GJA: Would you care to tell us the name of this new venture?

EPC: We have a corporate entity formed; Gary, but as yet, we have not determined the brand name. It’s not easy naming a cigar nor is it easy registering a name for a cigar. There are so many registered names that have never been used. So, we keep thinking about names.

GJA: I understand you’ll be located in the El Credito Cigar Company building at 11th Avenue and 8th Street (Calle Ocho), in Miami. Do you own that building.

EPC: No, Swedish Match will continue to rent that building. We are locating our offices at 984 S. W. 1st Street, Miami. We’ll be manufacturing in Santiago in the Dominican Republic. We’re in the process of looking for a facility there.

GJA: Before we get into what you’ll be doing, Ernie, I’m curious. Usually contracts come with ‘non-compete’ clauses that prohibit former employees, executives, from actively entering the same business for some limited period. Would you care to elaborate on why you, obviously, have no such restriction?

EPC: My first five year contract with General Cigar, that started when I sold them El Credito Cigar Company, carried a two year non-compete. But, when I signed a second five year contract, I “worked through” the non-compete clause, and I am free to do what I want. I’ve discussed this with management and everyone is comfortable with it.

GJA: What is your vision of the cigars you will be making now?

EPC: I’m best known for La Gloria Cubana, but I have been working on a variety of different blends. I hope to offer the smoker a new experience.

GJA: Of course, all cigars compete with each other. Do you think you will be going head-to-head with La Gloria Cubana?

EPC: Not really. With what I am considering and what I have been developing, we will produce a totally different cigar offering a totally different experience from La Gloria.

GJA: If you’d care to tell our readers, what tobaccos will you be focused on?

EPC: I’m going to be working with some different tobaccos. I purchased some excellent tobacco in September 08 which will be the basis for our initial production. We’ll be using tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador for fillers, binders and wrappers.