Maria Sierra, the acclaimed Cuban roller who built a second career in the United States at the famed iconic El Titan de Bronze factory in Little Havana has passed away. She was 70 years old. Sierra’s career spanned six decades. She started out as an apprentice at Cuba’s Fabrica de Tabacos El Laguito, which at […]
The International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) announced that David Jessup will be its new regional lobbyist for the Midwest. Jessup will represent Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee for IPCPR. In a press release, Greg Zimmerman, IPCPR’s Chair of State Government Affairs commented, “David’s wealth of government affairs experience […]
Alan Friedman, who co-founded the Smooth Draws Radio Show based in Atlanta passed away on January 13th, 2019 after an illness. Friedman co-founded Cigar Guys Radio in 2015. In 2016, the show was rebranded the Smooth Draws Radio Show. During his tenure on the show, Friedman had the nickname “The Cigar Savant.” Friedman’s death comes a little […]
Mark Weissenberger, Vice President of Marketing of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, has announced he is resigning his position effective January 4th, 2018. “Due to personal reasons, I have resigned as VP of Marketing from RPPC, effective January 4. This is an amicable parting, and I will continue to work independently for Rocky maintaining the company’s […]
Once again – Jack is back. Today Espinosa Cigars announced that industry veteran Jack Toraño will be its new Director of Sales effective January 2, 2019. “I’ve known Jack for years, he will bring a different dynamic to the company and having him on board is a perfect fit for us. Jack will be a […]
Numerous sources have reported that Felix Menendez, one of the giants in the world of Brazilian tobacco has passed away. Menendez passed away on December 14, 2018, in Brazil, he was 74 years old. Felix Menendez was the brother of the legendary Benjamin “Benji” Menendez and the son of Alonso Menendez. Both Felix and Benji […]
Cigar Coop has learned that the Jack Toraño era at General Cigar is over. Toraño will be leaving the company before the end of 2018. No further details on the split were given. It was in 2011 when Toraño joined his cousins Carlos and Charlie Toraño in the cigar business as Marketing Manager at Torano Family Cigars. Following […]
Oliva Cigar Company has promoted Cory Bappert to CEO. Bappert previously served as the company’s Vice President and oversaw the company’s sales force. Bappert succeeds Jose R. Oliva as the company’s CEO. In recent years, Oliva has been focusing on his rising political career. In 2011, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and is […]
Bahama Mamas Cigars, a brand known for its flavored cigar offerings has named industry veteran Roy MacLaren as its new CEO and President. MacLaren most recently had been with Crux Cigar Company as its Executive Vice President of Sales. Bahama Mamas Cigars gained some popularity about a decade ago, but then saw its presence in the […]
As expected, Oliva Cigar Company José R. Oliva has been named the Speaker of the House for the State of Florida for 2019-2020. He succeeds current Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’Lakes, Florida). Hailing from Miami Lakes, Florida, Oliva was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives back in 2011 in a […]
