The town of Miami Lakes, Florida, has recognized Rafael Nodal’s achievements by proclaiming May 14, 2024, “Rafael Nodal Day.” A ceremony was held at the Miami Lakes city hall and was attended by Nodal’s family and friends, including some from the cigar industry.
Nodal is the Vice President of Product Capability at Tabacalera USA and the co-owner of Aging Room Cigars. He started his career in the cigar industry in Miami Lakes (where he owned a retail store). Three of his four children, as well as many family members, call Miami Lakes home. Miami Lakes is located in the northwest section of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Miami Lakes has been the home of several other prominent cigar industry members, including Nick Perdomo (who served as Vice Mayor) and Jose Oliva (who served in the Florida House of Representatives and was Speaker of the House).
Nick and Janine Perdomo, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr., and his son Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III were in attendance for the ceremony. Altadis CEO Davide Moro and Vice President of Marketing Oliver Hyams were also in attendance, as were members of the Plasencia and AJ Fernandez families. Nodal’s family was on hand for the ceremony, which included his wife Alina, sons Rafael Alejandro, Carlos Manuel, and Marco Antonio, and grandson Miles.
The proclamation was made by Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and Nick Perdomo in conjunction with the town council. Nodal was recognized by Cigar Coop as its Person of the Year and the honor made it into the proclamation!
WHEREAS, the Town of Miami Lakes recognizes the significance of individuals whose journey embodies the American spirit of resilience, determination, and contribution to their community; and
WHEREAS, Rafael Nodal, an esteemed member of our community, arrived in Key West from Cuba during the Mariel Boatlift on May 31, 1980, at the age of 15, and embarked on a remarkable journey that epitomizes the pursuit of the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, Rafael Nodal’s passion for music and education began in his native city of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, at the age of 6, continuing in New York City from 1980 to 1983, and later settling in Hialeah, where he pursued his studies while supporting his family through various part-time jobs; and
WHEREAS, despite economic challenges, Rafael Nodal demonstrated exceptional determination and work ethic, ascending through the ranks in the healthcare industry, ultimately becoming an influential figure in the premium cigar industry; and
WHEREAS, Rafael Nodal’s entrepreneurial journey led him to Miami Lakes in 1988, where he established deep roots within our community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange through his renowned cigar lounge, which became a cherished gathering place for residents; and
WHEREAS, Rafael Nodal’s unwavering commitment to excellence resulted in international acclaim for his cigar brand, Aging Room, earning prestigious accolades such as being named No. 1 Cigar of the World by Cigar Aficionado Magazine in 2019 and Person of the Year by Cigar Coop in 2024;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Manny Cid, Mayor of the Town of Miami Lakes, along with the Town Council and its citizens, do hereby proclaim May 14th, 2024, as Rafael Nodal Day in recognition of his remarkable journey, entrepreneurial spirit, and profound impact on our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Miami Lakes to be affixed this 28th day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four.
Manny Cid
Mayor of the Town of Miami Lakes
Photos Supplied by Rafael Nodal
