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Rafael Montero Named New VP at Alec Bradley Cigar Co.
Rafael (Ralph) Montero has been named Executive Vice President of Alec Bradley Cigars, one of the fastest rising premium cigar companies. Montero has worked in a management capacity with Alec Bradley for 2 years. Mr. Montero started the cigar business in 1982 with another cigar maker, eventually attaining vice president rank before leaving in 1997. He then launched two of his own premium lines, Montero and Mi Flor, marketing both for three years, later signing distribution deals for both brands.
“With over 20 years of experience in the premium cigar industry,” states Alan Rubin, company founder and president, “ Ralph’s insight, is invaluable to our continued success. At age 37, he has had his hand in every aspect of the premium cigar business, from tobacco growing and blending cigars to management and sales.”
Montero’s broad background has netted him, and Alec Bradley Cigars, relationships on the manufacturing and distribution side, as well as with many retailers around the country.
States Rubin, “We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Montero as part of the Alec Bradley team.”
In a related matter, Montero assisted Rubin in the selection of the latest representative firm to join Alec Bradley’s field sales force. Tom Poehlar and Southwest Marketing, headquartered in Rowlett, Texas, officially began covering Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana in September. Montero concurred with Rubin’s choice, and states, “The Poehlar family has a proven track record of placing the right products with the right tobacconists, and that was the type of representation we were looking for.” This latest appointment now gives Alec Bradley representation in 30 states, by 10 rep firms
