Simply Stogies

In this episode of Clear the Air, the crew celebrates Simply Stogies’ seven-year anniversary of the show , reflecting on its massive growth from a monthly hobby to a major industry voice. The conversation transitions into a deep dive on boutique cigar culture, comparing the different entrepreneurial paths taken by Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and recent guest Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars. A major theme of the discussion is the role of legacy and family, specifically focusing on how Martinez honors his father's Cuban immigrant story by naming his cigar lines after his father’s shoe stores. Finally, the hosts share a personal and introspective look at how the cigar industry fosters generational traditions and deep personal connections, all while giving a special shoutout to the Fat Ash Cigar Lounge family and celebrating several community birthdays.