It is often said, in the Premium Cigar business, relationships matter. It is the essence of how to build a successful business. Ryan Gallimore, the owner of a new cigar distribution warehouse and associated lounge in Clearwater, Florida knows that all too well. Ryan has spent close to two decades building relationships in the business. First, as the manager of Don Yeyo’s in Dearborn, MI he got to know many brand owners in the industry. He also started his own line of cigars (Swinger Cigars) before the FDA regulations hit the scene. That got him connected to factories and even better understanding of process and leaf selection. He also transformed a wholesale cigar distribution company in Michigan where he further developed relationships. As the marketing and swag manager for Drew Estate he built relationships with swag companies across the globe and even set up his own swag company after leaving Drew Estate.
Now he has embarked on a new venture – The Cigar Circus and Cigar Smuggler. Housed in the same sprawling building in Clearwater, FL he has turned those lifetime relationships into a massive wholesale company with an amazing retail showroom associated to it.
I have followed Ryan’s journey, since I met him many years ago at Don Yeyo’s. On March 1st of this year, he unveiled the culmination of his diehard work and relation building to consumers, brands, and media at a very successful grand opening event. He could not have picked a better afternoon for the event. The weather was perfect for an outdoor party in Florida. The relations did matter and while other events have brand owners situated at tables; Ryan decided to just have them mingle with the all the attendees. The event was attended by 100 consumers, 26 manufacturing partners, and 12 media outlets.
As attendees showed up for the event they were checked in and received their swag bag that included 25 premium cigars, a branded hat and cool coffee mug. It also included an H. Upmann ash tray. Every one also had received an amazing tin sign designed to look like an event ticket. Remember, Ryan is known for his SWAG.
After checking in it was time to mingle as people started to show up. Ryan and his team of “Stagehands” gave tours of his new facility which has come together beautifully. It includes a large storage facility that houses the numerous brands he carries for wholesale distribution and a comfortable retail showroom area that has numerous walk in humidors and where consumers can purchase any of the cigars that the distribution side wholesales. This is a rather unique concept. The retail side is comfortable place to meet and have meetings and discussions.
Retail Showroom
Distribution Warehouse
The Food
Once the tour was done, we were treated to a delicious BBQ meal catered by Treehouse BBQ in St. Petersburg, FL. I have to say, the Cannoli Chips and Cream was amazing. Never saw this before but it worked.
Beverages/Bar
OK, Ryan knows how to throw a party. besides the coolers of beer, soft drinks and water, he had a huge 20 foot bar, two shelves high, stocked with some of the best premium liquors. It was a self pour bar so you could mix your drink any way you like.
Entertainment
What is a major cigar herf with out entertainment? Ryan had that covered in aces. He numerous circus performers walking around through the beautiful day along with a DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibe going. The were mimes, cigar smoking stilt men, and even a fire eating woman. It certainly made the event fun.
The People
I spoke to a lot of the folks that attended and they all were having a great time as brand owners and consumers mingled together telling stories and praising Ryan and his team for pulling off a memorable event. See if you recognize some of the notable industry figures in this gallery. There were plenty, as Ryan’s relationships run deep.
In Closing
The Cigar Circus was an awesome event held on a perfect Florida day filled with fun, cigars, food, drink and entertainment. The $300 ticket was worth the value for the number of cigars you got plus the food and beverages. Having the opportunity to mingle with fellow enthusiasts and industry names made it all that much better. I wish Ryan and his team the best in going forward, as I know how much of his heart, soul, and sweat he poured into the latest venture. Keep tuned to see more news as the Cigar Circus may show up in a town near you.
If you are in the Clearwater area, Ryan openly invites you to stop into the Cigar Circus Show Room
Location: 2041 Range Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Sat 10AM – 9PM
- Sun – 11 AM – 7 PM
Terrific event and it was great seeing you again!
same to you