MANY MEMBERS
ONE VOICE
ABOUT US
We at Boutique Cigar Association (BCA) are proud to be a part of the cigar industry and to be able to contribute to its growth by helping small businesses develop into successful brands.
At BCA, we believe in the power of partnerships and working together. Our goal is to help you, the cigar manufacturer, achieve success and reach your goals through a collaborative effort built on dedication, expertise and a passion for your brand.
Our team has been working with premium cigar manufacturers since 2020 and we unite for the cause to fully support the people in the cigar industry and to protect the livelihoods of family-owned cigar businesses and small cigar manufacturers. Together, with unified collaboration with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), and Cigar Association of America, we pledge to defend the cigar industry’s freedoms and livelihood against overreaching government regulations.
WHO WE ARE
WE ARE OF PROFESSIONALS
business owners and manufacturers devoted to the art of the cigar industry as well as to helping each other. We’re passionate about revolutionizing the way the premium cigar industry, delivers an exceptional experience that inspires creativity, innovation, and a sense of community. We speak with one collective voice to share knowledge with each member of the association and with the cigar consumers.
WE ARE PROUD
of the path we have taken to place a high priority on underscoring the importance of the boutique cigar brands, owners, companies and retailers. Today we are recognized as an integral partner to the extent that the boutique cigar segment has earned a well-deserved prominence alongside the premium cigar market industry leaders.
WE ARE CRITICALLY AWARE
of the importance of federal, state and local laws and compliance benchmarks. In bringing together the small cigar businesses, we continue to ensure that owners are aware of the state of the industry and our philosophy for advancing the sector.
EACH ELEMENT OF OUR NEW BRAND
has a meaning unto itself. The strength of our association is measured by the power of each member and the brands they represent. As a whole we are a family of one, supported by several who serve many!
BRAND STORY
Moss Green (Inner Leaf)
Born of the soil, lush and resilient. A foundation carpeting the earth, it serves as both pathway and covering, beckoning the traveler to come and find contentment. Our home is where our brothers and sisters' dwell, a place for our boutique brands to find one voice and stand together.
Ocean Green (Outer Leaf)
An ocean is vast, covering two thirds of our planet. It sustains life above and below. It is unrelenting and a force to be respected and appreciated. Just as one drop of water can become an ocean; it is true that one seed becomes a plantation. The cycle is eternal. Tide and crop know no end. Every new harvest is a beginning bringing new life, more passion, and innovation chapters.
THE LEAF
From one comes many. Alone it is just a small part of the whole. Yet, each tiny green leaf has a rendezvous with time; to mature into its own greatness. Together we are the dream that becomes the reality.
THE FINGERPRINT
The symbol of identity and pulse. Our uniqueness of being individual is just like each ridge and swirl. Isolated it is merely lines and means nothing; Unified the ‘fingerprint’ or mark signifies commitment to excelence and promise to gain greater achievement in all we endeavor to accomplish
THE MOMENTUM DIRECTIVE
Momentum is defined as the quantity of motion of a moving body. Forward direction is when people or groups are responsible for organizing people and activities. Combined the Momentum directive is the process of consistently delivering an experience of movement in a forward motion that is linked to progress and attainment of goals.
The People Behind the Boutique Cigar Association
The BCA was founded in 2015 by Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 Cigars. In 2020, we created a Board to manage the day-to-day affairs of the organization. The Board consists of 7 members elected to a 2-year period by the membership of the Boutique Cigar Association. Eligibility for officer roles includes a member in good standing, at least 1 year as a member of the association, participation during all monthly member meetings, attendance/vendor at festivals and pavilion.
Armen Caprielian
President
Owner of DAV Cigars
Dr Garo Bouldoukian
Board of Director
Owner of Garo Cigars
Greg Free
Secretary
Owner Fortaleza y Libre
Dr Gaby Kafie
Founder | Treasurer
Owner of Kafie 1901 Cigars / Coffees
Chet King
Vice President
GM of Over the Rhine Cigars
Alan Rouleau
Board of Director
Owner of Alan Rouleau Couture
Pete Shultis
Board of Director
Operations Manager at SZ Wholesale
Armen Caprielian
President
Owner of DAV Cigars
Dr Garo Bouldoukian
Board of Director
Owner of Garo Cigars
Greg Free
Secretary
Owner Fortaleza y Libre
Dr Gaby Kafie
Founder | Treasurer
Owner of Kafie 1901 Cigars / Coffees
Chet King
Vice President
GM of Over the Rhine Cigars
Alan Rouleau
Board of Director
Owner of Alan Rouleau Couture
Pete Shultis
Board of Director
Operations Manager at SZ Wholesale
Committees
Serving on a committee is vital to the continued success of the organization. Committees serve as work units of the organization, taking projects, events, goals and a variety of other important functions and breaking them into meaningful and manageable pieces. They efficiently carry out the work of the organization with the purpose of providing value to the membership, education, resources and a unified voice.
Servicing on a committee has many benefits namely:
Expand Your Professional Network
Demonstrate and Develop Your Leadership Skills
Acquire New Knowledge
Pay it Forward
Committees are the operating system of our association. Consider becoming a member but also how you can personally contribute to the development and delivery of services, represent the community with your opinion in decision-making and policy strategy and most important to help other members prosper and grow through individual and group collaboration. As a committee member, you also have the opportunity for you to participate in problem-solving activities and serves as a forum to recognize and address multiple points of view. Committees are also a training platform for our leadership, assessing and mastering individual skills and abilities.
Festival Events Committee
Provide leadership
Facilitate communication and discussion during the meetings
Serve as spokespersons within the organization
Facilitate the meeting according to the agenda
Provide research as needed
Send out meeting reminders and agendas
Stay in regular communication with the membership
Bring the viewpoint of the Board of Directors to the membership
Bring action items and recommendations from the Committee to the Board when necessary.
Festival Events Committee
There are currently two annual events that the BCA Members can participate and enjoy: The BCA Festival and the PCA Boutique Cigar Pavilion. These events are continuing to shape the industry by promoting and featuring the best in small family-owned premium cigar brands. The Festival Committee provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for cigar industry professionals, including brand owners, retailers, distributors, accessory companies, media outlets, and of course, the individual consumer and cigar enthusiast. The event features brand owners, private access for retailers, booths for accessory companies, publicity and participation from PCA, CRA and other notable industry icons, entertainment, food and beverages, raffle prizes and a special private event for VIPs.
With Board consensus, the Events Committee organizes speakers, costs, refreshments and venue of each event, works with the membership committee to arrange for registration, distribution of any relevant attendees’ materials and contractual requirements. The objective is to promote the events to a wide audience of cigar industry-related businesses and the public who may be interested in our work to ensure all members of the BCA can grow and thrive.
The responsibilities of the Festival Committee Chairperson include:
Organizing the volunteer leadership
Planning event organizational structure
Establishing a budget for Board approval
Taking direction from the Board as to desired future directions for the festival
Preparing an operational summary report following the event
Responsibilities of the committee members include:
Understand requirements for each event
Plan event with attention to financial and time constraints
Book venues and schedule speakers
Research vendors (catering, decorators, musicians etc.) and choose the best combination of quality and cost
Negotiate with vendors to achieve the most favorable terms
Hire personnel
Manage all event operations (preparing venue, invitations etc.)
Do final checks at the day of the event (e.g. tables, technology) to ensure everything meets standards
Oversee event happenings and act quickly to resolve problems
Evaluate event’s success and submit reports
BCA Seal Approval Committee
The BCA Seal of Quality Committee is tasked with overseeing and ensuring the condition of the individual member company’s standing regarding the defined principles of the organization.
The Seal is a symbol of quality and should be properly incorporated into advertising and marketing materials including brochures, websites, business cards, email signatures and all other public-facing materials. We recognize the importance of providing a comprehensive review of the brand’s delivery of a quality product, adherence to corporate structure and Members of the organization can apply for the Seal which is only available to cigar brand owners who are current members of the BCA and PCA respectively.
01
Company Structure
02
Factory on record
03
Brand Quality / Compliance / Reach / Registered Trademarks
04
Tobacco Quality/Process/Testing
05
Packaging Standards
06
Innovation:
07
Customer satisfaction:
08
Retailer Interest/Feedback
In summary, the Seal of Approval certificate is a highly sought-after accolade that recognizes products that meet the highest standards of quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, ethical practices, and brand reputation. This certification can give consumers confidence and assurance in the products they are purchasing and can help businesses differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge in the market.
MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
CHARLIE ALBANETTI
Abbina Craft Sipping Soda
ALAN ROULEAU
Alan Rouleau Couture
MARIO CARABALLO
Casa Caraballo Cigars
CATHY M.POTURNY
CigarBox Marketing
ARMEN CAPRIELIAN
DAV Cigars
ANDY TRAUTMAN
Ferrera Cigars
GREG FREE
Fuerte y Libre Cigars Inc
DR. GARO BOULDOUKIAN
Garo Cigars
RON PECORINI
Great Cigar & Pipe Show
DR OSCAR RODRIGUEZ
GTO Cigars
FOUAD KASHOUTY
Hiram & Solomon Cigars
DIAB ELLAN
House of Cigar
GREGORY KOVSKY
Islamorada Cigar Company
DR. GABY KAFIE
Kafie 1901 Cigars
KEVIN KING BROWN
Konscious Cigars
J.J. JORDAN III JAMIE DE VIESE
Mountain Smoke Premium Tobacco
OSVALDO MORALES
OM Cigar Co.
CHET KING
Over the Rhine Premium Cigars
SHAUN WILKINSON
Rebellion Cigars LLC
JOHN STEWART
Sagrado Cigars
PETE SHULTIS
SZ Wholesale
MICHAEL LEWIS
The Leaf Society
Arielle Ditkowich
La Sirena Cigars
AARON PAOLETTA
LaVega Cigar Co.
Drew Nicastro
Gato Negro Cigar Co.
Colleen Castro
Lord Baltimore Distributors
JAY CLARK BOB SCHILLER
Vicarias Cigars
BRIAN SCHMITTDIEL
Founders CIgar Company
Michael Gant
The Gant Collective
Pierre Jebian
HumidifGroup
Savant
Savant Crafts
Troianiello
Troianiello Cigars
Martin Smith
Broncano Cigars Co.
Steve Amari
Cigar Broker