Cigars/Cigar Knoweldge
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Question
Mr. Yee, I will be retiring in three years and I want to start a Cigar Business; Lounge/Retail. I've been a Cigar smoker for approximately seven years. Some of my Cigar knowledge comes from viewing DVDs on Cigar Documentaries, Magazines (Cigar Mag.)and a Richard Carleton Hacker book; The Ultimate Cigar Book. My question is; are there any seminars and/or training by Cigar Companies offered for those wishing to start a Cigar business?
Can you steer me in the right direction?
Hi Alex,
I'm not sure if there are any seminars on operating a cigar business but what you can do is visit numerous cigar stores and speak with the owners and employees and they should be able to direct you to the proper people or provide better insight on opening a cigar store in your area. Some cigar stores that have multiple store locations may have infomation packages on opening a franchise location and this should be extremely helpful. (Many franchise businesses - not necessarily tobacconists - do offer seminar courses when you're interested in starting up a store location.) In general, a great deal of knowledge on running a retail business also helps.
As you mentioned, DVDs, cigar magazines and cigar books are a great starting point on learning more about cigars and eventually starting a business. Keep referring to these because the more you learn about the cigar industry (retail, manufacturing, etc.), the more you will be prepared about operating a cigar business. Running a cigar business is constantly an on-going learning experience and you'll be constantly learning about new things, new products, etc.
Hopes this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Mr. Yee was very helpful and encouraging | ||
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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