At Don Collins Cigars, our legacy is built upon the vision, passion, and dedication of our founders. The story of our company is not just about crafting exceptional cigars; it's about the people who dreamed of bringing Puerto Rican heritage to the world through their premium products. In this blog, we celebrate the remarkable individuals who laid the foundation for Don Collins and explore their backgrounds and visionary goals.
1. Anthony Collins: The Visionary Leader
Anthony Collins, President of Don Collins Cigars, is the heartbeat behind the company’s thriving success. His leadership has taken the brand from a beloved local name to an internationally recognized symbol of Puerto Rican craftsmanship. Anthony’s mission is driven by a passion for preserving Puerto Rico's rich tobacco history while embracing modern cigar-making innovations. He didn’t just want to create a business—he wanted to create a legacy that would stand the test of time, both honoring the traditions of Puerto Rican artisans and showcasing their excellence to the world.
Before establishing Don Collins, Anthony’s journey was shaped by years of experience across various leadership roles in different industries. His vast business acumen, combined with his deep respect for his family’s history, gave him a unique perspective on how to build a brand that’s both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in heritage. Under his visionary guidance, Don Collins Cigars has not only grown in market presence but has also become synonymous with quality, tradition, and craftsmanship.
His commitment to excellence extends beyond cigars—he's also passionate about empowering local businesses, supporting Puerto Rican artisans, and advocating for the rich culture that defines the island. Anthony’s leadership is built on fostering community and creating opportunities for local talent to thrive. Today, Don Collins stands tall as a symbol of pride and authenticity in the cigar world, and much of that success can be traced back to Anthony's unwavering dedication to quality and his profound respect for the island’s heritage.
2. Sung R. Kim: The Legal Strategist
Sung R. Kim, General Counsel at Don Collins Cigars, brings a wealth of legal expertise and a strategic mindset that has been pivotal in the company’s growth. Born in South Korea and raised in Longview, Texas, Sung’s early experiences shaped his relentless drive and entrepreneurial spirit. Before joining Don Collins, Sung’s career was already marked by impressive achievements. He founded his own real estate business and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2014.
Since then, Sung has become a licensed attorney in Texas and established his boutique law firm in 2016, where he developed a deep understanding of regulatory and compliance challenges. His journey into the world of cigars began as a perfect alignment of his passions for law, business, and craftsmanship. At Don Collins, Sung plays a crucial role in navigating the complex legal landscape of the tobacco industry. His in-depth knowledge of both local and international regulations ensures that the company remains compliant while pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities.
Sung’s work goes beyond mere legalities—he’s an integral strategist, offering key insights into market expansions, product launches, and long-term growth initiatives. His ability to balance legal precision with entrepreneurial vision has helped Don Collins flourish in a highly regulated industry. Sung’s contributions have not only fortified the company’s legal standing but have also helped shape its future, ensuring that Don Collins Cigars continues to evolve while staying true to its core values.
3. Melissa Moreno: The Operations Expert
Melissa Moreno, Vice President of Operations at Don Collins Cigars, is the engine behind the company's smooth-running machine. Her deep-rooted passion for the art of cigar-making and her expertise in operational efficiency make her an invaluable leader in the daily execution of Don Collins’ mission. Every aspect of production—from sourcing premium tobacco to overseeing the meticulous handcrafting of each cigar—falls under Melissa's watchful eye. Her commitment to excellence ensures that every cigar bearing the Don Collins name meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Melissa’s operational philosophy is built on a foundation of passion, precision, and a relentless focus on detail. She firmly believes that the soul of the company is reflected in every cigar produced, and that dedication shines through in her work. Whether it’s ensuring the quality control of each batch or optimizing the production process for efficiency, Melissa's role is central to the company’s day-to-day success.
Beyond the office, Melissa’s commitment to excellence permeates all aspects of her life. She believes in authenticity and passion, whether she’s enjoying a handcrafted cigar or engaging in her favorite hobby—sipping a cup of Puerto Rican coffee while overseeing the intricate workings of Don Collins’ operations. Her love for the craft and respect for the tradition of cigar-making are key to driving the company forward, making Melissa not just an operations expert, but also a passionate steward of the Don Collins legacy.
4. Lionel Park: The Financial Strategist
At the helm of Don Collins’ financial operations is Lionel Park, the Chief Financial Officer and a driving force behind the company’s continued growth and success. With over a decade of experience across various roles, including operations, finance, and program management, Lionel has proven himself to be an indispensable asset. His strategic approach to finance, combined with a sharp understanding of business operations, ensures that Don Collins remains on a solid financial foundation while navigating an ever-evolving market.
What sets Lionel apart is not just his technical expertise but also his ability to think holistically. He’s not just managing numbers; he’s guiding the overall financial strategy that fuels the company’s expansion. Whether he’s refining budgets, optimizing cash flow, or leading complex financial initiatives, Lionel’s vision is always centered around sustainable growth and long-term stability.
A long-time friend of Anthony Collins, Lionel’s relationship with the company runs deep. Their shared passion for excellence and innovation has been a cornerstone of Don Collins’ success, enabling them to align the company’s financial goals with its broader mission.
In every role he has held, Lionel’s impact is evident. His analytical mind, combined with his passion for financial strategy, not only helps Don Collins thrive but also shapes the financial future of the company. As Don Collins continues to grow, Lionel’s leadership ensures that the company’s finances are well-managed, and its potential is fully realized.
The Vision
The vision of Don Collins Cigars is deeply rooted in the rich history and tradition of Puerto Rican cigar making. Our founders are committed to preserving this heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability. Here are some key aspects of their vision:
Preserving Heritage: Don Collins Cigars is dedicated to maintaining the traditional methods of cigar making that have been passed down through generations. Our cigars are handcrafted in the oldest surviving cigar factory in the Caribbean, founded in 1506. This commitment to preserving heritage ensures that each cigar reflects the rich history and culture of Puerto Rico.
Supporting Small Businesses: The founders believe in the power of community and are committed to uplifting fellow entrepreneurs, artisans, and craftsmen. By partnering with local coffee roasters, showcasing the work of talented artists, and featuring the flavors of family-owned restaurants, Don Collins Cigars fosters collaboration and celebrates the diversity of Puerto Rican entrepreneurship. This support for small businesses not only strengthens the local economy but also enriches the cultural fabric of the community.
Sustainability and Innovation: In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Don Collins Cigars expanded its operations to include tobacco farming, focusing on sustainable and innovative practices. The company is dedicated to ensuring the future of tobacco farming on the island while maintaining the highest quality standards. By embracing sustainable practices, Don Collins Cigars is committed to protecting the environment and preserving the natural beauty of Puerto Rico for future generations.
Creating a Unique Experience: Don Collins Cigars aims to provide a unique and luxurious smoking experience for its customers. From the meticulous selection of premium tobacco to the handcrafted excellence of each cigar, the company strives to offer a piece of Puerto Rican history with every smoke. This dedication to creating a unique experience ensures that each customer enjoys the finest quality cigars and the rich flavors that Don Collins is known for.
Conclusion
The visionaries behind Don Collins Cigars have played an instrumental role in transforming the company into a symbol of luxury, excellence, and cultural heritage. Their unwavering commitment to preserving Puerto Rico's tobacco traditions, supporting local artisans and small businesses, and promoting sustainability has set the brand apart in the cigar industry. The dedication to honoring the past, combined with operational expertise and strategic legal guidance, has helped create a brand that is not only known for its premium cigars but also for its passion for craftsmanship and community.
Each cigar crafted by Don Collins represents more than just a product; it is a symbol of the company’s core values—respect for tradition, a pursuit of excellence, and a desire to share the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico with the world. As we celebrate the collective vision behind the brand, we invite you to become part of this legacy by experiencing the distinct flavors and exceptional quality that define Don Collins Cigars. With every draw, you are not only enjoying a premium cigar but also taking part in a tradition that has been nurtured and perfected over generations.
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