Robert Caldwell, founder of Caldwell Cigar Company, joins the Between Two Humidors podcast to discuss his life and career. Despite finding social interaction draining, he thrived in the cigar industry, attributing his success to a unique branding approach influenced by an artist friend who opened his eyes to the importance of aesthetics and attention to detail.
He describes his approach to sourcing rare and high-quality tobacco, focusing on smaller, experimental crops and well-aged leaves. While he's stepped back from day-to-day management since selling his company, he remains passionate about product development, branding, and marketing.
The conversation takes a philosophical turn with discussions about Elon Musk's unconventional path and the merits of travel as a form of education, advocating for genuine cultural immersion over tourist traps. Caldwell concludes by sharing his unique perspective on branding, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to observe why certain aesthetics resonate with them and emphasizing that a captivating presentation is key to attracting initial interest.