Tobacco Business

[ 6 ] TOBACCO BUSINESS [ MARCH / APRIL | 21 ] LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 4 | ALL TOGETHER NOW STARTUP TECHNOLOGY 14 | USING YOUR BUSINESS WEBSITE TO DRIVE REVENUE Is your business’s website optimized for your cus- tomers? We’ve got tips for generating new leads that will help drive revenue. MARKETING 16 | A PUBLIC RELATIONS REFRESH Are your brand’s mentions going down? Need more at- tention and press? Two public relations experts tell you how to turn things around with a few easy moves. SALES 18 | A PANDEMIC SALES PLAN Tips for how to deal with tough times and adapt your company’s sales plan for a post-pandemic world. LEGISLATION 20 | SIGNIFICANT TOBACCO ISSUES FOR 2021 Key issues that tobacco retailers will face in 2021 on the state and federal level. 22 | 2021 STATE LEGISLATIVE SEASON Cigar Association of America takes a look at upcoming bills and legislation that will impact tobacco businesses this year. COVER STORY 24 | THE ETERNAL APPRENTICE Nestor Andrés Plasencia Jr.’s family is known for the tobacco they grow and the cigars they make. Their fami- ly’s story demonstrates how other tobacco businesses can grow and scale beyond any challenge or obstacles. PREMIUMCIGARS 36 | GOING ALL IN Cigar industry veteran Micky Pegg is putting his all into his very own cigar brand, All Saints Cigars, which is inspired by key figures and mentors who have shaped his life and career. 46 | PARTNERS IN SMOKE A group of cigar entrepre- neurs have combined their skill sets and experiences to create an inclusive cigar brand blended to inspire with every draw. ACCESSORIES 54 | A DIFFERENT TAKE ON CONTROL Humi-Smart is taking on humidity control with a different approach to product and business development. TOBACCONIST UNIVERSITY 62 | BECOME A CERTIFIED CIGAR SOMMELIER TOBACCONIST Tobacconist University’s new certification targets those retailers that offer cigars as a complement to their main business. 70 | THE ONLINE TOBACCONIST Tobacconist Scott Bendett of Scotty’s Cigars provides insights and tips for how any retailer can expand their busi- ness into e-commerce. 78 | AN ASSOCIATION FOR ALL A look back at the work and 20-year history of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets and its impact on tobacco retailers. 84 | SERVING AS A VOLUNTEER Operation: Cigars for Warriors examines the role volunteers have in its orga- nization in an interview with U.S. Army Captain Daniel McDougal. . 90 | ON YOUR SHELF New premium cigar and accessory releases from Aganorsa Leaf, Avo Cigars, J.C. Newman, Crowned Heads, Xikar and others. 24 PAGE CONTENT 36 PAGE 90 PAGE 44 PAGE