Tobacco Business

Wave Crashing The cigar industry may be serious business, but McDonald is approaching business with positivity and a few jokes. When asked about why his cigar would appeal to tobacconists today, he plainly states that no tobacconist today needs his company’s cigars or those from other companies today. His brand’s appeal goes well beyond the cigars itself; it’s all about relationships. Relationships serve as the foundation of the entire cigar industry and are at the forefront of McDonald’s mind when it comes to building Wildfire Cigar Company and its long-term success. His “why” for starting a business is personal—to take care of his family and support himself—but he also launched Wildfire Cigar Company in 2021 to affect and be affected by other people in a positive way. McDonald hopes to make his brand a reflection of himself: always authentic and putting positivity back into the world. McDonald isn’t making cigars for the masses; he’s making cigars for a select few. If you’re looking for the expected and a cigar comparable to something that’s already on the market, look elsewhere because Wildfire Cigar Company is about embracing change and doing things differently. Wildfire Cigar Company won’t be chasing after trends. If McDonald has his way, Wildfire Cigar Company will be the origin of the waves others in the cigar industry will be looking to ride. TB Looking to sell boutique cigars? You’ll want to start with this easy three-step plan from Jeremy McDonald, owner of Wildfire Cigar Company and former national sales manager of Caldwell Cigar Company. • No comparison. Don’t ever compare your cigar to another cigar and say it’s the cheaper version of an ultra-premium cigar offered at half the cost. Why would a retailer want to down-sell a cigar that sells itself? Let the consumer make those connections about similarity. Don’t use it as your selling point. • No promises. Don’t sell or promote a cigar to a retailer as one that will make a ton of money because it’s the best thing since velcro. “I see this all the time, and it’s ridiculous because every shop has what works and what doesn’t work for them,” says McDonald. “It doesn’t mean the cigar is good or bad. It just means maybe that is the wrong retailer for you.” • No breaks. Making deals just to get a cigar on the shelf can negatively dictate the market value of that cigar. Be careful how you approach discounts and deals. Know your value and stick with it. The “No” Sales Plan YOUR PIPE TOBACCO REVIEWS. YOUR PIPE COMMUNITY. OVER 23K MEMBERS 89.5K REVIEWS JOIN TODAY FOR FREE Advertise your pipe tobacco products on TobaccoReviews.com! Contact benstimpson@tobaccobusiness.com for details. [ T O B A C C O B U S I N E S S . C O M ] TOBACCO BUSINESS [ 47 ]