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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
