After a running a successful tobacco store in California for over a decade John and Vaughn visited, an subsequently fell in love with, the little town of Deadwood, South Dakota. After passing the torch of their first effort to their children, Ryan and Sarah, they packed up everything they owned and made the trek to the Black Hills. After discovering a dusty, vacant storefront in a basement on Main Street, they poured their hearts and souls into the little shop that would grow to be Deadwood Tobacco Company. John's knowledge of period construction is shown in the remodeled space which is just like a walk back in time to the old west. Beautiful hardwoods and details not seen in modern construction abound throughout the quaint space. Vaughn brings her prestigious background of over 25 years in retail into the equation stocking the store with treats and treasures found nowhere else in the region. While being relatively new to the nightclub business they are certainly not novices when it comes to entertaining with many years of parties, special events and fundraising functions under their belt. No one rolls out the red carpet quite like the Boyds and they are especially proud of the lounge and are happy to be one of the founders and hosts of The Legends Ride. Join John and Vaughn as they welcome some stars of the cigar industry to the Sturgis Rally with exclusive tastings, meet and greet events as well as the opportunity to simply shake hands and share a cigar with some of the biggest names in the cigar business.  www.DeadwoodTobacco.com
 

Kurt Van Keppel, who wanted to buy a good cigar cutter in 1995, found the inexpensive models and the high-end models under performed. So, he set out with Scott Almsberger to match good design (ergonomics and function) with the best styling and materials. The result was the Xi cutter, launched in 1997. Scott and Kurt assembled the first 200 units in their garages, and sold those to friends and local retailers in Kansas City. By RTDA 1998 - Nashville, XIKAR had its cutters in regular production and began serving the entire retail tobacco trade. Over the next two years, Scott and Kurt worked without pay to build a company offering a full range of cigar cutters. Today, they offer a full-range of cigar accessories, and are working on more.
Kurt Van Keppel, President (left): Kurt has introduced new products for several consumer products companies, both in the U.S. and abroad. He has an MBA from AGSIM (Thunderbird). Kurt has become very active in the retail tobacco trade, both by calling on stores and also by serving on the associate advisory boards of the RTDA and TAA.
Scott Almsberger (right) Vice-President, Director of Product Development and Design: Prior to inventing the Xi cutter, Scott worked in industrial design and sales for several international companies. He has an Industrial Design
degree from the University of Kansas. Since he co-founded XIKAR, Scott has become an expert in the design and sourcing of all men’s luxury tools, including cigar cutters, pocketknives, leather goods, humidors, lighters, and even sunglasses! www.xikar.com
 

In an industry built on name recognition and reputation, Rocky Patel’s passion has brought his brand to heights unseen by most boutique cigar manufactures. His hard work and long hours have been paying off in big ways. A survivor of the cigar boom, Patel has outlasted his competition with unrivaled persistence on his quest for perfection. With a grueling travel schedule, offices responsibilities and production, Rocky still maintains the enthusiasm that se has had since day one. As he travels the world, putting his cigars in the mouths of his consumers, his passion extends beyond the retailer, allowing his customers the experience of meeting the man behind their favorite smokes Rocky Patel has created a company that has out shined even those created ay multimillion dollar corporations, and he’s doing it one customer at a time.

Often heralded as the hardest working man in the business, Rocky Patel is married to his arduous schedule. He rarely sees his home and headquarters in Naples, Florida. Yearly, he logs more than 300 days on the road and over 150,000 miles. He has once been in 600 cities within 750 days! However, the time on the road is worth it, considering, that in every town, Rocky wins over new customers and introduces more and more people to the Rocky Patel brand. This practice is an extension of Patel’s plan to get his cigars in the hands of as many people possible. In the ‘mom and pop’ world of tobacconists, it is important for Rocky to share his enthusiasm for his stellar product. That enthusiasm is, often times, contagious and it shows in the faces and attitudes of consumers worldwide.

Due to Rocky’s charisma, enthusiasm and personal approach, the cigar industry has definitely taken notice. No one can question his methods as the proof is in the pudding. However, while his company is thriving, Rocky is still on his quest for perfection. His greatest wish is to create the optimal tobacco mixture that makes his cigars ‘immortal’. Rocky believes that his cigars should evolve into the prime example for quality for generations. Building name recognition is always an uphill battle, but Rocky has already created a brand with a great reputation that people truly respect. Rocky Patel’s hard work is paying off, as he is building a brand that is being recognized everywhere. He assures his consumers that, “You can expect more and you will get more”. www.rockypatel.com

Smoke and Smoke often!
 

Jon Huber was born and raised in San Francisco, California. At the age of 17, he left Northern California for the warmer climate of Los Angeles where he attended the University of Southern California, first studying cinema and later transitioning to a curriculum in exercise physiology.

After working as a private trainer at the celebrity-studded Sports Club LA, he held positions in commercial real estate and entertainment business management. In December of 1994, he left Los Angeles and headed east where he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Six months later, while visiting a local wine store, he purchased a copy of Cigar Aficionado magazine and discovered the world of premium cigars. That magazine would spark a newfound passion for cigars that would eventually compel him to make the industry his livelihood. In the winter of 1995, he wrote a letter to CAO Founder Cano A. Ozgener that would change his life for the next decade.

On April 15, 1996, Huber began his career with CAO International, Inc., as manager of the then-fledgling company's shipping department. Within six months, Huber managed to secure a weekly spot as the on-air "cigar expert"
at a local rock-format radio station, and was quickly promoted to Director of Promotions and Public Relations. He became an integral part of the development of CAO's marketing department that would become renowned for its innovative packaging, elaborate parties, and involvement with Hollywood's elite. He is also known for his non-conformist personal style and rock 'n roll appearance. In an online interview with Top25Cigar.com, he explained his personal love for tattoos by saying, "I got my first tattoo when I was probably 22 or 23.
It was something I'd always wanted to do and my philosophy is that life is short and only today is guaranteed-that's why they call it the "present." So, I live my life with no regrets and I live for today-I go after everything today, not waiting for tomorrow to happen."

Today, the CAO Director of Lifestyle Marketing lives in Nashville and is the proud father of his 7-year-old son, Liam Vaughn Huber, whom he refers to as, "the coolest kid on the planet." www.caocigars.com
 

Sathya Levin of Ashton Distributors Inc. has been working in the cigar industry full-time for the last 4 years. He works alongside his father, Robert Levin, who founded the Ashton brand in 1985. Sathya grew up in the cigar business, and watched eagerly from the sidelines as Ashton slowly grew into one of the world’s premier cigar brands. Nowadays, Sathya couldn’t be happier being fully immersed in an industry he loves and helping contribute to the growth and success of his family’s business.  www.ashtoncigar.com

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