Between Two Humidors Episode 009 > Brandon Oveson & Kendrick Woolstenhulme


In Episode 009 of "Between Two Humidors", host Jonathan Ruggles and Guests Brandon Oveson and Kendrick Woolstenhulme discuss the origins and growth of their cigar brand, Apostate. Oveson and Woolstenhulme met in Utah, where they both used to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oveson, inspired by his desire to work in the cigar industry, was hired by Woolstenhulme and eventually became the manager of his shop. During the pandemic in 2020, they created a super premium house blend cigar and turned it into a brand, naming it "Apostate" after the concept of someone who rejects or rebels against a certain set of beliefs. They quickly relied on an old friend and manufacturer Jochy Blanco in the Dominican Republic due to their shared philosophy. The brand's logo and names are inspired by Mormon mythology, and their unique approach to naming their blends has provided them with a deep well of inspiration for marketing purposes. They have experienced growth, with new retailers and continued orders from existing ones. With light criticism and fallout from leaving their religious community, they have been able to continue lasting friendships and emphasize the importance of building a new community based on the foundation of their old one. They share stories about their first experiences with cigars and discuss the success of their cigar events, which provide a safe space for human connection.
Guest Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-oveson-a56586283/ /
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostatecigars/
Website: https://www.apostatecigars.com/
Thank you to our Sponsors - Special OFFER for Listeners in this episode!
The Cigar Chapel - Bend, Oregon
Apostate Cigars - Salt Lake City, Utah
Disclaimer

Brandon Oveson
Director of Sales - Apostate Cigars
Born an raised in Utah. Served an LDS mission in the Dominican Republic. Left the faith at age 26. Found cigars and cigar culture at age 28. Joined Kendrick at Beehive Cigars in 2016. Formed Apostate Cigars in 2020. Married (2nd marriage) with 5 kids. Avid Star Wars nerd.

Kendrick Woolstenhulme
Apostate Cigars
Born and raised in Utah. Served 2 year mission to Scotland from 2001-2003. Musican. Play piano and sing in band. Owns Beehive Cigars in Salt Lake City. Father of 2.