T16:44:00.032-05:00

"Where the rights of men are equal, every man must finally see the necessity of protecting the rights of others as the most effectual security for his own."
- Thomas Paine
Dissertation on First Principles of Government -1795

On a personal note.... I have one sister, twenty one years younger than me. This picture was taken two years ago in the D.R. - right about the time she told me a policeman came to her class, wearing his uniform, badge, and gun, to lecture the students about the dangers of tobacco. Of course the lesson was not un-biased or purely factual. Rather, it was about fear. They did not tell her 'cigarettes can shorten your life or lead to illnesses'; they told her 'tobacco and smoke are disgusting, immoral, and kill'. While I know that life kills, and fear can be an effective motivation for children, and teachers can exaggerate to make a point, to this day, I cannot fathom why a man with a gun is sent to schools to 'teach' and threaten children. Frankly, it has taken me two years to calm down enough just to write this piece.... In fact, a big part of the reason I started this blog two years ago was because I was so infuriated by my sister's story and needed a place to voice my opinion and tell these tales. And, someone has to question how the anti-smoke people have influenced legislators to the point that they are employing our police to promote their agenda ... WTF is happening?

I remember in high school a policeman came and lectured us about the dangers of drinking and driving: at least that made sense since the crime takes place on our roadways where innocent people can be hurt. But where is the crime in smoking? And why are the police talking to children about it? And why the gun?

On a positive note, my sister comes to my house and walks into my humidor just because she loves the smell. Thankfully, she is smart and free enough to think for herself; but, for how long? In Cuba they have signs everywhere insulting 'capitalist pigs' and the only people with guns are the cops and military; I suppose that is why my family came to this country. But, in America there are already advertisements insulting smokers (of all kinds), disparaging fat people, and basically equating anybody who is not 'healthy' or 'normal' as immoral or inadequate. Yet, I can't watch TV for half an hour without seeing erectile pill commercials or advertisements for pharmaceuticals to make us all happy and fill us with 'energy'.

Meanwhile, the hypocrisy of our legislators/government and the degradation of our rights is only getting worse.... Today I read an AP article about an Alabama Botanist who was arrested because the wildflowers on her property were a nuisance. People actually complained about the annoyance of flower aromas!!!

As the son of refugees, I cannot forget the value of freedom, and the need to defend it: that is why I am a Certified Tobacconist. And, I have put every resource at my disposal towards defending my profession and helping others do the same. Ironically, at this rate, I will end up a Certified 'drug dealer' in the nanny state's eyes.... and so will my plant, coffee, alcohol, and food loving friends. That cop who terrorized my 10 year old sister may very well arrest me for smoking a cigar on the sidewalk one day. In the meantime, real drug dealers who peddle anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, 5-hour energy drinks, and erection pills continue to live down the road from me in mansions I can't even afford the taxes on. The America I love seems to exist only in my mind and heart now.... and within the four walls of every retail Tobacconist who is still allowed to smoke in their business and home. As I write this very personal blog, my last living grandparent lies on her death bed, incoherent and unaware that the America that embraced her inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness is not so different than the country she fled; in this rare case I think that ignorance is bliss. But, the rest of us have no excuse.

My point is not simply to vent here... it is two-fold:

1. to compel you, my fellow Tobacconists and citizens, to get Certified and project your credibility. Be Proactive! Don't be apathetic. Don't ever give up. First we must educate ourselves, and then we go about teaching others (Tobacconists Are Teachers).

2. to remind everyone else that real freedom involves protecting others' rights, not just the rights you like and/or use.

Disclaimers: I have cop friends and customers who I love; I think guns are awesome - when they are not killing or intimidating people; I love plants and flowers and their aromas; I love my sister and family, no matter what they think or feel; I have lots of friends who take the legal drugs mentioned in this article; I believe smoking is a human archetype and delicacy which will always be and should be enjoyed by a significant percentage of the population; I don't like the use of chemicals or additives in tobacco or food; I eat meat and fish; however you define 'health', it is useless without freedom - and legislating 'health' is simply a way to control people; I drive like an old lady, have never had a dui/dwi, and have not had a moving violation in my adult life ('knock on wood'); I am only superstitious, 'just in case'; I think people who sky dive and bungee jump are crazy and I fully support their right to do it - just like I support any person's right to think, say, and do anything they want as long as they do not infringe on another person's ability to do the same - that's American!

The Power of Certification

2008-11-05T00:11:00.003-05:00

I have previously written about Outlaw Tobacconist Kendall Culbertson and the Certified Tobacconists at The Outlaw Cigar Co.. I knew they were a special group of Tobacconists when they became the first pilot CRT store in early 2008. And, I knew they would continue to excel after they accepted the Code of Ethics & Standards, studied, and became Certified.

But, I never expected Certification to yield super-human, crime-fighting Tobacconists who would stop carjackings, rescue cigar vendors under attack, and apprehend criminals!!!

I will leave the reporting to TV stations and cigar news websites.... but I just want to go on record stating that there is now anecdotal proof* of even greater benefits to Certification and the power of our Code of Ethics & Standards.

*Admittedly, Outlaw Cigar Co. is an extraordinary organization with equally impressive Tobacconists and customers. At the very least, Certification didn't hurt...

Tobacconists In Art

2008-11-04T12:48:00.005-05:00

300 American Tobacconists M-Z (1980)

Dick Jewell

Courtesy of the artist and Rachmaninoff's, London

Dick Jewell is a British artist living and working in London. The images in this very unique piece came from a discarded filing cabinet drawer he found laying on the pavement in New York City during the late 1970s. Intrigued by the range of quality and type of images (from photo booth miniatures to studio photos), Mr. Jewell created this extraordinary piece which reflects Tobacconists' 'individuality and cohesion as a group of specialists'.

Well, many thanks to Mr. Jewell for recognizing our humble profession as one worthy of being represented in his art. While we know about Cigars & Art, it is refreshing to see Tobacconists in art. Let's see if any American Tobacconsits recognize themselves in these photos...

Ultimately, when these photos were found they were artifacts depicting a dying breed of professionals: perhaps, that is why they ended up as trash on the sidewalk. Regardless, we are now living in a new era. While hysterical anti-smoke sentiments and smokerism continues to hypnotise people around the world, the Tobacconist profession is resurging; as anybody wanting to savor their time knows the true value of luxury tobacco. Fighting back from the brink of extinction is no easy task, but I cannot imagine a group of passionate individuals more capable of meeting the challenges. As we move forward, we must remember and be thankful for all of the Tobacconists who came before us - thankful for their 'individuality and cohesion as a group of specialists'; never forget!

The Perfect Cut: How To Video

2008-10-23T19:26:00.004-04:00

This new Perfect Cut video is a significant milestone in TU's development. The future of our academic curriculum, FAQ, and Glossary, will all be video and slideshow driven: giving consumers and Tobacconists educational alternatives with entertainment value. We are previewing The Perfect Cut here, before it goes up on the FAQ. Videos to follow include:

Lighter Maintenance
How To Light A Cigar
How To Pack A Pipe
Calibrating A Hygrometer
Seasoning A Humidor
and many, many more....

As always, this content and academic development is made possible by our Sponsors.

Gift Packs: content preview

2008-10-17T21:32:00.006-04:00

Gift Packs, also known as Sampler, Variety, and/or Assortment Packs, are Tobacconist and customer favorites. A Gift Pack usually comes in a special box with a limited selection of cigars: the cigars can be a vertical, horizontal, random, multi-brand, and/or limited-edition/special-release assortment. Gift Packs can also include accoutrements like lighters, cutters, and humidifiers. We refer to them as ‘Gift’ Packs because they make great gifts and Tobacconists usually sell them as such. Consequently many companies release their special Gift Packs during the holidays. Retail Tobacconists sell more Gift Packs during December than all the other months combined.

Gift Packs give customers the opportunity to buy a small selection of beautifully packaged cigars without having to spend more on a standard box of 20 or 25. Astute and proactive retail Tobacconists can also create their own custom Gift Packs (see Gift Packaging) for their customers. Custom Gift Packs are a great way to tailor and add value to your customer’s experience, as well as a bona fide competitive advantage.

Cutter Etiquette: FAQ content preview

2008-10-13T22:47:00.012-04:00

Cigar Cutters touch the head of the cigar that will touch your mouth; so they must be kept clean. Tobacconists must have sanitary procedures in place to keep cutters clean and protect their customers. Every day customers put a cigar in their mouth and then ask for a cut or cutter. The easiest solution for retail Tobacconists is to have two cutter options on hand: a ‘Clean’ cutter and a ‘Saliva’ cutter. The Clean Cutter should never be used on a saliva tainted cigar. The Saliva Cutter can be used on the saliva tainted cigar and sterilized quickly with hand sanitizer afterwards.

QUICK-STERILIZING
Standard hand sanitizing gels can be used to sanitize a Cigar Cutter and blade. Simply use your hands or a paper towel to carefully coat the cutter with sanitizing gel, remove excess, and allow to dry for a few minutes.

CLEANING
All Cigar Cutters need an occasional cleaning as tobacco and oils accumulate. Often, the debris and oil can inhibit the cutting and/or movement of the blades. To clean blades, apply a solution of warm water and antibacterial soap with a cotton swab or cloth, then wipe dry. Also, remove any tobacco and debris from the cutter’s frame.

Humidor Etiquette: FAQ content preview

2008-10-10T05:03:00.008-04:00

Retail walk-in humidors must be rigorously maintained. Their temperature, humidity, air quality, and sanitary standards must be perfectly kept to preserve the cigars and protect the customers that smoke them. People walking in and out of retail walk-in humidors bring germs, dirt, and debris into the environment, so many steps must be followed to protect the cigars. Firstly, Tobacconists must regularly dust, sweep, mop, and vacuum their humidors. But it takes both customers’ and Tobacconists’ efforts to maintain the integrity of the cigars in a walk-in. Ultimately, Humidor Etiquette is about following the ‘golden rule’ and doing unto others as you would have done unto you. The following etiquette rules apply to both consumers and Tobacconists who use a retail walk-in humidor.

NO SMOKE
The natural aromas of a walk-in humidor are a subtle co-mingling of different tobaccos from all over the world. Part of the reason Tobacconists make their walk-ins accessible to customers is so that they can enjoy the smell of aging tobaccos. Lit tobaccos will overwhelm the natural aroma of a walk-in and excessive smoke can taint the flavor of the cigars. Not smoking in a walk-in is part courtesy to the next customer and a way to protect the cigars themselves.

TOUCHING CIGARS
Ultimately, the head of a cigar will enter your mouth, so cigars must be treated with the same care and respect as food. Maintaining clean hands when touching cigars is imperative. It is important for Tobacconists to have sanitary soap and hand sanitizer on hand for personal and customer use. In addition, when inspecting cigars you should only touch the foot and shaft area. Never touch the cigar above the band (head and shoulders) since someone will eventually put that cigar in their mouth.

SMELLING CIGARS
As consumers, we all have the right to smell the wrapper and foot of a cigar. In fact, that is part of the enjoyment of picking a great cigar. While smelling cigars can be part of the pre-selection process in a walk-in, it must be done in a sanitary and respectful way; as the nose contains germs and mucous that must be kept off cigars. If the cigar is wrapped in cellophane, push the cigar half-way out of the cellophane. Cellophane smells like cellophane so there is no point in sniffing it: when finished, you can push the cigar back in. Whether smelling just the wrapper or the foot of the cigar, always keep the cigar at least one inch from your nose and/or facial hair. One inch is close enough to sample the aroma of the tobacco yet far enough to minimize contamination.

SELECTING CIGARS
Now that we have covered the proper techniques to touch and smell cigars, we can address the more general process of picking one out. Some customers take the first cigar out from on top of a box, while others like to scrutinize every single cigar. To each his own method; there is no right or wrong. But, when pulling cigars out of a box, one must be very careful not to tear the wrapper or damage the head: in particular, the cigar foot is highly susceptible to damage. If you take cigars out of a box, lay them in a safe place and return them carefully when you have found your perfect cigar.

DAMAGED CIGARS
One of the biggest economic challenges for retail Tobacconists with walk-in humidors is minimizing the amount damaged cigars: it is a massive expense unique to our business. While some cigars come damaged from the manufacturers/distributors, most damage occurs because of consumer mishandling. Retail Tobacconists absorb the cost of damaged cigars since they cannot be sold at standard retail margins. If you see damaged cigars in your retail Tobacconist’s walk-in, let them know: they will thank you for it.

RETURNING CIGARS
Sometimes you take a cigar all the way to the cash register and then decide that you don’t want it - that’s ok. As long as you're handling the cigar properly, you can return it to the walk-in. When returning a cigar to the humidor, it is always best to place it in the proper box with the head up and cigar band facing forward. This is called “facing” and retail Tobacconists do it every day to honor the brand, cigar maker, and our customers.

Most retail Tobacconists will not allow customers to buy a cigar, take it out of the shop and return it at a later date. Due to cigars’ precise humidification and temperature requirements, plus the fact that they will end up in your mouth, cigars must be treated like perishable food.

OFF THE FLOOR
Keeping cigars off the floor is obvious, but it is also important not to place boxes on the floor, either. Placing cigar boxes on the floor contaminates them with the same dirt, debris, and germs that people’s shoes have been tracking in. This piece of humidor etiquette is particularly important for Tobacconists to heed since it is easy to forget when stocking and organizing the walk-in.

Gift Packaging: content preview

2008-10-05T16:11:00.007-04:00

Nothing adds value like free Gift Packaging for customers. And, Tobacconists already have the most precious item on hand - empty cigar boxes! Packaging gifts for customers has many benefits, including:

· Higher Customer Satisfaction
· Competitive Advantage
· Stimulates Up-selling
· Branding Opportunity
· Promotes Loyalty
· More Memorable
· More Impressive

Gift Packaging, especially during the holidays, creates more special and valuable presents. The gift-givers will remember your store and the receivers will come back for more.

The cigar box Gift Packaging method shown here only requires Tobacconists to purchase inexpensive paper stuffing; as you should have branded business cards, ziptop bags, matches, and cutters in stock. In addition, this gift box shows a branded sticker opportunity on the inside lid and another sticker sealing the box - these stickers can be made on store bought labels with a rudimentary computer. Get creative and use every opportunity to reinforce your brand with your customers: it will pay off in the short and long term.

TIP I: Prepare your gift boxes ahead of busy times - keep them loaded with stuffing, business cards, ziptop bags, matches, cutters, and stickers. That way, it will only take a few seconds to prepare and your customers will be impressed.

TIP II: During the holidays, add a red bow to anything and you have an instant gift pack.

TIP III: Have branded coffee mugs made and you have an instant up-sell.

Outlawing Tobacco 2.0

2008-10-03T20:43:00.004-04:00

This morning I awoke to find out that TU is the cover story for October's Smokeshop Magazine: this was a thrill and a privilege. Then, I had to put my retail Tobacconist 'hat' back on and do exactly two things for my stores. First, I had to fill out fourteen pages of information for the state of PA, print another 12, make copies and then drive all the way to Pennsylvania to use a notary, then mail these documents to the Department of Health to get permission to smoke in my PA store - even though we are clearly exempted from the law. The state was kind enough to notify us of the paperwork requirement over a month after it was due. The second retail task I did today was to print and frame this (pictured) sign for my Princeton, New Jersey store. It will go in the space where we used to display flavored cigarettes, which have now been outlawed.

We are now transitioning from Outlawing Tobacco 1.0 to 2.0. As cigar and pipe smokers, we are only about 5% of the population.... so our rights can be taken away quickly! Sadly, I do not think a democracy based on the value of human freedoms should so easily take away human freedoms. So, I continue to believe that all retail Tobacconists are great American freedom fighters... underdogs on the front lines of a great battle for justice. Not just smokers' rights, but all individuals' rights, in our pursuit of happiness. Smoking is the 'gateway' civil right, and it has been demonized and beaten into submission.

Ultimately, the only way to win back our freedom is to EARN CREDIBILITY. At TU we are proactively doing that through Certification .... and more: if we want a positive future, we will have to work hard for it.

Cigar Rolling Table: content preview

2008-09-23T23:32:00.010-04:00

Every retail Tobacconist should have at least one: Cigar Rolling Tables are perfect for year- round merchandising as well as cigar rolling events. Having an authentic table, as opposed to a plastic or temporary table, is important to the roller, customers, and Tobacconists. In addition, Cigar Rolling Tables are great for special merchandising, sale items, or to be used as desks for customers, and they contribute to the authentic environment in your store.

Cigar Rolling Tables are distinguished by a partial top shelf (approx: 40" high) over the standard table top (approx: 30" high). The partial top shelf creates extra space on top for placing finished cigars, while the space underneath hides the goma, guillotina, water, leaves, and other incidentals. The following materials list and plans outline the materials and steps necessary to create your own Cigar Rolling Table. Whether you apply expert craftsmanship or rudimentary skills to this project, it will be worth the effort.

A Cigar Rolling Table can be made of almost any type of wood, including oak, pine, cherry, or walnut. After you have prepared your materials, you can follow these steps to assemble your Cigar Rolling Table.

*TU is not specifying what construction or carpentry techniques to use. Go with whatever skill set you have. If it's rustic and sloppy, it won't matter! It will just look more authentic! I built my first cigar rolling table in 1995 with plywood, drywall screws, and a little bit of dark mahogany stain: we still use it to this day! And the horrible craftsmanship only adds character.

GROW THE PIE

2008-09-15T17:18:00.012-04:00

Grow The Pie. That's the point of TU. Its the purpose of education. It's the reason for Certification. Grow the pie, Grow the pie, Grow the pie.

Its worth repeating because the retail Tobacconist pie has been shrinking for decades. Furthermore, perpetually increasing taxes, smoking bans, mail order, and anti-smoking legislation threaten our industry more than ever. Yet, if you converted just 10% of cigarette smokers to cigars, you would practically double the size of the cigar industry (see Smoking Stats for proof). These are profound facts!

To paraphrase the Outlaw Tobacconist Genius:

'If you focus on growing the pie, your slice automatically gets bigger.'

While the luxury tobacco industry is filled with brilliant business men and women, it has been forced into self-preservation mode for decades. Companies are terrified of legislation and taxes; they hyper-focus on economies of scale, internal efficiencies, and maximizing ROI, all while margins decline, products get commoditized, and taxes increase: it's a brutal scenario.

Not surprisingly, until Tobacconist University, we were practically the only industry without formalized education and certification standards for professionals. But the challenges are far from over for us. Now, Tobacconists, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers of luxury tobacco must get involved and work together to project our credibility and preserve our future.

Stay tuned for more content on Growing the Pie.....

The Bad Customer: Mucous Sniffer

2008-09-12T17:38:00.017-04:00

While it sounds like an oxymoron, it is true; there are Bad Customers.

Some customers are disruptive to others, some steal, some are vulgar, others talk loudly, and some cause drama or complain about trivial matters. In my stores we have a written sales policy by the register and part of it says "... if you are rude, pompous, or annoying, please leave and never come back". And occasionally we must reference this item and kick someone out. I always wanted my stores to be inviting so I decided long ago that some customers are not worth the trouble. Getting rid of Bad Customers lets us focus on the customers who deserve our attention.

I remember during my first month in business I asked my father 'isn't the customer always right?' and he said 'of course' .... followed by a long pause.... and then he said "unless you are willing to lose that customer". Well, I learned early on, some customers are worth losing. But, knowing this does not make it any easier to lose a customer. Customers are precious - and not easily replaced. Above all, our customers make a choice to spend their money with us and that is an honor, so losing one is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

A week ago we 'un-customered' someone and it has been popping into my head everyday since then. This customer, we will call "Slava" is a perennial nuisance. Years ago we asked him to stop yelling at his wife in the store and 'take it outside'. He didn't come in for months after that: he actually thought we were being rude. Now that I look back, I wish he had never come back... but saying goodbye to a customer is like breaking up - very difficult. Last week Slava pulled a cigar out of the cellophane and stuck it into his nostril (see picture), leaving a glossy sheen of mucous. He then paid for it, got his change, and went back into into the humidor to exchange the cigar he stuck up his nose. Well, of course this is disgusting and unsanitary so we told him he would not be able to exchange the cigar. Being the narcissistic imbecile that he is, he got angry, insulted us, and stomped out of the store. Good riddance Slava! Now you can go torture some other poor retailer for $2.69.

Ultimately, I am confident we did the right thing, but that doesn't stop it from hurting. Again, because every customer is precious.

On a more positive note, this incident has prompted TU to start planning new content on Humidor Etiquette: we will start with 'How to Handle & Smell Cigars'. Please send us an email if you have any suggestions.

Figurado Geometry: content preview

2008-09-09T15:34:00.002-04:00

Figurados come in a variety of lengths and shapes. Some taper at the Head, some taper at the Foot, and others taper at both ends. Furthermore, the taper, Ring Gauge (rg), and shape of the cigar can also vary. This is why Figurados can be some of the most difficult cigars to roll. And, in the end, each Figurado Vitola will smoke, feel, and taste differently, depending on its construction, composition, and geometry.

In particular, Figurados with a tapered Foot, such as Perfectos and Salomones, tend to have the most flavor changes - as their Ring Gauge (rg) expands. In general, the smaller rg towards the Foot pronounces the Wrapper and Binder flavors more; while the Filler flavors begin to express themselves as the cigar is smoked and the rg expands. These Figurados ‘start slow’ but enable the smoker to isolate the Wrapper and Binder flavors towards the beginning.

Watch the video below to see how extraordinary Figurados get rolled.

Smoking Stats

2008-09-01T17:12:00.021-04:00

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 4.3% of men and .3% of women in the US were cigar smokers in 2005.

According to the same CDC data, 27.5% of men and 19% of women smoked "any tobacco" product in the same year. (Interesting - how women discriminate against cigars.... that should change.)

Adjusting the "any tobacco data" to exclude pipe & cigar smokers, this means that about 22.6% and 18.6% of adult males and females, respectively, are cigarette smokers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, US adult population (18+) was 217.8 million, as of 2003. That means there are 10,018,800 cigar smokers out there (male and female combined), and 89,733,600 cigarette smokers.

It is important to note that 75% of cigar smokers enjoy less than one cigar a day!

And, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says there are 'no known negative health consequences' from less than one cigar per day!!!

If you go to the NCI website and sift through the information, you will see many selective statistics, biased information, and even their attempt to tell you that not smoking cigars will 'improve your quality of life'. They even venture to define Quality of Life; as if any organization or government could.

Fortunately, the truth is that only you can define your Quality of Life. And, as an American, we [theoretically] still have the inalienable right to pursue our own happiness.

Wrapper School: Cigar Geometry - content preview

2008-08-29T13:15:00.003-04:00

Geometry is helpful to study the composition of a cigar since it represents the Wrapper, Binder, and Filler proportions. As consumers, we are always interested in the Diameter (Ring Gauge - rg) of a cigar, but we rarely think of the Circumference (Wrapper + Binder) and Area (Filler) implications.

Imagine looking directly at the Foot of a cigar: what you see is a circle. The Diameter of that circle is the Ring Gauge (rg) - where the rg is measured in 64ths of an inch. If you look at a 32rg cigar, its Diameter is 1/2 inch. The Circumference (distance around) of that circle is 1.57 inches: this means that it takes 1.57 inches of both Wrapper and Binder to cover the cigar*. A 32rg cigar has an Area of .1963 inches: this means that the Foot (Filler) Area is .1963.

When you double the rg (Ring Gauge) of the cigar, extraordinary changes occur. A 64rg cigar has a 1 inch Diameter and a Circumference of 3.14 inches - the Diameter and Circumference have simply doubled. More importantly, the Area (Foot - Filler) of the cigar has increased from .1963 (32rg) to .7854 (64rg) - a four fold increase. This means that when the rg doubled, the Filler quadrupled!

So, doubling the rg quadruples the Filler. From this you could infer that a thinner cigar will express more of the Wrapper and Binder flavor; making the Filler flavors less pronounced. Alas, this is too simple. Cigar makers and blenders must adjust the Filler components (ligero, seco, volado) to make the cigar burn properly. If the cigar maker wants to pronounce the Wrapper more on a thinner cigar, then they will adjust the ligero and other components accordingly. If they want to recreate the same flavor profile as the thicker cigar, then they will adjust the Filler blend to that end. Ultimately, the cigar will reflect what the maker and blender are trying to achieve, and that all depends on their vision.

* It will take slightly less than 1.57 inches of binder since the wrapper covers the binder. In addition, this formula does not account for wrapper overlap which occurs naturally during cigar rolling. Nonetheless, the math is accurate enough for our purposes.

In Loving Memory of Daniel Miranda

2008-08-22T20:37:00.008-04:00

I often fret about our older living legends and fear that generations of knowledge, traditions, and values will be lost when they pass. In fact, in previous blog posts I have encouraged readers to reach out and proactively thank and interact with our living legends. Sadly, some legends do not get to live long enough. Today, Daniel Miranda passed after a long and difficult battle with brain cancer. To his credit, Danny Miranda never stopped living - or learning. No matter the challenges, he never gave up. Earlier this year, he attended a TU seminar with the same vigor and thirst for knowledge as every other Tobacconist that was there. Danny was a true inspiration and hero to me - he was a beautiful person. He was kind, giving, and possessed an indomitable spirit that will live on forever through his beautiful daughters, wife, parents, and sister. I will never forget his courage, love, and passion. Today we will honor him with a Certified Honorary Tobacconist degree - so that we will always remember and learn from his example.

My heartfelt condolences, prayers, and love go out to his family and friends.

Danny's last wish was that donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Foundation, in lieu of flowers ... selfless and fighting till the end.

Nicotiana

2008-08-20T14:29:00.005-04:00

It is no exaggeration to say that Nicotiana is the earth's most extraordinary plant genus: harvested for its leaves, the largest cash crop (non food) plant on earth, used for approximately 10,000 years, yet its most popular species, Tobacco, is not found growing anywhere in the wild. In order to understand the natural human connection to Tobacco we must learn its history and the value it has added to people for thousands of years. This is a perspective that our contemporary and smoke-hysterical society fails to see; but through Tobacconist University we hope you will find enlightenment and enhanced appreciation. We are adding new content on Nicotiana and Tobacco to our curriculum on a regular basis. In particular, TU's professional researcher, R. Sloane Franklin, CRT has just written an extraordinary piece titled Tobacco use in the Americas before 1492. Check it out, it will enhance your appreciation and remind you why luxury tobacco is a natural and valuable part of a life well lived.

"...understanding tobacco's history as symbol and agent of the sacred, the royal, the medicinal and the pleasurable serves only to enhance our appreciation of premium tobacco products today. Once can indeed say that to enjoy fine tobacco is to enjoy the pleasures of gods and kings."

- R. Sloane Franklin, CRT

Tobacconist Philanthropy: Cigar Box Charity

2008-08-12T22:33:00.002-04:00

The nature of our business presents a unique charitable opportunity; that is, Cigar Boxes. People love cigar boxes! And Tobacconists usually have plenty of them. Unlike a restaurant which has no use for left over food, empty cigar boxes actually have value*. In my stores we sell the boxes for $3 and give the money to a no-kill animal shelter - Last Chance Ranch**. In addition, we give away boxes to children and teachers for projects and hobbies. But, hands down, my favorite Cigar Box charity is the animals. Just last week the shelter received two dogs from a woman who had lost her job, was living in her car, and could no longer take care of her pets. I can't imagine how difficult her life must be, but I know she found comfort in knowing her pets would be well taken care of.

So, Tobacconist University wants to know....

What charity does your Cigar Box money go to?

How else do you give?

Let us know as we are developing Service College content on Tobacconist Philanthropy - we estimate that Tobacconists give more to military service men and women than any other retailer group - not to mention schools, churches, arts organizations, etc... And, every Tobacconist gets a steady stream of people requesting product and money contributions... so there is a big story to tell about Tobacconists and charity.

**The Last Chance Ranch saves horses, pigs, chickens, geese, goats, mules, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and cats; actually, they will save any animal, rehabilitate it, and find it a happy home.

* Cigar Box Value: cigar boxes are also useful as gift packaging and for custom samplers.

Tobacconist Philanthropy

2008-08-12T22:04:00.007-04:00

Merriam-Webster defines Philanthropy as

": goodwill to fellowmen; especially : active effort to promote human welfare"

Clearly, any good Tobacconist is by definition a Philanthropist. But, Tobacconists actually contribute to local, national, and international charities in innumerable ways. The Tobacconist Philanthropy content in Service College is meant to highlight the ways in which Tobacconists selflessly give back: whether by donating cigars to our troops or giving to charity auctions, hurricane relief, school fundraisers, and more. Tobacconists are both local and global merchants who give professionally and personally, every day.

If you are a Tobacconist Philanthropist who goes above and beyond, let us know how - we will use your knowledge to teach other Tobacconists.

ART & CIGARS

2008-08-07T12:40:00.010-04:00

One of the most important things we teach consumers, Tobacconists, and society is the amazing and unparalleled nature of the premium cigar. Great works of art, crystal, furniture, and architecture are created in less time than a great cigar; and they last lifetimes! ...while the destiny of a cigar, through combustion, is to return to dust. In fact, hundreds of people and thousands of years of human knowledge and experience go into every premium cigar!

Indubitably, great cigars are works of art*. Great cigar makers are artists. And retail Tobacconists are the curators of these precious miracles. At TU we consider ourselves to be in the art preservation business: preserving luxury tobacco for generations to come.

*The author would like to acknowledge ArtistaCuba, having a non-cigar art collection, and importing and exhibiting art since 1996.

Cigars = Vacation

2008-08-06T20:28:00.006-04:00

We know that our sense of smell is most closely linked to memory and emotion. And that our sense of smell has the greatest impact on our enjoyment of luxury tobacco - try smoking with stuffed sinuses to prove it. Pleasant aromas are relaxing. In fact, pleasant aromas have the power to transport us to a better 'place', a better feeling. Whether we are talking about the smell of grandma's cookies, the ocean, or a great cigar, pleasant aromas force us to take notice and enjoy the moment. Those who enjoy luxury tobacco know that aroma transcends our daily responsibilities, stresses, uncertainties, and challenges.

The aroma of luxury tobacco forces us to settle down and appreciate the moment; the little things. Great tobacco is a compelling delicacy which helps us appreciate our time. What could be more important than savoring your time? Great cigars are like a mini-vacation! Use them as intended and you will enhance your quality of life.

* Tobacconist Anecdote: Lately, I have been seeing many more of our retail customers stopping to have a cigar in the shop. Customers who would normally walk out after their purchase look at the couch like a starving man looks at a steak. Once they realize the couches are there for them, they walk over and plop themselves down, immediately letting out a deep exhale. At first they have a glassy look in their eyes, then they remember they have a cigar in their hand and they start to look at it, touch it, and finally light it. After just a few puffs their demeanor begins to change. They watch the smoke waft delicately into the air and their gaze begins to relax. Within a few minutes they start letting go... their body and mind releasing tension. Eventually, our customers leave the shops happier, brighter, and lighter than when they entered. It is an extraordinary transformation. Every Tobacconist has seen this happen, and I think this is happening a lot more lately. But this is just proof that Tough Times = Better Business. People need great Tobacconists more now, than ever.... so get to work.

New Customers: Car Dealers

2008-08-03T00:05:00.006-04:00

The New Customer:

Customers are defined by their Values.

Tobacconists are defined by the Value they Add!

Some of our best customers are car salesman and dealership owners. I can count hundreds of thousands of dollars in income from car salesmen and dealers since I have been a Tobacconist - their business has more than paid for every car I have owned over the years. These are truly special customers, for many reasons.

Firstly, dealership owners tend to be the embodiment of the products they sell. They are freedom loving, individualistic, and quintessentially American businessmen. This is also a pretty good description of the average cigar smoker too!

I have had several dealership owners who regularly purchased large quantities of cigars for themselves and their staffs.

Many owners and salesmen shop with us when they want to thank a [shared] customer who just purchased a car. - Maybe we should encourage our customers to tell their car salesmen that they love cigars from 'put your store name here'.

Another benefit of the car salesman/dealer customer is the great deals. Both my customers and I have benefited greatly from these special customers - as always, cigar smokers share a special bond.

Perhaps the most interesting benefit of the car dealer customer is the event potential. I once had a formal cocktail party/cigar tasting event in the service garage of the Land Rover dealership. I must qualify that the garage was beautiful, spotless, and oddly elegant when filled with luxurious automobiles. In addition to this type of event, there are many other opportunities for marketing, promoting, and co-branding with car dealerships and clubs. Some ideas include:

share mailing lists
car club meetings at your shop
outdoor booth at dealer and club events
showcase luxury automobiles at your shop
offer gift certificates or coupons to a dealership's customers
give a free cigar to new car buyers, like when a baby is born
negotiate special offers for your customers from a dealership
advertise in a dealership or car club brochure, internet site, or newsletter

So the lesson is.... get to know the car dealers and salesmen in your area. Find out if you can work together to better service your customers. And treat them well, as they will you.

New Customers: Motorcyclists

2008-08-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

See New Customers: Car Dealers and substitute the word "Car" with "Motorcyclist" - this will save on redundancy..... you will get the point.

Tough Times = Better Business

2008-07-26T06:49:00.001-04:00

I have been getting lots of emails from Tobacconists worrying about, and struggling with, the current economic downturn; not to mention innumerable conversations on the topic. Overall, I would say half of the retailers I have spoken to say business is down significantly. The other half are either flat, or [claim to be] growing - but much of the growth is from newer stores. Either way, these are difficult economic times and many people are hurting.

My retail businesses are down a few percentage points. To me, this is a significant problem: if it wasn't for [some of the annual vendor] price increases, we might be down 8 to 10%! And of course there is the rising cost of freight, energy, rent, and everything else. Ultimately, if you're not growing, you're declining.

Now we must do some things to CUT COSTS:

Re-negotiate our CC* processing fees
Re-assess our phone line(s) usage
Tighten up Labor
Look for more profitable products
Start charging for freebies, like water, shipping, etc...
Buy more generic packaging materials: zip-top bags, shopping bags, etc... (in fact, we have cut back to just one size zip-top bag for cigars - I really miss the 4x8 but the 5x10 fits everything)
Clean & Organize! This process will help you find dead weight, inefficiencies, and opportunities

*The credit card processing fees, in particular, are a great place to start: get a quote from their competitors and ask your company to match the price - last year we saved over $500 per store!

While cost cutting is important, I am much more fond of re-investing, making improvements, and enhancing service. I have been through tough times before and always made money. The only way I know how to get through them is to be proactive; not to shrink in fear - don't make decisions rooted in fear. Already this year, my shops have seen new computers, cabinets, furniture, products, and more. Keeping the shops fresh and invigorated is imperative during tough economic times: Customers Will Notice! Even if customers don't say something about your proactive efforts, they will notice both consciously and subconsciously.

I think the worst thing you can do during difficult times is:

Shrink Inventory Noticeably
Change Your Vision (i.e. get rid of great cigars and replace with bundles)
Decline Service Standards (Step It Up!)
Complain to Your Customers (Don't Lie & Don't Whine)
Make Decisions Based on Fear

If anything, this is the time to be grateful for your existing customers: say hello, please, and thank you; fulfill special orders; ask them what they want and exceed their expectations! Frankly, a great cigar is just what we need during difficult economic times. We are in the business of selling relaxation, quality of life, decompression, escapism, and camaraderie - the cigars are consumable but the value is priceless. I see many new and old faces coming through the shop lately and they look like they need a cigar! This is a great time to provide a sanctuary to your customers - they will be grateful for it.

** If you need help, suggestions, advice, ideas, or would like to contribute some, please send us an email.

200 People + 2000 Years = 1 Cigar

2008-07-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

Yes, its true: 200 people + 2000 Years = 1 Cigar*. While most educated Tobacconists know that the leaves in a premium cigar have been touched by human hands over 300 times, we also know that it takes decades and generations of knowledge and traditions to produce a great cigar**. In fact, cigar making is a communal effort based on science, artistry, and oral traditions: it begins with humble farmers and culminates years later in a Tobacconist's humidor. But the term 'cigar maker' can be misleading because it takes far more than one man to make a great cigar. In fact, great cigar makers rely on many individuals throughout the 'cigar-making' process. And those individuals, such as farmers and rollers, often carry knowledge passed on to them from previous generations. Obviously, great cigar making cannot be learned from books; even tobacco agronomists rely on 'old-timers' and oral history.

The fact is that more than two thousand years of human experience goes into every cigar we smoke! Ponder this thought the next time you enjoy a great cigar.... This is a profound perspective***.

Remember, great cigars take more time and skill to create than great works of art and architecture. Yet, their destiny is to return to dust.... Savor your time.... and cigars.

* Formula: "Leaves x Job/People x Generations x (Years) Experience = Total Years Contributed to a Premium Cigar". Assuming a Premium Cigar contains 6 different leaves, we can calculate that over two thousand years of human experience contribute to making a premium cigar. All of these numbers have been conservatively estimated: there is no need to exaggerate the extraordinary nature of premium cigar making.

6 Leaves x 1 Agronomist/Master Farmer x 2 Generations x 20 Experience = 240 Years

6 Leaves x 10 Farmers/Farm Hands x 1.5 Generations x 10 Experience = 900 Years

6 Leaves x 10 Curing/Fermentation/Aňejamiento Specialists x 1 Generation x 10 Experience = 600 Years

6 Leaves x 10 Sorting & Quality Control Specialists x 1 Generation x 5 Experience = 300 Years

2 Torcedore: Bunchers/Wrappers x 1.5 Generations x 10 Experience = 30 Years

10 Packaging/Handling x 1 Generation x 5 Experience = 50 Years

*** Eloy, Gracias por tu perseverancia y perspectivo!!!

Price Everything: content preview

2008-07-22T13:22:00.020-04:00

In retail, it is imperative to price all of your products. There are countless stories from customers who have asked for prices and received different answers (on different occasions) from their Tobacconists. This leads to a lack of trust, loyalty, and eventually a declining business. Not pricing products can also lead to selling them for less than our standard markups, so pricing everything protects our margins.

Ultimately, we owe our customers a clearly articulated price on every item in our store: it is one of the fundamentals of professionalism. While every Tobacconist knows that pricing the hundreds or thousands of products in our store is a challenge, it must be done.

The pictures in this section show a myriad of pricing techniques and styles: some products are priced discreetly to avoid 'cluttering' the display, while other products, like cigars, have very prominent labels. Labeling decisions are up to the individual Tobacconist, but every product should still be priced.

Certified Tobacconists have committed to Price Everything when they accept the Code of Ethics & Standards.

Exact Change - Register Procedures: content preview

2008-07-21T22:42:00.002-04:00

Every penny counts, and that is a fact. A penny per customer, per day, adds up to $182.50 loss per year; assuming 50 customers per day. If your company is lucky enough to earn 10% profit per year, that means you have to sell $1,825* worth of products to get back your one penny!

Giving and receiving exact change at the register is imperative. Admittedly, it can be easy to let a good customer 'slide'. But, if done consistently, this laissez-faire attitude can lead to debilitating losses. Fortunately, this is a hemorrhage that can be fixed. Remember that every penny counts and treat the register cash like it is your own. You must respect the money. Also, when dealing with money, annualize** your expenses to see the bigger picture.

*Calculate the 'real' cost of an expense as a function of profit; this will help you see the bigger picture. If you really want to get profound and depressed, calculate the opportunity cost of that $182.50. If you buy and sell that six times over the course of a year, assuming a keystone markup, that is $11,680! Every Penny Counts!

**Annualize: calculating expenses on an annual basis. Annualizing expenses for management and perspective purposes helps everyone in the organization see the value of not wasting, cost management, and being efficient. A dollar an hour for a full-time employee is $2,000 per year, or $20,000 worth of sales if you make 10% profit!

IPCPR 2008 - Las Vegas

2008-07-19T22:22:00.006-04:00

It was an exciting week in Las Vegas, to say the least. The response we received as the IPCPR's Official Curriculum Resource for Professional Tobacconists was stunning. We signed up over eighty new stores with even more Tobacconist Apprentices. In addition, we certified extraordinary Tobacconists from Georgetown Tobacco in DC and C.I.G.A.R. in San Antonio.

As I have always said, Tobacconists are starving for the credibility they deserve and now we are well on our way to providing it. This is a big first step towards building a better future for this honorable profession and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

Tobacconist Traffic

2008-07-06T15:09:00.009-04:00

While Tobacconist University uses the internet to broadcast our academic curriculum and other services (for free), we are not an 'internet company'. We do not sell our traffic (clicks) or allow advertisements, and we go to great lengths to distinguish our educational platforms from simple information and infotainment. As a University it is our mandate to research, learn, and teach. In that process, we certify and promote the credibility of our retail Tobacconists.

As we ask potential sponsors to help fund certifications and academic development, we make it a point to de-emphasize our internet traffic, since we are not 'that kind' of company. In reality, we do not measure our success in quantity, but quality - like education vs. information. With that said, our internet statistics do offer some amazing and unparallelled facts: our average visitor views 8 pages while more than 40% view more than 3 pages; 11% of our daily visitors spend more than 40 minutes on the site while 60% spend more than 3 minutes.

I think the daily traffic picture above says it all (red dots represent 5 or more pageviews): serious people from all over the world spend significant amounts of time learning about luxury tobacco - through Tobacconist University. I know the internet site looks 'different' as there are no frames, advertisements, or constantly changing headlines with sensationalized information. We don't report on current events or host chat groups or product sales techniques. The uniqueness of our website occasionally leaves people confused since we are used to being bombarded with marketing messages. But in this case, different is good: we are sharing substance and quality, for free.

Co-Branding: Third Party Endorsement

2008-06-29T18:22:00.008-04:00

The Third Party Endorsement is the most powerful sanction and form of approval available: this is true in both business and our personal lives. For example, there is a significant difference between your mother saying "you are smart" and Albert Einstein saying so. Things like objectivity, background, and independence influence the value judgement: "who" says "what" matters. You can spend all day telling someone how great you are, but they probably won't listen until someone credible says it once. This is the essence and value of the Third Party Endorsement.

Tobacconist University Certification is the ultimate Third Party Endorsement because:

Certification cannot be purchased, it must be earned.

TU does not allow any advertising because we must control the quality of our content and standards.

We have a Code of Ethics & Standards to articulate, promote, and project our values.

Our academic curriculum is thoroughly researched and available for public scrutiny.

We have an open-source academic curriculum where credible Tobacconists are welcome to contribute.

All of our revenue streams are publicly declared; including certifications, product placements, and sponsorships.

TU is independent institution and unaffiliated with any product sales.

Other examples of Third Party Endorsements include: newspaper articles, being quoted in the media, 'word of mouth', web-links & listings, and "best of" lists. Each endorsement comes with its own gravitas, but they can all add up to priceless promotional value.

University In A Box: Certified Crate

2008-06-21T23:06:00.008-04:00

Somehow, more than a decade's worth of work, computers, cameras, curriculum, promotional materials, and our Academic Administrator Kate, fit inside this crate. This humble wooden box and our internet sites are the heart, soul, and appendages of Tobacconist University (TU). I feel exhausted and relieved knowing that TU is well on its way: this Certified Crate is destined for Las Vegas where we will be available to serve and certify retail Tobacconists. Who knew you could fit a University in a box?.... and yes, in case you were wondering, that is Spanish Cedar trim.

The Fishmonger: Hecho A Mano series

2008-06-19T12:12:00.009-04:00

As I wrote in the Butcher's Hecho A Mano series, " they labor away to honor their product, their consumer, and their time. Always staying true to an idea or ideal: this is art. Ultimately, they have lives with real value which I feel fortunate to share in".

While this entry is titled The Fishmonger, that is an understated misnomer because the specialists at Metropolitan Seafood Co. (MSC) are far more than vendors; in fact they elevate the concept of Local Merchant to high art. Calling these gentlemen fishmongers is like calling a Sommelier a 'booze merchant' or a Certified Tobacconist a 'tobacco peddler'. The passion and commitment to their product at MSC is unparallelled and inspirational. It is only surpassed by their attentiveness and dedication to their customers. The owner, Mr. Mark Drabich has a twinkle in his eye the moment a customer comes in and the entire staff shares his enthusiasm for service. When there are no customers, Mr. Drabich has what I like to call the "eye of the tiger" - he is Product & Operations Focused. He walks around with a fervor for quality and perfection!

The first time I stepped into MSC I was enthusiastically greeted by the manager Colin Sears, who had just returned from a vacation; a fishing vacation. It was my sense then, as it has been every other time I have visited, that nothing was more important to these professionals than my satisfaction and enhanced appreciation. I'm talking about service so good that you feel like you are at the center of the universe; like the only thing that matters is your taste and fulfillment. Nothing could be more rare in today's fast paced, mass produced, commoditized and homogenized world. But thankfully, there are still places and people who care about quality; quality of product, quality of service, and quality of life. If Leonardo DaVinci was a fishmonger, he would have worked for Metropolitan Seafood Co.

* Just to list a few of the things I have learned: yes they will clean, scale, and prepare any kind of fish, shellfish, and/or shrimp exactly the way you want, at no extra charge - grill fish, soft shelled crab, and scallops on a medium heat (unlike meat) - when you clean a soft shell crab, you start by cutting off the face and then pull out the guts - fresh dry scallops can be eaten raw and they melt in your mouth - you can create a pseudo fish grilling basket with aluminum foil - don't be afraid to use cumin and garlic on your fish - Chilean Sea Bass is a fancy marketing term for Padagonian Rock Fish (and there is a price premium for fancy names) - there are organic farm raised fish - and sooo much more.

** I'm sure I will be writing more about MSC since the lessons I have learned about service are too numerable to mention here... so stay tuned.

Cigar Mold: content preview

2008-06-18T20:59:00.004-04:00

While Plume (or Bloom) can be a positive symptom of cigar aging, it is very different from Cigar Mold. Cigar Mold, like any other type of mold, is a fungus which appears as a woolly growth found on damp and/or decaying organic matter. Moldy cigars are not to be smoked.

Overly humidified cigars are the most susceptible to growing mold. Mold can begin growing before a cigar ever leaves the factory; if they are kept too moist or not de-humidified properly (see Marrying).

Cigar Mold can also result from over humidification and "wet spots" in personal humidors. Cigars which are kept directly under humidifiers and other wet spots can easily become over humidified. To inhibit Cigar Mold, regularly rotate your cigars and inspect for mold growth. While Plume/Bloom will easily wipe off, Cigar Mold will not.

If It Saves One Life....

2008-06-13T12:32:00.008-04:00

"If It Saves One Life, It's Worth It" - this is a quote from a 15 year old high school student in California whose class was notified by state troopers and the administration that several students were killed in drunk driving accidents (Allison Hoffman, AP). Apparently, most of the children were crying, screaming and understandably traumatized. Several hours after being told this the officials notified them it was not true: they were just trying to teach them a lesson! What a sick, sick world we are living in now. And I am not surprised that this is happening in California, land of usurped freedoms, health zealots, and all-knowing government.

Abraham Lincoln said "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves". Thank you Mr. Lincoln, but what in the world are our small-minded leaders doing?

The notion of "If it saves one life..." is the most intellectually bankrupt idea of our modern age. Aged cheese, meat, peanuts, driving, and life in general can be deadly. Human life is cheap and priceless all at once. In places like Darfur it seems like people have no value, yet we all know life is precious. But the value of one life cannot be exchanged for another's. Preserving freedom and the right to pursue happiness is what makes life precious; without that, we are all just someone else's sheep. Government should focus on empowering our lives, not saving, shaping, limiting, or scaring us into submission. Empower us through Education....

* The painting shown here is insane, just like the "if it saves one life" notion.

IPCPR & TU 2008 Las Vegas Convention

2008-06-05T23:06:00.005-04:00

It's official!

Freedom = Risk

2008-05-22T18:28:00.005-04:00

I just heard that in France they are trying to outlaw happy hour.... their reasoning has something to do with curbing excessive drinking. (what is excessive? is there an outbreak?) Obviously, this is completely absurd. But this is what the world health zealots and nanny governments are moving us towards. Frankly, I'm surprised that the French are even considering this: they have long been renown for their 'joie de vivre', revolutionary spirit, love of wine, food, and cheese, etc... I thought the next stage of nanny-state-health-zealotry would have come from America, perhaps California. Our legislators have been doing such a good job of banning smoking and demonizing smokers; and overweight people are clearly in their sites next. I thought increased alcohol control was decades away... but I was wrong.

I often say that Tobacconists are modern day FREEDOM FIGHTERS. In the tradition of our founding fathers; living their values in the hopes of defining their lives and happiness. Remember, we are supposed to have an 'inalienable right to pursue happiness', as defined by the individual!!! not governments, peer groups, politicians, etc...

Sadly, somewhere along the line we have forgotten that real Freedom involves Risk. Freedom is not a 'safe' concept. Life is not 'safe'. The Freedom to drive, eat, walk, smoke, love, and even think comes wrought with Risk. America was founded by Risk-Takers! And nothing great is ever accomplished without taking a Risk.

So how has the world devolved to the point where Risk is anathema to our culture? I think the nanny state is empowered by making smokers out to be 'dirty' and 'unhealthy' people. Yet the National Cancer Institute says there are no known negative health consequences from smoking less than one cigar a day - which sums up the overwhelming majority of cigar and pipe smokers. And there are studies that show that between 1 to 3 cigars a day (consumers) live longer than non-smokers. While cigar and pipe smokers and Tobacconists have been struggling for our rights, non-smokers have been sitting back thinking they are above the fray. But, what they did not realize while basking in their sense of superiority is that smoking is the last line of defense for our civil rights. Ultimately, people choose to smoke, and employees in smoking environments choose to work there. People make choices and we do not need the government to limit them. I am accountable for my choices, and I don't need the government to make decisions for me. I just want the government to do their job: take my tax money and build roads, protect me, and empower me to create my own life - Remember the concept that politicians work for us?

Ok, I could probably keep writing.... but i will try to wrap this up. I have been travelling the country Certifying Tobacconists and I continue to be impressed with their passion and resilience. Great Tobacconists seem indefatigable in light of current repression and taxation. Tobacconists continue to be great American FREEDOM FIGHTERS: fighting for their rights and passions. Today, I am more proud than ever to service and support them. As always, I continue to believe that the path to Freedom is through Education. And while ignorance may be bliss to some, I am willing to take the Risk... Get Educated. Be Free.

America's Hardest Working Tobacconists

2008-05-21T19:15:00.010-04:00

I did not exaggerate one bit when I called The Oultaw Cigar Co.'s owner, Kendall Culbertson, a Tobacconist Genius, and I may be understating it when I say that The Outlaw Tobacconists are the hardest working Tobacconists I have ever seen. In addition, their Passion, Expertise, and Professionalism is inspirational and unparalleled!

I just spent the last week at The Outlaw finalizing their Certifications and I think it was more educational for me than it was for them. My heartfelt thanks go out to Brad, Kevin, Dirick, Scott, Tim, and of course Kendall. These gentlemen put on a spectacular show (or 'party' as they call it) every single month, where thousands of people show up to celebrate cigar smoking and camaraderie. While they prepare to feed, entertain, hydrate, and service the crowds, they also know that within 30 days they will have to do it all over again. And they start immediately after the party ends.

The event this past Saturday with Jorge Padrón was spectacular! We had more fun than many governments would consider legal. And we smoked and laughed ourselves into a perpetual state of joy and merriment. But the best part was seeing THOUSANDS of customers being serviced VERY WELL! The Outlaw Tobacconists are the best of the best, and that is defined by their commitment to their customers! .... not just their work ethic. While I was there I saw them compensate a Cigarpass member with cigars and a humidor after his was stolen; they all stayed on their feet for twelve hours, and never stopped being hospitable and smiling.

Dear Outlaw Certified Tobacconists;

It was a pleasure and thrill to meet and hang with you. I look forward to our next meeting. Thank you for your hospitality. And thank you for being the best at what you do. You are an inspiration to this entire industry. You have my friendship and respect.

recuerdos;

Certified!!! Miami Cigar & Co.

2008-05-15T23:28:00.008-04:00

Well, it has been quite a week for Tobacconist University, and all involved. I was in Miami from Friday to Tuesday Certifying the Miami Cigar & Co. office staff and Salesforce. While I expected it to be fun and rewarding, that turned out to be a great under-estimation. I could not be more proud and thrilled to have such an extraordinary group of people as the first CST organization. While I have known Nestor, Mariana, Rene, and Daniel for many years, it was a special treat to meet their extended family.

I have to catch a plane to Kansas City, to Certify The Outlaw Cigar Co., in six hours, so I don't have time to properly pay tribute to Tobacconist University's most recent additions to the family. But I could not go another minute without at least acknowledging this special accomplishment. TU is thrilled to work with such an outstanding group of people. A company is only as good as its human assets, which makes it a privilege to work with Miami Cigar & Co.

We have many new announcements coming in the next month! But I would like to acknowledge our most recent Retail Tobacconist Certifications as well: Blue Havana II (Alpharetta, GA), Smoking Joe's Cigar Co. (Marietta, GA). And there are many more to come before the IPCPR convention in Las Vegas in July.

Buckle up and stay tuned for more exciting news and events... we are on our way, and in excellent company!

Age & Smoke

2008-05-03T22:53:00.015-04:00

Some Things Are Better With Age.

Teach your customers to age their cigars and enjoy the changes. Enhance your customers' appreciation and you will make them happy, healthy, and loyal. Educate your customers and they will age along with your business.

Some Things Are Better With Smoke.

Like.... picnics, meat, golf, boats, alcoholic beverages, sunsets, hot tubs, long walks, gambling, racetracks, sunshine, bacon, etc...

* The Butchers never cease to amaze me. This beautiful slab of meat is some kind of experimental hybrid bacon they are working on. The top picture shows a cleaver that is so old it is starting to look like a filet knife. Its amazing to see craftsmen be so traditional and creative all at once! Just like great cigar and pipe makers. This is good advice for Retail Tobacconists too: Focus on Traditional Principles/Tools & Be Creative!

Default Positions: content preview

2008-05-02T09:58:00.011-04:00

According to the CRT Code of Ethics & Standards, a CRT must:

Merchandise all Luxury Tobacco Products with the same care and respect it took to create them.

Merchandising is the physical and visual language with which our products communicate with the customer; and it should be commensurate with the quality of the product and your store.

Special Merchandising involves creating a new display/arrangement which will capture the customer's eye and generate a sale. Other times the effects of merchandising are more subtle, but it will convey that you have an organized, clean, and thoughtful approach to your products and profession. This type of Day-To-Day Merchandising has a powerful impact on your customers even if they do not consciously respond to it or acknowledge it. Good, Clean Merchandising projects professionalism. Haphazard and less-than-clean merchandising says 'we don't care enough'. I stress the word clean here with the intention of conveying two meanings; Clean can refer to uncluttered as well as not-dirty. Every Tobacconist knows that our stores are practically dust factories so it is imperative to keep lighters, cases, humidors, and other products polished and clean.

With these fundamentals already established, we can get to the heart of Default Positions and Retail Theater. In every store, every product, display, machine, chair, ashtray, and instrument has a home; a default position. Events, Receiving Inventory, Customers, and sales will all 'disrupt' organizational equilibrium. In fact, the unique nature of our business creates customers that 'feel at home' when they are in our shops. While this may be our customer service goal, it can also lead to messy stores. Customers move furniture, ashtrays, products, and anything else in order to accommodate themselves; but the 'inmates cannot run the asylum'. So Tobacconists must be thoughtful and proactive about RESTORING DEFAULT POSITIONS. Without this attention to organization a Retail Tobacconist will degenerate into a flea market-like booth instead of the professional luxury retailer that it is.

In the theater, every actor and prop has a 'mark': a physical location where they must be at any given point in time. And Retail Tobacconists are no different. We must have predetermined strategies and layouts for our facilities to keep them from falling apart and running amok. This may seem like a small or frivolous point to a novice or inexperienced Tobacconist, but it is critical to Retail Theater. As a Retail Tobacconist with two stores, I can tell you that a big part of my job is teaching and enforcing Default Positions. If we did not do this successfully, the stores would begin to look like disheveled war zones.

Be disciplined about Restoring Default Positions, and if you don't know where something belongs, ask someone who does. Put things where they belong and then you and your customers will know how to find them. Organization can really be the key to success, and with a little discipline, even disorganized people can become functional retailers. Otherwise, you might as well just sell stuff out of the back of a van*.

*No disrespect was meant to people who sell things out of their vans. In my teens I sold clothes and swimwear out of my van and found it to be fun and profitable. But, this guerrilla style approach to business was not nearly as fulfilling as being a Retail Tobacconist.

Puro Integritas

2008-04-22T19:52:00.002-04:00

OUR MOTTO

A hybrid of Spanish, Latin, and double entendre, PURO INTEGRITAS refers to 'Pure Integrity' and 'Cigar Integrity'. It speaks to our Vision & Mission and guides all of our actions. If words have the power to shape and transform lives, then this is Our Motto.