Box Press

Boveda Inc.

There is a story inside every smoke shop, with every cigar and with every person. Come be a part of the cigar lifestyle at Boveda. This is Box Press.

  1. 26 июн.

    Skip Martin (Roma Craft Tobac) | Live From PCA 2026

    The podcast features an interview with Skip Martin, who discusses his background, the development of his cigar company, and his philosophy on the cigar industry. Personal Background and Entry into Cigars: Skip Martin grew up in Dallas, Texas, played baseball, and later served on a submarine in the Navy during the Cold War. After his service, he worked in finance in Chicago and later moved to Round Rock, Texas, where he worked at Dell for 15 years. He discovered a passion for cigars while in the Navy and later developed relationships with cigar retailers like Chad Chadburn and Diana Silvius Gits, who helped shape his understanding of the industry. Building a Cigar Business: Martin and his partner, Mike Rosales, started a cigar brand, Roma, in 2010 and established a factory in Nicaragua in 2012. He emphasizes that his entry into the industry was strategic rather than accidental, noting that he wanted to stay connected to the craft of cigar-making rather than focusing solely on sales. His "blue ocean" business strategy focuses on value innovation, putting money into high-quality tobacco rather than advertising or expensive packaging. Industry Philosophy: Friction as a Strategy: Martin describes a strategy of creating "friction" to filter for truly interested customers, encouraging them to learn more about the products and the industry. Building Cigar Smokers: A central theme of his approach is the responsibility of retailers to cultivate "cigar smokers" by educating them and helping them progress in their appreciation for cigars. Factory Operations: Martin discusses the nuances of factory operations in Nicaragua versus the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of doing things the "right way"—such as ensuring quality through rigorous steps—even when it is difficult. Targeting Retailers: He prefers to partner with smaller, owner-operated retail accounts where he can be a core brand, rather than relying on top-tier distributors that might demand high costs and aggressive marketing.

    59 мин.
  2. 7 мая

    Enrique Seijas (Matilde Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026

    Limited Exposure Series: Enrique introduces The Matilde Limited Exposure series, a concept designed to offer exclusive, limited-production blends without being limited in time. Each release, numbered sequentially, utilizes different color themes inspired by nature and tropical fauna, such as the Number 1 (Red Orchid), Number 2 (Lilac), and the latest, Number 3 (Green Cotorra). The Number 3 blend is a 50/50 combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco, a departure from their traditional 80/20 Dominican-focused blends. Legacy and Homage: Enrique discusses the "Par Jose Seijas" cigar, created to honor and thank his father, Jose Seijas, a renowned figure in the tobacco industry. The brand supports the Parkinson's Foundation in the Dominican Republic, as Jose suffered from Parkinson's disease. Rebranding and New Directions: Enrique is rebranding and relaunching the "Seijas" family brand, which he successfully reacquired after his father's passing. This new stage involves the establishment of the "Pineapple Cigar Factory," a small-scale facility named for a term his mother used to describe their tight-knit family unit. Industry Collaboration: The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and loyalty within the cigar industry, celebrating the contributions of everyone from growers to designers. Enrique shares his personal journey and the balance he maintains between his family in Santo Domingo and his work in Santiago. Future Outlook: Enrique looks forward to involving his own children in the family business, hoping to pass down the same passion he developed while growing up in the factory.

    50 мин.
  3. 7 мая

    Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars) & Matt Booth (Room 101) | Live From PCA 2026

    Meeting and Relationship: Robert Caldwell and Matt Booth have known each other for approximately 14–15 years, having first met in Honduras. They describe their friendship as intimate and non-traditional, noting that they have traveled together and met in various cities like Paris and Los Angeles outside of the cigar industry. The "Room 101" Name and Brand Philosophy: Matt Booth explains that the name "Room 101" is a nod to George Orwell’s 1984. He views the brand as a champion for the creative spirit and individual expression against the pressures of conformity. Booth launched Room 101 in 2003 with hand built jewelry and fashion before expanding into cigars. Industry Perspectives: Both speakers acknowledge their roles in the cigar industry while noting that they are both independent spirits. They discuss the industry's shift in perception regarding 60-ring gauge cigars, noting that while once considered "big" and less expensive, they are now normalized and demand premium pricing. Both highlight the importance of their respective factory partners—such as William Ventura in the Dominican Republic—in maintaining quality and consistency in their blends. Creative Processes and Lifestyle: The speakers discuss their personal interests, including Booth's jewelry making and his background in the Marine Corps. Caldwell and Booth reflect on their personal lives, including traveling with their families and their preference for living active, non-traditional lifestyles. Future Outlook and Collaboration: Both have sold their companies—Caldwell to an undisclosed buyer and Room 101 to Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG)—but continue to consult and blend for their brands. They express a continued passion for blending, with Booth mentioning he has a "hopper" full of potential future blends.

    1 ч. 13 мин.
  4. 7 мая

    Michael Herklots (Ferio Tego) | Live From PCA 2026

    Ferio Tego and Storytelling: Michael Herklots discusses his philosophy of viewing cigar brands as "albums" and blends as "stories." He emphasizes that a meaningful story must be repeatable and compelling. Herklots highlights the Metropolitan 30th Anniversary limited edition cigar as a way to honor the legacy of the Metropolitan Selection. Industry Advocacy: Herklots reflects on his transition from a long-time retail career to his current role as a brand owner. He notes that despite being "deliberate competition" now, he remains committed to advocating for the cigar industry as a whole, maintaining strong relationships with peers and other manufacturers. The Nature of the Cigar Industry: The conversation touches on the "family" aspect of the industry. While acknowledging that business is competitive, the speaker stresses the genuine mutual respect and shared passion that exists among those in the room. Consistency and Challenges: Herklots discusses the vulnerability inherent in their craft, noting that every cigar is handmade and essentially a "live performance" each time it is lit. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and delivering quality products over the "non-stop drum beat of new stuff". Future of the Industry: Addressing the challenges of regulation and taxation, Herklots expresses optimism, stating that the industry is stronger and more durable because of the battles they have fought together.

    48 мин.
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There is a story inside every smoke shop, with every cigar and with every person. Come be a part of the cigar lifestyle at Boveda. This is Box Press.

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