Gary Griffith, Founder of Emilio Cigars brand, retires

photo taken from Gary's Facebook page

(portions of this story taken with permission from original post by William Cooper)

Gary Griffith, who was a founder of the Emilio Cigars brand, and then built a nine company distribution arm with House of Emilio has departed.  House of Emilio issued a statement on social media announcing Griffith's retirement from House of Emilio, Emilio Cigars, and his retail responsibilities at Delaware Cigars.

In a statement by House of Emilio on their Facebook page:
Today’s post is to inform our friends in the cigar industry about the retirement of Gary Griffith from Emilio Cigars, House of Emilio, and Delaware Cigars.

Gary was a visionary and a social media marketing pioneer. His time with us was filled with laughter, caring, and many great cigars.

Going forward, his legacy will continue through the brands he’s helped, the distribution company he led, and the cigars that he blended.

We wish him all the best in his future adventures!

While House of Emilio continues to operate as a distribution arm, it has scaled back to six companies as Rodrigo Cigars, Bodega Premium Blends, and Herederos de Robaina are no longer distributed by them.

As all of you know I have reviewed many, many cigars from House of Emilio brands. Gary introduced all of us to some great cigars from boutique factories in Esteli that we would probably have never heard of without him. I am truly grateful for his efforts to bring such great cigars to the forefront. I wish him nothing but happiness in his retirement. He truly deserves it.