We were lucky to catch up with Chad Logan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chad , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

On our free time, my wife & I love to venture out on the open roads riding our chopper & classic ratrod. While in our travels we always stop at establishments with outdoor seating to enjoy live music, dining, beverages & for me… a nice cigar I bring along for our trips. As we were sitting on the patio enjoying the band & some drinks at a local eatery I realized I had forgotten to pack my stogie and we said to one another …”You know, there is no place to buy cigars.” “It would be nice if we could purchase right here from the establishment.” Then my wife added “Wouldn’t it be neat to sell them as a cigar vendor setting up at local & major events throughout the states right from our ratrod, Frankie?! I loved that idea and added “….And setting up bar top humidors inside the businesses so our customers will always be able to purchase fine cigars when we’re not available.” We hired professionals to learn all the legal aspects to operating a small cigar business and diligently began researching and applying all the requirements to make our idea kosher and began the execution plan. After many months of devotion Starved Rock Cigars was born launching in June of 2022.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Being an aficionado cigar smoker for the past decade combined with being a Gearhead connoisseur my entire life, creating a niche business plan to wove together these two passions was a little dream come true. Alongside my partner, we brought SRC (Starved Rock Cigars) to life. Creating a distinctive idea being the first in our area to sell high-end cigars from our classic 1935 ratrod, Frankie. Everyone just loves Frankie’s unique style. He draws many spectators and car enthusiasts drumming up my favorite topic, cars. He is overall the perfect conversation piece & makes a very cool photo opp for all! Traveling, we set-up shop at many events and locations offering a variety of specialty cigars, supplies and personalized apparel. This business concept allows me to share my knowledge and love for cigars, cars & motorcycles with my costumers while meeting and connecting with many different people who share similar interests. When we are not on the road, we have bar top humidors set-up inside a number of businesses so our customers may always have access to purchase their favorite sticks! SRC also offers a local delivery service for a small price and on occasion shipping is available.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

We’ve discovered that being our authentic selves and genuinely wanting to connect and engage in conversation regarding our products with each of our clients brings forth a genuine connection allowing growth to develop. SRC is still in it’s incubation period and we’re learning that social outlets such as local radio, publications, fliers & online social media platforms can be excellent positive exposure sources for marketing your business.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I would love to! I met my business partner 30 years ago and made her my wife 27 years ago parenting 3 children together. Although my wife is not a regular cigar smoker, she is my biggest fan & supporter and does share an interest in cars and is head over heels in love with our chopper, Kat The Bat & ratrod, Frankie. Together, we are eager to grow Starved Rock Cigars and enjoy seeing our children delight in our endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Starved Rock Cigars
• Facebook: Starved Rock Cigars
• Other: We are currently working on launching our website later this year! For now, please visit us on both Facebook & Instagram under Starved Rock Cigars.

Image Credits
•Maebel, the Cigar Girl •Promotional Stickers •Chad, the owner of SRC with customer, Tony. •Owners of SRC, Chad & Lynn