This is a special Labor Day edition of Intercigarviews. The main purpose of these interviews is to highlight your everyday average admirer of the leaf, yet I thought it would be cool to bring you a former VP of marketing for one of the world’s most recognized brands. Davidoff. The key word is former so he is back to being a average cigar guy. And to top it off, he is my next door neighbor.
Here is Rich’s cigar story.
What was it about cigars that drew you to them
I dabbled with cigars in high school and college, but I didn’t get serious about them until it became my profession. I grew up in NY and worked in the ad agency world until I got a call to become the Brand Manager for a brand called Zino Platinum. That was in 2006 and Davidoff used to be headquartered in Stamford, CT. Over time Davidoff moved to Pinellas Park Florida and I grew within the company.
How long did you work for Davidoff?
I left Davidoff in 2018 and at the end of my tenure I was Davidoff’s Vice President of Marketing and the General Manager of their entire retail organization. I had a successful run there and was the driving force behind many key initiatives and product launches in the US for Davidoff.
Which product launches were you involved in?
There was Avo, Winston Churchill, and Zino Platinum. Some of the more notable ones are:Davidoff Nicaragua
Davidoff Winston Churchill & the Winston Churchill Late Hour
Davidoff Yamasa and Escurio
Avo Syncro
Created the Davidoff Golden Band Awards
Developed the Davidoff Shop in Shop Program- (White Davidoff Cabinet Seen at Retailers)
Developed Davidoff’s Vault programWas instrumental in the build out of Davidoff stores in Tampa, Brooklyn, Houston, Atlanta, and at Ground Zero in NY
What was the first cigar you ever smoked?
I honestly don’t remember the exact time and place of my first cigar but I do remember trying them out in high school. My budget was small and I wasn’t aware there was specialty tobacco stores. So I would buy boxes of Philly Blunts from CVS and share them with my friends. Back then we’d actually smoke them as cigars. One of my fondest memories was lightning them up after my high school graduation. I still have pictures of my friends and me enjoying them. Those friends are still my best friends to this very day, 26 years later.
What is your most fondest memory of smoking a cigar?
I’ve had many cigar experiences but the one that comes to my mind was very simple and basic. It was about the people and the place. One of my favorite places in the country is Northern California and there is a hidden gem called the Big Sur River Inn, in Big Sur California. It sits on the Big Sur River and in the back, they have Adirondack chairs that sit directly in the river where you can enjoy a cigar and have a drink. It’s the most scenic and tranquil place I’ve ever been.
How long have you been enjoying cigars and about how many per week?
I’ve been enjoying cigars seriously for about 15 years. While I was working at Davidoff, I would smoke on average 7-10 cigars per week. We were allowed to smoke in the office, mostly to try new blends and test competitive products. Depending on the week and if there were events going on that would rise to 10 -15.
Aside from the Big Sur, what are other favorite settings to enjoy a cigar?
I make the distinction between smoking to be social and then smoking to enjoy. I always hated smoking a cigar at big events like the Big Smoke. You couldn’t enjoy your cigar because you were not only smoking what was in your hand but the 1000 other cigars that were being enjoyed at the same time. It’s impossible to pick up on the flavors and nuances in those settings. I’m more of a backyard by the fire pit type guy.
Does your significant other enjoy or smoke cigars?
I met my wife at Davidoff. When she worked there, she would enjoy a cigar from time to time. Now there may be a few nights where we visit some old friends in the business. She may have a cigar and a drink.
In your time at Davidoff you must have met some famous cigar smokers, right?
It may be a humble brag but because I was an executive at Davidoff there are too many to count. Some of the more notable celebrities were Jack Nicholson, Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Al Pacino, Puff Daddy, Michael Strahan, Lawrence Taylor, Mike Ditka, Charlie Sheen, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Marcus Allen, Andy Garcia, Anthony Anderson, Clarence Clemons, Rudy Giuliani, Christian Slater, Kelsey Grammar, Chef Thomas Keller, Emerald Lagasse, Ron White and various members of the Sir Winston Churchill family.
The best cigar you ever had?
A few of my personal favorites have been:
Davidoff Diademas Finas from 2006 – 6 3/4 x 50
Davidoff Year of the Snake from 2013 – 7×48 Churchill
Zino Platinum Master Edition from 2008 5×50 Robusto
Davidoff Special T Colorado Claro – 6×52 Pyramid
In your experience what determines a good cigar?
Most people will describe the blend, age, consistency, construction, flavor profile or country of origin. For me its always been about the people and place you are enjoying the cigar. The enjoyment of a cigar has more to do with your mindset and mood rather than it nuances. The best cigar can be unsatisfying if consumed at the wrong time.
How would you describe your cigar journey?
It started out as a curiosity, became a career, and has become something to enjoy for special occasions or with old or new friends.
What advice would you give someone just getting into cigars?
Try everything, take advice but make up your own mind. Don’t get caught up with the marketing hype, price or image of the cigar. The best cigar is the one you like. It doesn’t matter what the price point is or what score it was given by a blog or a magazine.
(Take note – That’s coming from a former cigar marketing executive!)
What advice would you give a seasoned cigar smoker?
Respect good etiquette. If you enjoy a cigar at your local lounge, support your retailer, buy a cigar. Don’t bring your own cigar unless you bought it from that retailer. Don’t buy a cheap cigar and take up a retailer’s lounge space for hours. They are in business to make money. Be courteous to nonsmokers. You have the right to smoke your cigar but be mindful of others around you. You’ll go further with honey than with vinegar.
What is your favorite size cigar and cut?
I enjoy Robusto or Toro. I like a punch / bullet.
Lastly, where are you working now?
Currently the Vice President of Marketing for a retail services from called GSP Retail.
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