Simply Stogies Podcast

09/13/2026

It was a self-made, unofficial apprenticeship. Some opened their factory doors, teaching me everything. It was necessary to understand this passion. If you're not from the industry, jumping in headfirst is the way. Making a brand is easy, succeeding is another story.

09/12/2026

When a promotion fell through, he didn't just look for another job. He sold his car, booked a one-way ticket to Honduras with no Spanish and no plan, and chased a feeling. This is how that journey began.

09/11/2026

NEW EPISODE
https://youtu.be/oNhD-hVs8qI?is=ELjvuBAb3EMoAyes

James and Jimmy welcome Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Ci**rs 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.

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James and Jimmy welcome Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Ci**rs to th...

09/11/2026

An insightful conversation with John Simons about War Fighter. Discover the passion and tenacity behind the brand and the wonderful people within the cigar industry.

09/10/2026

Is the idea of working hard and delivering value to a company disappearing? In today's corporate world, every position needs to be profitable. But does that cultural shift mean we're losing something important?

09/09/2026

The cigar industry is rich with mentorship, with many actively sharing their experiences and mistakes to help others succeed. John Simons emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and fostering genuine relationships, rather than gatekeeping knowledge. This approach builds a stronger community where guidance is freely given.

09/08/2026

Reaching a decade in the cigar industry is a massive achievement. John Simons' journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and building a brand with soul. Learn about the risks taken and the lessons learned.

09/07/2026

The adaptability of military operators shines through. John Simons, a prime example, navigates conversations from military life to the cigar industry with ease, always staying true to himself. His ability to connect and take feedback, like the humidor story, highlights awareness of market needs.

09/06/2026

The journey of building a cigar business without a safety net. From selling a gun shop to pursuing ci**rs, this conversation dives deep into the resilience, persistence, and immense risks involved. We explore the often-overlooked business side: hiring, firing, government paperwork, and managing a sales team with per diems, cars, and travel. It's a lot.

09/05/2026

War Fighter Tobacco's journey from Plasencia to Esteban Carrera wasn't about leaving quality, but about finding a factory that valued their input. As a small fish in a big pond, scaling production was tough. By moving to a smaller pond, they found the attention needed to grow and build relationships, echoing their brotherhood-focused brand.