Inside StogieHub: A Talk with Stephen W. Mann

Q: What inspired you to create StogieHub?

A: As a longtime cigar aficionado, I noticed an unmet need in the marketplace. As my palette for cigars has evolved over time, so too has my palette for cigar accessories. As such, I found myself with a lot of great accessories that I could no longer use. I wanted to create an honest, community-focused platform to allow me, and others, to trade quality cigar accessories, as well as discuss cigar-related topics on our Burn & Learn podcast.

Q: Do you think there is a demand for an online marketplace for cigar accessories?

A: My personal experiences in trying to sell cigar accessories indicate that there is a market for a platform like StogieHub. I’ve tried, with limited success, to market cigar accessories on platforms like eBay, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace. Realistically, I can’t justify buying that new lighter until I lighten my present load. For me, it’s a psychological decision, not a financial decision. My research indicates that the average experienced cigar aficionado has the same issue. I’ve built this platform for them.

The StogieHub differentiator is the fact that once an aficionado creates a StogieHub user profile and starts to review items available on the site, he or she knows that only cigar aficionados have posted or purchased items on the site. Essentially, every user could potentially have an interest in his or her listed item. I am focused on creating a like-minded online community of cigar smokers comparable to the community feel of entering your local cigar lounge.

Q: How do you see your platform fitting into the broader cigar industry?

A: I’ve had conversations with several cigar lounge owners. During those discussions, it’s become apparent to them that the StogieHub platform could be an enabler to their current accessory sales. Customers that can efficiently move on from current accessories can confidentially, and without remorse or guilt, buy that new lighter at their local lounge.

Q: What’s your background with cigars?

A: I’ve been an aficionado since I had my first Davidoff in 1996. However, I would say that I’ve definitely elevated my cigar game and experiences over the past 15 years or so. I tend to travel a lot and I always make certain to visit different cigar lounges while traveling. What I most enjoy is the opportunity to decompress and bond with people of all walks of life over a great cigar!

Q: How does your platform compare to other online marketplaces like eBay?

A: eBay is a great platform with over 120 million users globally. I love the platform and I use it regularly. However, my experience in using the platform as an aficionado has been met with limited success. On eBay, there are so many people selling so many different items, it’s difficult to find a core group of aficionados that would be interested in your cigar accessory. Conversely, by creating an online trading platform solely dedicated to cigar smokers, each user that peruses your listing will have at least a general interest in the item that you’ve listed. That is the StogieHub competitive advantage over the current generalized platforms.

Q: Do you see traditional cigar shops and lounges as competition or potential partners?

A: I consider StogieHub to be an enabler to local lounges’ accessory sales efforts. Essentially, creating a community-based trading platform where you can sell a great item to an evolving aficionado will allow you to apply the sales proceeds to the purchase of a new accessory at your local lounge. This is a win-win in my opinion.

Q: What’s your vision for the platform over the next few years?

A: My vision is to create the preeminent members-only online cigar accessories trading platform solely dedicated to discerning cigar aficionados. As I build out the site and create a vibrant online community, there are additional features that I’d love to introduce, such as a digital humidor and accessories locker that can be shared with other members and a lounge locator and lounge review module.

Q: Tell us about the podcast and how it compliments your platform.

A: The true differentiator for my podcast is the live, on-set nature of the offering, coupled with great conversations about great cigars and topics that are important to our everyday lives. Since three-quarters of podcast content is consumed in the car or while engaging in other activities, Burn & Learn is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

I’m also excited to have the opportunity to take my podcast show on the road, something I’m now calling PaaS, or Podcasting as a Service. With my mobile video production team, I’m able to feature lounge owners in their own unique lounge setting, creating great exposure for their business without worrying about the logistical challenges of recording a live video podcast. As a former corporate lender and private equity executive, I’m passionate about ensuring that small businesses have the tools to grow and achieve.

At the same time, I’m introducing the StogieHub platform to the lounge owners and their respective customer bases. A real win-win for all parties involved.