For those that don't know you - what’s your story? How did you get into the cigar industry, and what led you to create Viso Horny?

I’ve been smoking tobacco since I was 18. My grandpa Tom, who was my hero, smoked pipes and cigars, and I wanted to be like him. Before I got into retail, I would take trips from Milwaukee to Chicago, visiting different cigar shops. One day, I wandered into a shop and met a guy who would become my best friend and someone I looked up to—Mo Maali.

After working in retail for a while, I told Mo, “Next time you go to Nicaragua, count me in.” A few weeks later, he told me he was heading down, so I bought a ticket and joined him. This trip was top secret because Mo was in the process of switching factories and moving production to NACSA. While I was there, I had the opportunity to learn about tobacco and cigar blending and got introduced to Gustavo Cura, and Angel Oliva. Also on this trip, I slid into Skip Martin’s DM and asked for a factory tour and the rest was history. 

By my third trip, Skip let me take his blending course, and that’s when I blended Viso Horny—in March 2020, right before the world shut down due to COVID. Without Mo letting me tag along, Viso Horny wouldn’t have been born.

One of my favorite things is watching fans switch to the other side and become creators. Was there anything that completely defied your expectations?

I knew it would be challenging, but I didn’t anticipate just how tough the sales would be. It’s not easy, and the competition is fierce. I’ve had conversations with longtime friends who seemed genuinely excited about the project and even expressed interest in bringing it in. But as I followed up, I realized that interest doesn’t always translate into action. It was a humbling experience that taught me an important lesson—no matter how strong your relationships are or how confident you are in your product, nothing is guaranteed. It pushed me to work even harder and appreciate every opportunity that comes my way. Through it all, I’ve come to truly appreciate the friends who support me not just in business, but in life—and that means more than any sale ever could.

What does it take to blend exclusively with Viso tobaccos? How challenging is it to balance both combustion and flavor with just one priming?

The funny thing about the all-viso blend is that it was actually Skip’s idea. My original blend used different primings, but Skip said, “Well, if it’s called ‘Viso Horny,’ it needs to be all viso.”

So, we rolled some and smoked it—and it burned perfectly while tasting incredible. We didn’t have to tweak anything. It just worked.

Does your preference for Viso tobaccos rule out any regions or types of tobacco you’d otherwise use?

Not at all. Even some secos that don’t taste great on their own can serve a purpose in a blend. Personally, I’m not a fan of Ometepe on its own, but in the right blend, it works.

Many people recognize you from the podcast you co-hosted with Dom, an esteemed member of our Blind Review Panel. What was your favorite moment from your podcasting days?

I can’t narrow it down to a singular moment. It was a great time. We did the podcast for five years, lots of great memories. My number one favorite thing that came from doing the pod with Dom would be seeing our friendship strengthen. When we started, we were just acquaintances, and we ended as brothers. I also have to mention getting to know our listeners and getting to know our guests as some of my favorite things from doing the pod.

I find that most people have a preference when it comes to blending. What are your methodologies when finalizing a blend? 

If I find myself reaching for another one, that’s when I know the cigar is truly special. I also rely on a close group of friends whose opinions I trust and value—Dom, Brandon Payne, and a great crew from Wisconsin, including Shayne, Tron, Alex, and Josh. Their honest feedback is invaluable. And of course, if Skip gives it his stamp of approval, I know it’s a banger.

If you were to describe the Triple Nickel as a type of aircraft, which would it be and why?

The triple nickel to me is Concorde. The Concorde was the first supersonic airliner to enter service. The Viso Horny is the first all-viso cigar, and like the Concorde’s rocket-ship fuselage, this cigar is innovative. 

Every factory has its own signature or style. What’s one thing about Nica Sueño that sets it apart? 

Working with a factory that has won many awards has been a real great experience. What sets Nica Sueño apart from other factories is the people. The employees stay there, and they are proud to work there. Because the employees have tenure there, the quality control is fantastic. The factory is also extremely organized and clean.

And now with their own Bodega’s they are able to finish tobacco exactly how they like it and store unique tobaccos. Working with Alex Nowogrodzka in the bodega and factory has been very rewarding.

What are three things that most people don’t know about you?

I have been working in aviation since 2007.

I love music and movies.

I am extremely loyal.

What can fans of Viso Horny expect over the next 12-18 months? 

Over the next 12–18 months, I’m focused on growing and learning every aspect of the cigar industry. I have an incredible opportunity to gain experience in sales and brand building from Mike Rosales and Jason Jackson of RoMa Craft Tobac, while continuing to deepen my knowledge of tobacco with Skip and his team in Nicaragua. I firmly believe that blending happens in the factory, alongside the experts, and that’s exactly where my cigars will be crafted.

Fans can expect some exciting new projects. I have a collaboration in the works, and the next Viso Horny is already in the early stages of development. I may even explore working with different factories. This is just the beginning, and I’m grateful to be working with the Mike & Mike of Powstanie Cigars with sales and distribution.

Thank you so much for time!