Episode 577 - Memorial Day Weekend Special with Eric Newman

·1 hr 53 min·5 clips

Eric Newman describes how his family bought out relatives in 1986, taking on debt just before a desperate call from Carlos Fuente saved the business.

The episode begins with hosts William Cooper, Alex Tavella, Abe DeBatna, and guest host Fred Rui dealing with audio issues while trying to connect their main guest, Eric Newman. Fred Rui shares details of his transatlantic cruise from Florida to Barcelona and his plans in Spain, including a day trip to Menorca for black ink paella. Eric Newman finally joins via cell phone after technical troubles. He outlines the history of J.C. Newman Cigars, founded by his grandfather in 1895 in Cleveland, with the company moving to Tampa in 1954. Newman explains they are now the only traditional cigar factory left from that era and the only one still owned by the founding family. He discusses his son Drew's initiatives, including restarting hand-rolled cigar production on the factory's third floor with a focus on quality over output, and transforming the factory into a tourist destination that attracted 22,000 visitors last year. Newman delves into the 1986 family buyout that left them with debt, followed shortly by the lifesaving partnership with Carlos Fuente, which led to making cigars for each other. He recounts the development of the Diamond Crown cigar for their 100th anniversary in 1995, including the decision to use a 54-ring gauge. The conversation touches on industry changes, such as the shift from Candela to natural wrapper cigars and the boom-and-bust cycle of the 1990s. After Newman's segment, the hosts and Fred Rui engage in a lengthy, humorous discussion about the perils of transatlantic cruises, including a fire alarm incident and the psychological fear of being days from land. The show includes promotional segments for Smoking Cigar of the Month Club and a music trivia game sponsored by Avo Cigars. The episode concludes with behind-the-scenes stories about organizing large cigar events like The Great Smoke.

As heard by us

A relaxed holiday broadcast turns cruise nerves, ocean distance, and weekend plans into lively live-radio company.

KMA Talk Radio's Memorial Day weekend special turns a loose Saturday morning show into an easy run of ocean crossings, cruise habits, travel talk, and the practical work of getting through the holiday.

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Why you'd press play

You get Memorial Day weekend plans, cruise survival nerves, and a Rick's Cafe detour before the coffee cools.

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