A Hardware Son Built A Cigar Empire

Alan Rubin entered the crowded nineties cigar market after failing with golf-themed smokes. Named after his children, his brand defied early setbacks to eventually sell millions of handmade cigars every single year.

It is fascinating that a man whose father imported hardware supplies could pivot so successfully into the luxury tobacco industry. After initial flops, he eventually captured the market with his popular Tempus line. Rather than owning every factory, the brand orchestrates production across expert facilities in Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. This global approach turned a small startup into a major international player based in Florida.