Bunkers Paradise is a Golf Community who loves, lives and learns everything golf. With that being said, we also enjoy a good cigar. We are lucky to have met Brad Bortz who is the Owner of Cigarstix.com. After seeing Brad's dedication to something he loves, cigars, we decided to reach out and see if he would be interested in being Bunkersparadise.com's Official Cigar supplier. Brad looked at what the Bunkers Paradise Golf Community was all about and decided to jump on board.
Cigarstix has made an immediate impact in the cigar world. Cigarstix.com will be the exclusive Cigar Sponsor for The 2012 TEEITUP Celebrity Golf Classic which benefits the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT in November. We will be partnering with Cigar Stix at the event and will have many photos with some celebrities to share with all of you in coming issues.
Let's get to know Brad and Cigarstix.com a little closer.
BP - When did Cigarstix.com open to the public?
Brad - CigarStix.com launched in May with Accessories and July with Cigars. Even though I spend much of my time marketing the boutique cigars on my site, I also offer a large selection of Humidors, Lighters, Cutters, Ashtrays and more. My prices are very competitive!
BP - Why did you decide to open up an online cigar shop?
Brad - By day, I have worked as a medical practice administrator for the past 20+ years. I've enjoyed cigars for many years. I've had a number of small businesses over the years, but this was one I could really enjoy. I always wanted to make money doing something I didn't consider a "job". So, I went for it!
BP - How long have you been enjoying cigars?
Brad - Approximately 15-16 years.
BP - You recently went to the IPCPR Show, how did that go?
Brad - WOW! It was really fantastic! It was my first time attending the IPCPR Show (International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers). It's an annual show and the largest show of its kind in the USA. It is not open to the public. Four days of smoking, sampling, meeting, smoking, greeting, and did I mention, smoking? For a new person in the business, it was an incredible learning experience and I was able to meet with many of those I have been tweeting with (@cigarstix) for the past couple months.
BP - What is your favorite cigar?
Brad - Ouch! I knew this question was coming. I honestly can't name a singular cigar. But, I can tell you I like rugged, toothy, earthy, cigars with Maduro ripened wrappers, a bit of spice, solid construction and a stick that doesn't make you work too hard. Cigars are so subjective; new smokers especially need to try many, many cigars with little to know attention paid to marketing hype. Ratings should be used as a "guide" but it's perfectly fine to Love an 87 and Hate a 94!
BP - Can people make personal orders on the site upon request?
Brad - You bet! If a customer wants something I don't carry, I'm happy to get it for them. In fact, customers can even build their own Sampler on my site. Because I order my cigars fresh from the manufacturer for each customer, my inventory is somewhat limited. However, if I have it, and a customer wants it, it's theirs!
If a customer finds any of my stix elsewhere for less, I will try my best to beat the price. However, I can't make this guarantee because I don't buy in bulk like the large cigar warehouses. I personally wouldn't want to buy my cigars from a warehouse anyway.
BP - What do you specialize in?
Brad - Premium Boutique Cigars! CigarStix.com carries 100% Boutique manufactured cigars. The Boutiques I carry are All Hand-Rolled and use Long-Leaf Filler. Boutique typically refers to smaller cigar makers, less than 500,000 cigars/yr. These cigars are usually more difficult to find as they simply don't have the market penetration as the larger manufacturers. They have great quality controls and offer great variety of flavor, body and appearance.
BP - We love a good cigar after a round of golf, do you golf?
Brad - I own clubs! But seriously, I used to play much more before my kids came along.
BP - If so, what is your handicap?
Brad - My handicap? My clubs, my shoes, my cap, my cart, my balls.
BP - What are you expecting in the near future for the online store?
Brad - My biggest hopes for CigarStix.com is that it becomes a "go to" for the cigar smoker looking for quality, reputable customer service, and a wide selection of cigars that stack up against any stick on the market. CigarStix.com is not about price, but rather offering THE quality site for a wide array of tastes.
Now that you know a little bit about Cigarstix.com, go get yourself a Premium Boutique Cigar. Make sure you tell him Bunkers Paradise sent you. If you want to learn more about Cigarstix.com go check out their website, follow them on twitter @cigarstix and LIKE them on facebook. To make things even easier to get yourself a cigar, just click on the Cigarstix.com link on the right side of the website.
Thanks again to Brad and Cigarstix.com for being part of our Bunkers Paradise Family.
