InterTabac 24 exclusive: A Swiss army knife in the family business - My life at Padrón

I visit Jorge Padrón Jr. greets me in a friendly manner. As soon as we are seated and the camera is rolling, he starts to talk.

5 Minutes

The author behind these articles is Oliver - survivalist, winter griller, TV fuzzie from Bonn. He constantly fails at trying to stay sporty, loves cigars, rock'n'roll, barbecues, bad jokes and single malt whisky. He is now too old to grow up.

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I am the Swiss Army Knife!

"Hello everyone! My name is Jorge Padrón Jr. and I belong to the Padrón family - the third generation, to be precise. I'm here in Dortmund at InterTabac, representing our brand on the international market. It's a pleasure to be here, so first of all: Hello!

If you're wondering what I do all day - it's a funny story! In a family business, there aren't always clear titles. I once asked my father: "Hey, what do I actually write on my business card?" And he said: "You're a Swiss army knife. I need you everywhere: whether it's stickers on boxes or talking to customers in Germany - you do everything!"

Jorge Louis Padrón.

We don't have typical offices

Since graduating from college in 2020, he has officially been working in the family business. But unofficially, he's always been there, working in the factory every summer. So yes, he's practically been in the business since birth. "And what's it like working with the family?" I ask him. He answers straight out: "Honestly, it's a blessing! We don't have typical offices, we all sit together in one room and discuss things. It's personal, intense and very special."

This year he is back at InterTabac here in Dortmund - his third trade fair. There is always a lot going on, one meeting follows the next. "But I think it's great," he says, "because I get to know the international market. And hey, I still enjoy it because cigars are my passion."

I want to learn everything about Track & Trace

One goal Jorge had this year was to learn more about "Track & Trace" - a system he didn't know much about before. Now he feels better prepared for the future. He adds: "And of course, InterTabac is also about maintaining old contacts and making new ones. My notes are long, believe me!"

This year's InterTabac was a complete success for Padrón. Especially because they were recently recognized in Cigar Journal as the best cigar in Nicaragua 2024 with the 2000 Maduro. Jorge beams: "A huge thank you to Cigar Journal and everyone who voted for us!"

Cigar Journal Anwards: Best Cigar of Nicaragua 2024 is the Padrón Classic Maduro 2000.

Padron's 60th anniversary: special creations

Another highlight: 2024 is a special year for Padrón because it is the company's 60th anniversary. Jorge enthuses: "My grandfather founded our company in 1964 when he fled Cuba. His dream was to make the cigars he wanted to smoke himself. Today, my father runs the company and passes on his knowledge to me and my cousin Alfonso."

"There must be a special cigar?" I ask. - "Of course, we've also brought out an anniversary cigar for the occasion," he tells me, "the 60th anniversary cigar in Salomon format - a real work of art! It measures 48 x 56 x 6.5 inches and comes in an elegant box. We have already launched it on the US market and are working on making it available internationally.

And yes, I am already looking forward to the next InterTabac 2025! It was great to meet so many people and forge new partnerships. Thanks for the interview - see you next year!"

Cheers, 

Jorge Padrón Jr.

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