Simply Stogies

Jimmy and James talk about Pedro Gomez behind his back. The duo discuss their recent conversation with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. From Pedro's humble beginnings as a saddle maker in Nicaragua, to his time in Iowa as a college student, to how he worked his way up through the factory the pair discuss how this has led to Pedro being one of the most positive people in the industry. They also talk about Pedro's mentor, his uncle for whom he was named after, and how his answer differed from others in the industry when asked the same question. This eventually led to a discussion of "Is Drew Estate boutique?" and "What is boutique?" and "Does it even matter?"

James and Jimmy sit down with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. Pedro talks about coming to the US from Nicaragua and leaving saddle-making and everything he knew behind, to go to school in Iowa. Pedro discusses what drives him, his work ethic, his mentor, and the culture at Drew Estate. We also have a great discussion of why Drew Estate events are better described as experiences, what people can look forward to at a DE event, and much more.

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Jimmy and James recap their recent conversation with Dray and Zack of HDA Cigars. Jimmy asks some questions, James critiques Jimmy's questions, and Jimmy gives James a hard time. Also, they're both big fans of Dray and Zack. What makes them friends? Why aren't Jimmy and James as close as Dray and Zack? Is there an "Iowa Connection?" Plus much more!

James and Jimmy welcome both Andre and Zack from HDA Cigars to the program. Dre tells us how he got into cigars, how he met up with Zack, and how the two came to form HDA Cigars. The duo discuss the move to the Rojas Factory, what went into the move, and how they worked to keep the recipes the same. We discuss their latest limited edition, The Sentinel, before diving into their next limited edition, the 11:11. The 11:11 is collab with Team SAPO where part of the proceeds go to help veterans in need. The two talk about working with lounges, mentors in the industry, and much more!

Jimmy and James discuss their recent discussion with Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars. The duo talk about how long it took to get Sebastien on the show, the chemistry between James and Sebastien, and what it takes to make a sale. The two also react to Sebastien not caring what other people think when it comes to making cigars. Of course, we touch on Sebastien's love for his community in Honduras.

James and Jimmy welcome Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars to the program. After several years, Sebastien sits down and has a frank conversation about what it means to be a "boutique" cigar manufacturer, why he hates the word boutique, and how he got into the industry. We discuss his love of Honduras, the factory, and working with others in the industry.

Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Jon Simons of Warfighter Tobacco. The duo discuss veteran owned businesses, the learning curve of sales, and the ability to adapt and overcome. They also discuss some recent cigar media shenanigans.

James and Jimmy sit down with Jon Simons from Warfighter Tobacco. Jon gives us the story of how Warfighter Tobacco Co. came to be. From gun store to 10yrs in the cigar industry, Jon talks about lessons learned, mentors, factory changes, and if he'd do it all again. We ask Jon how his military background helped prepare him for the business world and the decisions they've made. The conversation turns to scaling a business as it grows and what those growing pains look like. Congratulations to Warfighter Tobacco Co. on 10yrs in the cigar industry!

Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. They discuss Valacari Cigars' 10yrs in the industry, whether Valacari is "boutique" now, and how being in the industry for a decade changes how the rest of the industry views a brand. The duo also talk about Nimmer Ahmad's role as mentor and if there is a duty or obligation for this with experience in the industry to become mentors. Somehow, Jimmy finds a way to talk about Star Wars.

James and Jimmy sit down with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. Valacari Cigars is celebrating their 10th year in the cigar industry in 2026 and James asks Nimmer about it. Nimmer discusses some of the changes the brand has gone through, what it takes to make it in the industry, and some of the ongoing trends. Nimmer discloses what he believes is his biggest regret in the last 10yrs, as well as his "obligation" to be a mentor to new brands coming into the industry. We also discuss the Decimus, the limited annual release celebrating Valacari's 10ys in the industry.