Cigars, Hope, and Relationships

Last week I made a new friend. He’s a cigar shop owner. Our conversation was incredibly awakening and inspiring. Sure, our conversation revolved around Cigars, but more so, the lifestyle and the industry. But what he had to say about his involvement in the industry is what really got me.

“I’m not in the cigar business. I’m in the Relationship business.” Is what he had to say.

He said “cigars, are, what I like to call a social lubricant.”

His business is about bringing people together. Creating an environment conducive to building a relationship, networking, and cultivating community. This guy gets it. People want to connect. People want to feel wanted, known, and accepted. It’s the cry of every heart. Cigar’s are a niche hobby that bring people together and connect them.

This particular cigar shop has a lounge and the lounge is used to allow people the opportunity to connect. To talk. To help. To share life over a cigar. A common denominator.

A monthly meeting takes place here, that brings guys together, just to simply talk and connect. My new friend says it’s an opportunity to fill people with hope, through real and relevant discussion about life…..over cigars.

My new friend is also a Pastor. He get’s it.