AndyMadera 11:41 PM 07-04-2012
Just wanted to let you guys know. I only stepped away from cigars because i was forced to for not having all the things needed to run a cigar biz. I would have been in it still if the people I was relying on to fill those gaps did what they were supposed to do. None of them did what they were supposed to in the end and I mean NONE of them.
Anyway, after 5 years at this I finally got my state license 3 months ago to where i can legally house my own inventory at my home. and last month I got my federal import license. I spent a few months living at my parents while my wife and kid lived went back to the DR while I could save enough money to start making cigars again. That by far was the hardest thing I have ever went through. My son is now 11 months old BTW! I have sacrificed so much time and money and years off my life from stress than most of you will ever know the extent of it. But I am to damn stubborn to quit.
A few days ago I imported my first batch of cigars. And I am selling them to shops as unbanded sticks and I will soon have a website up selling them as well. I have been teaching myself web programming and have built my own site from tutorials online and fitting them all together. And dont ask me how I achieved this but P*Pal has actually agreed to let me use them as my payment processing which I have integrated into the website.
There are a few of you who can expect some thankfulness coming your way for all your support. Knowing that there are people out there that like my cigars and more importantly like ME has been my #1 support in reminding me what I am doing is not in vein.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! AND GOD BLESS!
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pnoon 11:44 PM 07-04-2012
Glad to hear the good news, Andy.
Perseverance in any business venture is a must. Sounds like you have it in spades.
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AndyMadera 11:49 PM 07-04-2012
I want to take back what I said about NONE of the people doing what they were supposed to. There were some that were not ABLE to do what they wanted to and I dont hold any grudges that it didnt work out. If you are one of those people please do not think I meant anything against you.
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ChicagoWhiteSox 11:50 PM 07-04-2012
Glad to see you post this Andy.. God bless and best of luck
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awsmith4 11:54 PM 07-04-2012
If you are one thing, that is persistent. Good luck to you and I am glad to see you are on a good path.
:-)
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Wishing you the best of luck!
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sikk50 11:58 PM 07-04-2012
I wish you all the best and am greatful that small companies such as yourself are still able to make it in this day. I hope big things come for you and your company!
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CigarNut 12:01 AM 07-05-2012
x man 12:40 AM 07-05-2012
I understand completely.
Good luck.
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markem 12:42 AM 07-05-2012
Great news Andy. I wish that you did not have to endure so many hardships, but remember, that which does not kill us makes us stronger.
Best wishes on your venture and I hope that it is wildly successful for you.
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sevans105 01:45 AM 07-05-2012
Saw this quote and thought it appropriate.
When heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering, subject his sinews and bones to hard work, expose his body to hunger, put him to poverty, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds, so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he is incompetent.
-Meng Tzu
Chinese philosopher 372-289BC
Good luck to you.
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Don Fernando 02:02 AM 07-05-2012
Glad to see you are back Andy!
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BlkDrew 03:39 AM 07-05-2012
Congrats on your great achievements, hard work does pay off, I'm glad you are doing something you love.
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longknocker 04:45 AM 07-05-2012
Welcome Back, Andy, & GL In Your Business, Brother!
:-):-)
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Emjaysmash 07:54 AM 07-05-2012
Andy! Glad to see you make it back here and back to pursuing your passion! You know you've always got support here!
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elderboy02 07:56 AM 07-05-2012
Glad to see you back Andy! I have always enjoyed your cigars.
:-)
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FriendlyMan 08:00 AM 07-05-2012
I wish you all the best.
And please give that 11 month old a hug from me. I love babies, they are so cute.
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TXRebel 08:11 AM 07-05-2012
Congrats Andy! Glad to see you back and good luck with your ventures.
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lilcgrsmkr 08:36 AM 07-05-2012
stearns 09:07 AM 07-05-2012