I remember when our entire office staff was huddled-up in our conference room at CAO just about a year ago.
We were waiting for a video presentation from one of the higher-ups at ST Group to begin. Moments later, the recognizable face greeted us on the video screen by saying, “Welcome to Day One….”
The ‘Day One’ he was referring to was the first day under the new regime at the time, i.e., the company that was formed as a result of the merger between ST Group and Swedish Match. He went on to explain a lot of brilliant statistics and financial data that would conclude one to believe that the new company was the biggest, baddest, cigar animal on the block. And it probably was pretty close.
But what he didn’t explain was exactly HOW this would effect each individual employee at CAO. Many questions went unanswered and many anxious stomachs could be ‘heard’ throughout the conference room. You could literally ‘cut’ the tension in the room with a knife (or a cigar cutter–whichever you prefer).
Fast forward some 12 months later….here we are today in the new 3,000 sq ft. space that is to be home to Crowned Heads, LLC. We literally moved in TODAY. We’re operating off of card tables that serve as our desks (until the actual desks arrive). There’s no artwork or pictures hanging on the wall. It’s one big open space with fresh paint you can smell, four bodies furiously typing away, and the sound of a train humming down the tracks outside our window. And I love it.
We’ve been at this for months. Working from a temporary office space a third of this size. I’ve had to constantly deny and avoid everyone and anyone who asked me, “What are you doing next?” All of that ended at approximately 4:00pm CST yesterday. That was when Cigar Aficionado online posted the ‘teaser’ about the story that would run in the Cigar Insider about the formation of Crowned Heads.
From that point, my phone rang, buzzed, and vibrated almost non-stop. Emails, texts, tweets….all supportive and kind.
So as I sit beside my 3 colleagues–Mike Conder, Michael Trebing, and Nancy Heathman–THIS “Day One” feels a whole lot better than that conference room did a year ago.
Best of luck. Here’s hoping this ‘day one’ is the start of many fantastic days, years and decades ahead. I’m proud to be following the ride and to hear it unfold.
Cheers!!
Very cool Jon! Looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with!
this is kinda cool, not involved, but feel your excitement, the first day leads to the next. can’t wait to follow the journey
Day One is a unique phrase, feeling and event. Its just the start of not a new chapter, but a new book, which we can’t wait to read.
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I appreciate everyone’s interest and support…it’s gonna be a fun ride and we’re looking forward to having everyone aboard for the journey!
Jon, call me, the show won’t be the same without you!
Very cool Jon, I knew it wouldn’t be long before you popped back up. Good luck!
” I believe innovation comes from within and it’s a result of what’s inside of you and how much it needs to get outside of you; you’re just there to enable the process. ”
excellent choice of words Jon…very Bill Withers-like.
big ups!
Thanks b…I can honestly say that you were the first person to ever compare me to Bill Withers.
Ha!
my pleasure!
Always loved that quote from him…basically “I am just the vessel God chose to deliver the message! And I’m happy to oblige Him.”
b – I couldn’t have said it any better myself….Amen.
Jon, I am very proud of you. Congrats on your new venture. It’s going to be an amazing ride!
All the best to you Jon and I’m looking forward to enjoying your future efforts.
Wishing you the best of luck. Looking forward to day 2, 3, 4….100, etc.!
Best of luck Jon, enjoyed the retro artwork i saw. Look forward to sampling your new venture.
Saludos,
Ernesto Padilla
Ernesto – Muchly appreciated!
Nice!
Some of the greatest things got their starts with the creators working hard and fast on a couple of card tables, moving forward as everything comes together.
All the best in this new adventure.
And I look forward to talking to you later today,
Moose