Podcast
Box Press
Hosted by Boveda Inc. · EN
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.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Skip Martin (Roma Craft Tobac) | Live From PCA 2026
Jun 2600:58:31Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →How Do You Price a Cigar? | RoMa Craft Tobac | Skip Martin | Box Press Ep. 147
Jun 2601:04:03Tap to summarizeNeanderthal, CroMagnon, Intemperance, Maestranza, and others. RoMa Craft is known for high-quality tobacco, premium cigars, and not charging an arm and a leg for them.Ever wonder what goes into determining a cigar’s cost? Learn Cigar Econ 101 and more with Skip Martin, co-founder of the RoMa Craft Tobac. Skip and his business partner, Mike Rosales, started RoMa Craft in 2010 and established a factory in Nicaragua in 2012.Episode features: Co-Founder, Skip Martin. Interview by Boveda’s Box Press Hosts Nate Beck and JP Awad.What is Boveda?Boveda patented 2-way humidity control for storing premium cigars. Aging cigars with Boveda is the easiest and most effective way to preserve their quality, flavors, aroma, and integrity. By maintaining the ideal humidity, Boveda prevents mildew in a cigar humidor while also protecting cigars from drying out. With Boveda in your cigar humidor, you'll enjoy full flavor and a perfect smoke from every cigar.Looking for the best cigar humidor?The Boveda Humidor reimagines traditional cigar care by removing the guesswork and maintenance. Simple. Elegant. Precise. Your only task is to enjoy. #LoveYourCigars #bovedaLearn more about storing cigars with Boveda, click here for emails : https://hubs.la/Q01BLsBF0
Transcribe →Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars) & Matt Booth (Room 101) | Live From PCA 2026
May 701:13:21Tap to summarizeMeeting 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.
Transcribe →Jon Huber (Crowned Heads) & Pete Johnson (Tatuaje Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026
May 700:59:37Tap to summarizeJon Huber (Crowned Heads) & Pete Johnson (Tatuaje Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026
Transcribe →Nick Melillo (Foundation Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026
May 700:27:35Tap to summarize10-Year Anniversary: Melillo discusses the 10-year milestone of Foundation Cigars, noting the challenges and intense workload involved in building the brand. He highlights his limited-edition 10-year anniversary cigar, a 7x58 Salomon, and expresses gratitude for the industry's support throughout his decade-long journey.Historical and Spiritual Research: Melillo shares his long-standing fascination with Ethiopian history, the royal family, and ancient texts like the Book of Enoch and the Garima Bible. He links this interest to his broader philosophical questions about life and humanity, noting that these pursuits share a sense of depth similar to his approach to cigar making. Industry Dynamics and Personal Work Ethic: The conversation touches on the camaraderie within the cigar industry and the demanding nature of running a company. Melillo admits to being a perfectionist and his own harshest critic, explaining that he aims to provide an exceptional experience for consumers rather than seeking personal accolades.
Transcribe →Enrique Seijas (Matilde Cigars) | Live From PCA 2026
May 700:49:44Tap to summarizeLimited 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.
Transcribe →Michael Herklots (Ferio Tego) | Live From PCA 2026
May 700:47:51Tap to summarizeFerio 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.
Transcribe →La Flor Dominicana | It's a Beautiful Thing | Box Press Ep. 146
Apr 2401:04:15Tap to summarizeBehind every exceptional cigar brand is a story—at La Flor Dominicana (LFD), that story was written by the Gomez family.ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Episode features: Founder, Litto Gomez Sr. and his sons, Litto Jr., and Tony. Interview by Boveda’s Box Press Hosts Nate Beck and JP Awad.Founded by Litto Gomez and nurtured alongside his wife Ines, LFD is a family legacy built on passion, resilience, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Today, Tony and Litto Jr. also play an integral role furthering the vision—blending tradition with a fresh perspective to ensure that the brand remains bold and innovative.What is Boveda? Boveda patented 2-way humidity control for storing premium cigars. Aging cigars with Boveda is the easiest and most effective way to preserve their quality, flavors, aroma, and integrity. By maintaining the ideal humidity, Boveda prevents mildew in a cigar humidor while also protecting cigars from drying out. With Boveda in your cigar humidor, you'll enjoy full flavor and a perfect smoke from every cigar.Looking for the best cigar humidor? The Boveda Humidor reimagines traditional cigar care by removing the guesswork and maintenance. Simple. Elegant. Precise. Your only task is to enjoy. #LoveYourCigars #BovedaLearn more about storing cigars with Boveda, click here for emails: https://hubs.la/Q01BLsBF0
Transcribe →The Cigar Alliance Explained: Quesada + Joya de Nicaragua | Box Press Ep. 145
Mar 2701:01:22Tap to summarizeTwo pillars of the premium cigar industry. One conversation you don’t want to miss. #LoveYourCigars In this episode, we sit down with Joya de Nicaragua and Quesada Cigars to talk about legacy, collaboration, and what happens when Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic come together in the world of premium cigars. Episode features: Joya de Nicaragua's Juan Martinez and Quesada Cigars' Raquel Quesada. Interview by Boveda’s Box Press Hosts Nate Beck and JP Awad. What is Boveda? Boveda patented 2-way humidity control for storing premium cigars. Aging cigars with Boveda is the easiest and most effective way to preserve their quality, flavors, aroma, and integrity. By maintaining the ideal humidity, Boveda prevents mildew in a cigar humidor while also protecting cigars from drying out. With Boveda in your cigar humidor, you'll enjoy full flavor and a perfect smoke from every cigar. Looking for the best cigar humidor? The Boveda Humidor reimagines traditional cigar care by removing the guesswork and maintenance. Simple. Elegant. Precise. Your only task is to enjoy. Learn more about storing cigars with Boveda, click here for emails : https://hubs.la/Q01BLsBF0
Transcribe →About that Maduro… | Crowned Heads + Oz Family Cigars | Box Press Ep. 144
Feb 2701:14:38Tap to summarizeYou’ll laugh your ash off as 2 superstars from Nashville cigar companies join the Boveda cigar podcast. #LoveYourCigarsEpisode features: Jon Huber, Crowned Heads and Tim Ozgener, Oz Family CigarsBoth boutique cigar brands share a heritage over CAO, the cigar company founded by the late Cano Aret Ozgener in Nashville in the 1990s. (Cano was Tim’s father.)Oz Family Cigars of today upholds the family's craft with Turkish-named blends, such as Firsat and Karatoba. Crowned Heads specializes in small-batch blends, such as Four Kicks and Jericho Hill.Interview by Boveda’s Box Press Hosts Nate Beck and JP Awad.What is Boveda? Boveda patented 2-way humidity control for storing premium cigars. Aging cigars with Boveda is the easiest and most effective way to preserve their quality, flavors, aroma, and integrity. By maintaining the ideal humidity, Boveda prevents mildew in a cigar humidor while also protecting cigars from drying out. With Boveda in your cigar humidor, you'll enjoy full flavor and a perfect smoke from every cigar.Looking for the best cigar humidor? Check out the only humidor built to work with Boveda packs, the Boveda Humidor. The Boveda Humidor reimagines traditional cigar care. It’s simple. No guesswork. No maintenance. No humidity problems. Your only task is to enjoy.Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Box Press by Boveda00:50 Cigar legends & stories04:08 How Boveda got started05:17 Boveda makes Viva for cannabis curing and storage09:36 History of Crowned Heads cigars15:00 History of OZ Family Cigars32:01 What cigars are smokers liking right now38:35 Why foodies should try cigars42:57 Steps of making a good cigar44:37 What not to do in retirement47:12 Funny story: bring out the "ADULT" pipes49:34 Funny story: Timmy stuck in kindergarten01:03:33 Humidity for cigars in dry climates01:05:25 Find a mentor01:07:35 What will be your legacy?
Transcribe →