As I sit back reflecting on 2024, I’m left with a strange mix of satisfaction and unease. It’s a peculiar thing—how so many of us live tethered to the past or lost in the future, rarely rooted in the now. That’s never really been my style. To pretend I’m worried about regulation under RFK would be laughable. This administration speaks the universal language of money, and anyone who dares disrupt that flow learns the hard way—live by the sword, die by the sword. Yet, I can’t shake this concern gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.
First, let’s unpack this year—grateful yet muted. 2024 felt like a battle fought on shifting sands. I was attacked, sabotaged even, by the invisible hands of social media strangulation—or, let’s call it what it is—cancellation. The result? My voice, once amplified to the masses, is now a whisper, reaching only a select few. In some ways, the opposition won. But as someone who thrives on adversity, I’ve done what survivors do—I’ve taken those lemons and brewed something stronger than lemonade.
Rather than clawing at a platform that no longer exists, I’ve pivoted. I’ve found clarity, appreciation even, in building something quieter but more enduring. This isn’t about dramatic glory on social media stages. It’s about laying a foundation—a foundation that serves the few now but will support the masses in time. I’ve come to understand that my path isn’t contingent on gatekeepers or algorithms. Time and effort have proven to be my sharpest tools. By dedicating myself to educating the current and future cigar smokers, I’m carving out a legacy. Few understand tobacco and this industry as I do, and unlike some who hoard their knowledge, I feel a duty to pass it on—to you.
Frustrating? Yes. But in the struggle, I’ve rediscovered purpose. I’ve weathered battles I never thought I’d win, and here I am—still standing at the close of an important, hard-fought year.
So now, let’s cast our gaze forward. 2025 feels less uncertain, but the focus will sharpen, and with that precision, I believe, the accomplishments will multiply. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t fear regulation or the so-called crises others rattle their sabers about. My path is clear: one foot in front of the other. Simple. Steady. Sure.
What of the so-called industry? I can predict that too. They’ll keep trying to sell cigars—it’s what they do. Those who haven’t sold their brands by now may find themselves stuck in the quicksand of stagnation. Our industry has been rocked by corporate buyouts, and many who stood beside me just six years ago are already gone. The allure of starting a new brand? Fading fast. For some, 2025 will bring exits—not out of failure, but exhaustion. The survivors? They’ll keep grinding, visiting shops, clinging to hope, and rolling the dice.
For us? Prosperity. Privada Cigar Club will thrive like never before, showcasing the most aged, curated products we’ve ever offered. The Cigarface series will dominate, and the Limited Cigar Association will grow by 15%. The business has hit a plateau, and I loathe stagnation. But that just means we’ll push harder, get more creative. Innovation is the antidote to boredom, and life is far too short for boring cigars.
So here’s to 2025—a year of grit, growth, and grounded determination. May your smoke be smooth, your path clear, and your moments unforgettable.
Cheers,
Brian Desind