But the customer asked for this...

When your customer asks for something, and you give them exactly what they want, fulfilling their expectations, you've done your job.

But if you know a better way, that will exceed their expectations, and you don't give them that, you've failed.

Emilio Website Updates

Over the next several days we will begin rolling out the new and hopefully improved Emilio Cigars Website .

As with many things we have done, and will continue to do, understand that we do listen. We do happily accept criticism and commentary, and we will forever strive to become a better presence in the marketplace. We will implement changes to the website, our bands and branding, and enedeavor to be the very best that we can be for you, our consumers and advocates.

Also understand that, for me in particular, this is my absolute passion. I want to bring you products I can be proud of, and that you can enjoy. I live and breath this motto every day: The tobacco drives the process.

I continue to appreciate all the support and enthusiasm from everyone, but in the end that means nothing if I disappoint myself.

I'm about the cigars. I'll worry about the other details over time.

For now, enjoy the new site. Visit it often to see how it progresses. As with all things, what we do we will always be a work in progress.

Grow with us, and we'll grow with you.

Thank you.

News Release: Draig K Limitado

We are pleased to announce that production and aging of our Emilio Cigars Draig K Limitado is complete, and the cigars are ready for packaging.

We are still awaiting bands from the printer, and the final version of the box art should be finished this week, so we are setting a tentative release date of June 1, 2012.

These cigars are limited in production, and will be allocated only to retailers who have joined the Emilio Cigars family as of April 30, 2012.

Once we have the cigars in hand our sales representatives will contact their accounts and advise as to how many will be available to each.

To get a feel for what this new release is all about have a look at this prerelease review by Charlie Greenbacker of Stogie Review

When we fail to tell

Communication is a curious thing, because unless it is clear and concise, and leaves no room for interpretation, confusion can ensue. Why? Because the listening party is left room to reach conclusions based on assumptions. When this happens disappointment can ensue, feelings are hurt, and damage is done to relationships, both personal and professional.

Communication must be timely to be of value, since even a perfectly communicated message or idea, delivered too late, can cause the same confusions and disappointments as cited above. A last minute change of plans, even when fully explained, understood, and accepted for what it is can turn joy and anticipation into bitterness and regret.

When we speak clearly, without evasion, and in a timely manner to people in our personal and professional spheres who are important to us our understanding of one another becomes ever clearer, and our bonds grow ever stronger.

When we choose to avoid the timely truth, even if because we sincerely don't want to hurt or disappoint, we do more damage than the truth itself could ever do.

Remember too that on any given day we haven't a clue how many other times this same scenario has played out for someone, and if you're the last in line to deliver bad news, you may be the first person they give up on.

Just my thoughts for the day.