Did Pepin sell his soul?

[silentjon-cl]

Originally Posted by baboruger

I think that is one of the issues, people see these guys a celebrities at events and what not and not as businessmen. Does anyone think the CEO of most companies calls to tell a store they are discontinuing something, nope, but that is what happened here, delegation. These guys are not making cigars just because we like them, or they like a guy at a shop, they are in this to make money, just like Microsoft.

Now I understand that this is a fun hobby for us, but for anyone other than the end user (us) this is a business just like Microsoft and others. Maybe there needs to be a change in how big business works, but this seems like the norm to me. I think that large companies (Pepin) always give the appearance of taking advantage of the little guy, like most people who have posted in this thread seem to imply. But they are just doing what is best for their company. The cost/benefit of producing these small batch cigars was not worth it with more valuable contracts out there. Holts is a HUGE sales machine, and that's where the money is rather than BlackCat.

I think that some people are also missing the point here when they talk about "if this happens to Pete Johnson I would like to hear what you say." It could very well happen to Tatuaje and I would not change my mind. I doubt that Pepin would want to rid himself of that cash cow, but I would guess that if he did there would be a monetary reason behind it.

This is an industry just like any other, and people need to realize that these guys are out to have a successful business and sometimes people have their toes stepped on, but that happens in any industry.

If the industry is to keep growing and being profitable for people like Pepin, then I see this as a good step as you sometimes need to divest yourself from small less profitable brands and focus on the cash cows in order to survive, especially with the economy like it is.

Just some thoughts...

Very well said Brent.

[mitro-cl]

For once, I don't have an opinion that requires a long post.

I really don't care who he makes cigars for, as long as he keeps making cigars.

[Skipper-cl]

It's all been said already but here is my take, if the black cat cigar wasn't moving then you can be sure Driban would have cancelled the production of the cigar. Regardless of friendships. You can also be sure Pepin would not have called Driban on it. Instead Driban should have simply found someone else with the ability to make something close and hyped up the change.

[Fishhound-cl]

Originally Posted by jitzy

dont get me wrong I agree with you your in business to make money not for charity and I bet he will sell alot more cigars thru holts than black cat. the one thing I'm saying is have the decentcy to call him yourself. I also will say we dont know how close of friends these guys where I do myself have mixed feelings about this whole situation.

We are also hearing this being told from one side. There is also Pepin's side of the story. Then there would also be the actual truth.

[Fishhound-cl]

Originally Posted by mitro

For once, I don't have an opinion that requires a long post.

I really don't care who he makes cigars for, as long as he keeps making cigars.

Wise words and I agree.

[Harpo Marx]

Originally Posted by hayward_tenney

I'm not one for gossip, but I read this entry over at the Stogie Guys from last week and thought to share it. It's an interesting story to say the least, and I'm curious to know your thoughts...As a man in his late 50's, does Pepin have the right to "cash in" on his recent notoriety? As the cigar business becomes more competitive and potentially more lucrative, are "old-fashioned" concepts like loyalty out of date?

The Original Post

The Rebuttal

Bob....this may have more on both sides to the story.

[Devil Dog Inc.]

Originally Posted by mitro

I really don't care who he makes cigars for, as long as he keeps making cigars.

Me too Mike. I just Love his smokesibble:

[aljrka]

I have read the articles and have found them to be what this business world is all about. There have been times when ethics, morals, and downright values have been thrown out my window all to make that mighty dollar. This is what Pepin has done. For us this is a hobby which instills passion and fire, but for others this is a business. I am sure he has stepped on a few toes and burnt a few bridges along the way, but he did it all with purpose. That purpose is what the American dream is all about and that's to make money!!

[Ernesto]

“It is curious - curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare”
Mark Twain


“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”

“Relativity applies to physics, not ethics”
Albert Einstein

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
Dr. Samuel Johnson

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
— Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president (1809-1865)

Don't forget until too late that the business of life is not business but living.
— B.C. Forbes, early 20th-century American publisher, founder of Forbes magazine

It's not how much you have that makes people look up to you, it's who you are.''
— Elvis Presley, American rock 'n' roll icon (1935-1977)

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.
— Henry David Thoreau, American essayist and nature writer (1817-1862)

Pick a quote -

[saxmanJJ-cl]

Very nice post Ernesto! Sincerely.

[RoBolton]

Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism Capitalism

[vudu9]

I pick the Elvis quote.

[DOZER]

Anybody see the video on the Cigarfest page?

http://www.cigarfest.org/cfest08/cfest08_vids.asp

He's going to be making exclusive smokes for CI now...

[CubanoLou]

This story only leads me to believe that sometimes people make mistakes by whatever reason posses them to do it. Money, greed or fame. I only can hope that Mr. Pepin goes back to his old roots in making great cigars so we could keep enjoying his wonderful sticks.

[jitzy]

Originally Posted by vudu9

I pick the Elvis quote.

from your avatar thats shoking