Deep Cuts Live

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 47: JUAN CANCEL & KEVIN KEITHAN, PROTOCOL CIGARS

An interview with Juan Cancel and Kevin Keithan of Protocol Cigars. In this interview we learn about Protocol Cigars, a brand run by a former NYPD officer and a cyber crimes tech. Learn how they set their company and brand apart from others and how they learned that the key to success was authenticity and pushing through hard times and challenges.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 46: ADRIAN ACOSTA, THE CIGAR CULTURE

An interview with Adrian Acosta, the man behind The Cigar Culture. Adrian grew up around tobacco but didn’t think he’d make a career out of it. He went on to work in retail with Nat Sherman before going out on his own and becoming an independent cigar broker. Adrian talks about how he tapped into the lifestyle and culture surrounding cigars, the importance of education and his approach to launching a brand in today’s marketplace.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 45: KAREN BERGER, DON KIKI CIGAR

An interview with Karen Berger of Daytona's Don Kiki Cigar Superstore and K by Karen cigar company. Karen shares her inspiring life story with the listeners that includes triumphs and tragedies. Karen has worked in tobacco factories, fields and retail and is a brand owner and has unique experiences that make her one of the cigar industry’s leading women.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 44: WILL MCPHAUL, DREW ESTATE

A fun and lively chat with Will McPhaul, a territory manager for Drew Estate. In this interview we learn about Will’s experience in retail working at Anstead's Tobacco Company in Fayetteville, NC. Will takes us inside the culture of Drew Estate and shares the creative vibes and attitude shared by many at the company, including Jonathan Drew. Learn about some of Drew Estate’s latest releases and virtual events, including the Barn Smoker happening later this year.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 43: CRYSTAL, CRYSTAL CIGAR CONNECT

An interview with Crystal, a cigar broker who represents different brands including Protocol Cigars and Blackbird Cigar Co.. Crystal has been in the industry for some time and worked with some well-known brands and companies. She talks about sales and life as a cigar rep and also how she’s adapted to the changing cigar industry. You’ll hear her insights into what retailers are looking for in new products and also how success in sales is tied directly to passion and having a good reputation.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 42: TIM SWAIL, BOVEDA, INC.

An interview with Tim Swail, Executive Vice President of sales at Boveda, Inc. Tim shares Boveda’s origin story from how he and Sean Knutsen got involved in the humidity business to the hurdles they had to overcome to get their products in the hands of cigar retailers and consumers. You’ll hear a unique story involving Carlito Fuente Jr. and learn what Boveda products are best for your premium cigars.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 41: GEORGE RAMI, DAVIDOFF OF GENEVA USA

An interview with George “Latin Thunder” Rami, Senior Brand Manager at Davidoff of Geneva USA. George has an extensive history in the cigar industry, having started off in retail before being recruited by Dylan Austin to work with Camacho Cigars. In this interview we talk about George’s work with the Camacho brand, its unique approach to marketing and packaging, the creation and value of the shop-in-shop and the latest releases. We also talk about Honduras, Camp Camacho and the recently released Camacho cookbook. At the end, George even reveals the origins of his nickname “Latin Thunder.”

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 40: KATHLEEN KELLY, QUEENSBURY CIGAR & PIPE

Another Deep Cuts Live interview with Kathleen Kelly, owner of Queensbury Cigar & Pipe and Cup O' Joes. Kathleen shares how she built a business around pipes and later got into selling premium cigars. She explains what it’s like being a retailer and how she’s had success by embracing social media and out-of-the-box thinking.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 39: JAXX GUEVARRA, ALTADIS U.S.A.

In this Deep Cuts Live interview I chat with Jaxx Guevarra, a cigar sales representative with Altadis U.S.A. Jaxx has a background in interior design but when the economy faced a downturn in 2008, she pivoted to retail and worked with cigars. After several years of working in retail, she became a sales rep and eventually came to work with Altadis U.S.A., promoting brands like Montecristo, H. Upmann, Aging Room, and Onyx Reserve. Jaxx shares her experiences in the cigar industry, her approach to social media, some recent releases from Altadis U.S.A. and some of her interests outside of work.

DEEP CUTS – SEASON 1, EPISODE 38: ARIC BEY, BLACK STAR LINE CIGARS

In this interview, Aric Bey, a firefighter in Chicago, talks about how he started his own cigar company, Black Star Line Cigars. Aric shares how persistence paid off in terms of recruiting El Titan de Bronze to help make his cigars. He also talks about the advice and guidance Drew Estate founder Jonathan Drew, Cohiba brand ambassador Sean Williams, and others gave him to help start his brand. He also reveals the story behind War Witch, a cigar made by Aganorsa Leaf that helped put him and his company on the map.