We recently connected with Anthony Driggers and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

Every new customer that walks through the door is a success story. I have said from the beginning that I’m not in the sales business. I’m in the customer service business. There is no better feeling than earning someone’s business. In the premium cigar industry there are no shortage of Cigar Lounges or online stores for people to use. The fact that anyone is willing to spend their hard earned money with me is the most awesome feeling in the world. Every time a new person walks into my Cigar Lounge it is an opportunity for me to deliver unrivaled customer service. When that new person leaves and then they end up coming back that lets you know that you’re doing something right. Ever since I started my business in August of 2022 I have been blown away by the amount of support I’ve received and I’m doing better than I ever expected in a small town. It just goes to show you that if you build something special then people will absolutely make a trip to come see you. I have met some of the most selfless, humble and genuinely best people I have ever met since I’ve opened my Cigar Lounge. I could not be more thankful for the people I’ve met along this journey and we are absolutely just getting started.

Being able to provide an environment where new cigar smokers can come to learn about the culture and feel comfortable is one of the most important things that drives me. I love being able to show new people that there is no reason to feel intimidated and that we all started our cigar journey somewhere. To able to show them how to light it, cut it and properly store it is something that brightens my day every time. So whether it’s a new cigar smoker, an experienced cigar smoker or even someone who is buying a gift for friends and family… I just love being able to provide the absolute best customer service possible.

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.

I am Anthony. I am a former flight attendant, host of The Weird Crew Podcast and owner of W Crew Cigar Lounge in Historic Downtown Hogansville, Georgia. At W Crew Cigar Lounge we specialize in having a top quality curated selection of some of the best premium cigars in the world. We also sell Craft Beer from some of the best local breweries in Georgia and even a couple from out of state. Helping people pick out the perfect cigar for the perfect occasion is something I specialize in. Whether it is a recommendation for a seasoned cigar smoker, occasional cigar smoker or a new cigar smoker. Helping someone find the right cigar for the right time and place is something I feel I excel at.

We hold monthly events here including live music, street vendors, catered food and food trucks. The building I’m in is over 100 years old and I absolutely love that. I’m such a big fan of historic buildings and historic downtowns and I couldnt’t be happier to be in the heart of one of the best historic downtowns anywhere.

A lot of times people ask me “What does the W stand for in W Crew Cigar Lounge?”. The W stands for Weird. This is The Weird Crew Cigar Lounge. Named after my podcast The Weird Crew Podcast where I have done over 60 episodes featuring collaborations with other podcasts, interesting guests and some really cool and interesting topics that we’ve explored. I know when I listen to a podcast I love great story telling and some light hearted moments that really put a smile on my face. That’s truly what I wanted to accomplish with my podcast and I think I’ve done a pretty good job of bringing that vision to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I started my business, I faced numerous financial hurdles that tested my resilience. Despite the challenges, I firmly believed in my dream and was determined to make something special happen. Around two months into the journey, I found myself faced with a tough decision—I had to quit a job that I absolutely loved. It was a heart-wrenching choice, but I knew deep down that in order to truly succeed with my business, I had to be fully committed.

By quitting my job, I made the commitment to give my Cigar Lounge my undivided attention. I understood that splitting my time between two careers would hinder the growth and success of my Cigar Lounge. I needed to be present every day, to embody the essence of my brand and store. So, with unwavering determination, I took the leap and left behind the comfort of my beloved job.

The initial aftermath of quitting was incredibly challenging. I missed my job, my friends, and the freedom of traveling. Financially, I was left with no safety net, with zero dollars in my bank account. To make matters worse, there were no customers walking through the doors of my store. I found myself in a dark place, questioning whether I had made a mistake and doubting if my business would ever thrive. However, I refused to let these doubts consume me.

Instead, I stayed true to my vision and remained dedicated to the process. Since the beginning of October, I have shown up every single day, unwavering in my commitment. I let my relentless work ethic drive the business forward, trusting that my consistent efforts would eventually yield results. Even in the face of adversity, I refused to give up.

Now, almost a year later, I stand amazed at the progress and success I have achieved. The business has exceeded my wildest expectations, and I am filled with gratitude for the journey I embarked upon. This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience—to trust in myself, stay committed, and persevere even when the path seems uncertain. I have come to realize that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm but also about using challenges as catalysts for growth and ultimately, achieving remarkable success.”

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

In the era of social media and aggressive ad campaigns, it may come as a surprise, but I firmly believe that the most powerful source of new clients is rooted in good old-fashioned customer service and the power of word-of-mouth. While maintaining a strong social media presence is undoubtedly crucial, I have come to realize that building something truly exceptional and treating people with genuine care and respect can lead to unprecedented growth and success.

In my heart, I believe that creating a remarkable experience for each customer is paramount. When you go above and beyond to exceed their expectations, you create a lasting impression that resonates far beyond any flashy advertisement or social media campaign. It’s the human connection, the personal touch, and the genuine care that truly set businesses apart and inspire customers to become loyal advocates.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are an invaluable asset. When you build something special, something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives, they become your most passionate and effective marketing force. A satisfied customer becomes a brand ambassador, eagerly sharing their positive experience with friends, family, and colleagues. The impact of these heartfelt recommendations is immeasurable, as they carry a level of trust and authenticity that no amount of advertising can replicate.

However, I do acknowledge the importance of leveraging social media platforms as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. They provide an unparalleled reach and allow for engaging storytelling and brand building. It’s a space where you can connect with potential customers, showcase your unique offerings, and further amplify the positive experiences that generate word-of-mouth referrals.

Ultimately, the combination of exceptional customer service, genuine care, and strategic social media presence has proven to be a winning formula for me. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and fostering authentic connections, I have seen my business flourish beyond my expectations. It’s a testament to the timeless power of building strong relationships and treating people right, paving the way for sustainable growth and an unwavering reputation in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Follow me on instagram @weirdanomaly Follow the podcast on instagram @weirdcrewpodcast and Follow the Cigar Lounge on instagram @wcrewcigar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcrewcigar/

Image Credits
All of the images are owned by me.