How It All Started

I didn't discover my passion for cigars until later in life. But when I did, I fell hard.

Years ago, while working for a major security company, I had the good fortune of winning its annual Superstar Sales Contest several times. Those achievements took me to some incredible destinations, including Chicago, New York, Mexico, and one particularly memorable trip to Cancún.

One sunny afternoon, I was relaxing at a swim-up bar in a beautiful tropical pool, cocktail in hand, enjoying the atmosphere. Amid the laughter and conversation, two words caught my attention: Cuban cigar.

I turned to see a gentleman standing at the edge of the pool with an open box of cigars, talking with a few of my friends. Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to ask if I could try one.

Without hesitation, he handed me a cigar.

It was only 12:30 in the afternoon, but that first experience would change everything.

This wasn't some inexpensive tourist-shop cigar. It was something special. The rich flavor, smooth draw, and unmistakable character were unlike anything I'd experienced before.

I was hooked.

But as I would soon discover, cigars were about much more than the smoke itself. They were about craftsmanship, tradition, conversation, and the remarkable way a shared passion could bring complete strangers together.

A Connection to the Dominican Republic

As life unfolded, I developed a personal connection to the Dominican Republic, a country that would play an important role in deepening my appreciation for cigars.

Through a relationship at the time, I began spending extended periods there, experiencing the culture, meeting wonderful people, and discovering the country's extraordinary cigar-making heritage.

One of my most memorable experiences came on my 40th birthday.

During a nearly five-month stay in the Dominican Republic, I was surprised with an incredible collection of cigars, including a custom cigar box, a treasure chest filled with different blends, and even a cigar-themed birthday cake.

The cigars had been sourced from Cabinet Cigar Store in Santiago.

That day was filled with Dominican music, delicious food, family, and a poolside celebration I'll never forget.

I remember thinking, Turning 40 isn't so bad after all.

It remains one of my favorite memories from my time on the island.

Discovering the Heart of Cigar Culture

Those experiences inspired me to explore the cigar world more deeply.

I'd heard so much about the Dominican Republic's reputation as one of the world's great cigar-producing nations, and I wanted to experience that craftsmanship firsthand.

My journey took me to the renowned La Aurora cigar factory in Tamboril, where I learned more about the artistry, tradition, and dedication behind every cigar.

During the tour, I met our guide, Eugenio, who handed me a cigar I still remember vividly. I lit it halfway through the visit and enjoyed every last moment of it.

Even better, Eugenio became a friend, and we remain friends to this day.

Later that week, I attended the Dominican Cigar Festival in Santiago.

It was hot. The electricity went out more than once. But none of that mattered.

The atmosphere was incredible.

I met passionate boutique cigar makers, discovered exceptional blends, made valuable connections, and watched talented producers receive well-deserved recognition.

There were concerts, celebrations, conversations, and, of course, plenty of cigars.

It was everything I had come to love about cigar culture.

A Hidden Gem and a Life-Changing Idea

Before returning to the United States, I had the opportunity to visit a small, family-owned cigar factory tucked away in the Dominican mountains.

The introduction came through someone close to me at the time, who knew the woman behind the wonderful cigars I'd received for my birthday.

We drove past larger manufacturers and continued into the hills until we arrived at a modest metal gate.

What I discovered on the other side was something truly special.

The owner welcomed us with such warmth and generosity that within minutes, she felt like family.

I left with an incredible selection of handcrafted cigars, but the most valuable thing I took away wasn't something I could pack in a suitcase.

It was another lasting friendship.

Experiences like these made me realize that I wanted to do more than enjoy cigars. I wanted to contribute something meaningful to the culture and community surrounding them.

A few days before returning home, I began seriously thinking about how I could bring cigar enthusiasts together.

Not long afterward, I created a Facebook group dedicated to that very idea.

I had no idea how far that simple decision would take me.

The Birth of International Cigar Tribe

What began as a small community for cigar enthusiasts in Indiana soon grew into something bigger.

But I knew something was missing.

My experiences had taught me that cigar culture doesn't belong to one city, one country, or one background.

It crosses borders, languages, and generations.

A shared appreciation for cigars can turn strangers into friends, and friends into family.

That's when I realized the community needed a name that reflected what it was truly becoming.

International Cigar Tribe was born.

The word tribe has always meant something special to me.

It represents belonging, loyalty, friendship, and people looking out for one another.

That's what I wanted to create: a welcoming international community where adult cigar enthusiasts could share their experiences, celebrate the culture, and build genuine connections.

Within our first year, we had grown to a couple thousand members.

Today, our tribe reaches across borders, connecting people who might otherwise never have met.

I'm especially grateful for our dedicated moderators, who generously contribute their time and energy to making this community what it is.

Through our growing social media presence, including Instagram, we continue to celebrate our members, their experiences, and the friendships that make this tribe special.

And we're only getting started.

To My Tribe, Thank You

Looking back, what began with a single cigar beside a swimming pool has become something far more meaningful than I ever imagined.

Along the way, I've discovered extraordinary cigars, visited unforgettable places, and met some truly remarkable people.

But the greatest reward has always been the friendships.

International Cigar Tribe is about more than cigars.

It's about the people we meet, the stories we share, and the connections that last long after the final ash falls.

I have big dreams for the future of this community. Who knows? Maybe one day there will even be an International Cigar Tribe cigar label.

Wink, wink.

Until then, I want to thank every member, moderator, friend, and fellow enthusiast who has helped make this journey possible.

Thank you for being part of the tribe, for sharing your passion, and for keeping this incredible culture alive.

Stay smoky, my brothers and sisters of the leaf.

International Cigar Tribe