Ten years ago I walked into this industry looking for part-time work while I was serving as a pastor. I had no idea that decision would change my entire life. What started as a side gig turned into a calling. Cigar maker, content creator, lounge manager, retail owner. Eventually all of that led to co-founding Cigars Daily with my father-in-law Jim Campbell. A decade later we've built one of the most recognized independent voices in premium cigars, and all of it started because I just wanted to be around the leaf.

Tonight I'm telling you that whole story and introducing something I've been working on for a long time. It's called Milestone, and it's the most personal project I've ever been a part of. I partnered with Rick Rodriguez of West Tampa Tobacco Company to create this blend, and we built it in my favorite vitola because something this personal had to feel exactly right. I'll break down the entire journey. How this collaboration came together, why Rick was the right partner, and what the last 10 years in this industry have taught me about craftsmanship, community, and the relationships that make all of this possible

He started as the gopher guy at a factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Nearly 20 years later, he's one of the most recognized faces in the entire industry. Tonight Drew Estate's Global Brand Ambassador Pedro Gomez joins us LIVE to tell his story — how a kid from humble beginnings in Nicaragua ended up becoming the voice of one of the biggest brands in the business.

My name is Tim and I'm the host of this show — but YOU are the co-host. Your comments and questions drive the episode. Settle in, grab a drink, and let's get into it.

We're going to talk about Pedro's journey from the factory floor in Estelí to traveling the world as a brand ambassador, what it's really like behind the scenes at one of the largest production facilities on the planet, and what's next for Drew Estate in 2026. We'll also get into Jonathan Drew's brand new venture — J. Sann & Son — a cigar factory, lounge, and culture center opening this spring in Miami's Wynwood district. It's a huge story and Pedro's got the inside scoop.

Cuba just cancelled its biggest annual festival for the first time since 1999. The island is in crisis — blackouts, fuel rationing, and airlines pulling out entirely. What does this mean for the future of Cuban craftsmanship, and what does it signal for the global industry?