"Stand UP Guy"

I come from a generation and place that when you said he is a "Stand Up Guy" it meant something. The qualities that stand apart from the ordinary cover many different shapes and weight classes. It's not so much in want they say, but what they simply do. I had met Don Pepin earlier this year in Miami. I was introduced to him by an old friend Ernesto Carrillo (La Gloria Cubana), and my immediate impression was I am in the presence of a "Stand Up Guy." Although English is not his first language he does not flinch to what is being said, and he looks at you in the eyes. Ernesto informed him that I had opened up the Grand Havana Room, in Beverly Hills and New York. This made it very easy to talk about Pete Johnson (Tatuaje) and to the time (1995) when GH started and all the characters that crossed our paths. Not to mention Pete's success and how Don Pepin is a key guide to Pete's journey. He was also informed that my ex-wife was of Cuban descent and it was she who first introduced me to Ernesto. I felt he did not see me as a complete stranger to his world or language.

There is another quality that fits this mold and separates a man like Don Pepin from others, and that quality is "humility." He makes you feel as though you know him from some other time. He embraces any questions you may ask about cigars and his journey to the top. His passion for what he does is without edge, but not without a genuine smile.

My second opportunity to meet with Don Pepin was on December 10 at Cigar Masters Boston, where I am employed as the Director of Operations. The event was titled "A Night of Family." The reason for the event was just that. Here at CM we are a family and cigars provide us the connection that ties us all together, not only within our own establishment but with a man like Don Pepin. Listening to Don and his daughter Janny talk with such passion about some of the brands within his cigar line (My Father, Don Pepin Blue, and Tobacos Baez), I feel as though the brands have become members of the Pepin family. It is also with that same passion for creating such distinguished cigars that makes me understand what brings a community like ours together. One of the highlights that night was watching him roll cigars. He moved through the tobacco like Manny Paquaio moves in on his opponents. He did with speed and and exact precision, and the finish roll was a knockout.

Don Pepin is not only a "Stand Up Guy" he is a champion, and all the great champions that I have seen and admired, seem to be blessed with a touch of magic. The kind of magic that is effortless in the face of greatness!

Ringside with George

Round 1

This is my test blog. I hope you come and join us ringside.

-George