Crafting Legends: The Entrepreneurial Journey of CATI Cigars with Mark McClurkan

In this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Mark McClurkan, the visionary owner of CATI Cigars. Mark shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings to creating a successful cigar brand rooted in family history and passion. They delve into the complexities of the cigar-making process, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and even Mark's intriguing encounters with Sasquatch. This episode offers a captivating mix of business insights, cigar culture, and a touch of the mysterious that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Highlights:

1. Entrepreneurial Lessons and Challenges:

   • Mark shares the ups and downs of starting CATI Cigars, highlighting the importance of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and making strategic business decisions.

2. Blending and Production Mastery:

   • The intricate process of cigar blending is explored, with Mark discussing the importance of working with skilled blenders and the complexities of finding the perfect leaf combinations.

3. Family-Inspired Business:

   • CATI Cigars is deeply rooted in family history, with each cigar named after a family member and incorporating elements from their hometowns into the branding.

4. Bigfoot Encounters:

   • Mark shares his fascinating experiences with Sasquatch, detailing encounters that shifted his skepticism to belief, adding a unique and intriguing element to the conversation.

5. Financial Risks and Rewards:

   • The financial challenges of starting a cigar brand, including the costs of production, legal processes, and distribution, are discussed, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 - Mark McClurkan, founder of CATI Cigars, shares his journey from cattle ranching to creating a successful cigar brand in Texas, emphasizing customer involvement and working with knowledgeable blenders.
• 12:59 - Discussion on factory visits, aging cigars, creating unique blends, and upcoming releases and partnerships.
• 22:01 - The unique shape of CATI cigars, the cool smoke they produce, and the significant financial investment and legal processes involved in starting a cigar brand.
• 35:20 - Mark shares his journey in starting a cigar brand and his encounters with Sasquatch, highlighting the difficulties of capturing clear images and the importance of the right equipment.
• 45:22 - Descriptions of CATI cigars, the differences between plume and mold on cigars, and the terrifying sounds encountered during Bigfoot sightings.
• 54:27 - Inspiration behind CATI Cigars, family history, and the challenges of tracing genealogy, along with the business’s ongoing struggles with profitability.
• 01:06:11 - Despite fear and financial pressure, Mark started his cigar company, finding inspiration in resilience and passion.
• 01:16:44 - The importance of consistency in blending, involving customers in the process, staying true to oneself in the industry, and pursuing passion with gratitude.