Bryan Scholle is no longer the brand ambassador for STUDIO TOBAC. Earlier today, Scholle announced that he is no longer employed by Oliva Cigar Co., the parent of the STUDIO TOBAC portfolio which includes Cain and NUb.

“It’s been a great ride, but today Oliva Cigar Company and I have decided to part ways,” Scholle wrote on his personal Facebook page. “I want to take a moment and thank all of the consumers and retailers that have supported me along my journey. I have met a lot of great people out on the road and made so many new friends. I will be taking some time to rest through the holidays but I am not leaving this industry which I love so much.”

Scholle was brought on to STUDIO TOBAC shortly after it was announced two years ago following the end of Sam Leccia’s tenure, who had previously been the face of the Cain and NUb brands. Scholle is best known for his part in the STUDIO TOBAC World Tour, an international tour of events that would include Scholle rolling exclusive cigars for customers.

The 2013 STUDIO TOBAC World Tour concluded in early November, and Scholle told halfwheel he was told there would not be a tour in 2014, which led to a mutual decision that he would no longer remain at the company. Oliva confirmed that there will not be a 2014 World Tour.

“The (Oliva) family has always been very good to me, giving me opportunities to go out and grow as an individual — it’s been a really good ride but now it’s time to spread my wings,” he said, adding that  “Oliva Cigar Company is and always will be near and dear to my heart — I wish all of them the best of luck in the future.”

Scholle said he is currently looking for opportunities to go more in the marketing side of the cigar business, including in a similar brand ambassador role that he had with Oliva, though he doesn’t have anything lined up for the immediate future.

In addition to brand ambassador, Scholle was part of the STUDIO TOBAC Executive Board, which included other Oliva employees and Sasja van Horssen, the Dutch importer for Oliva and a retailer whose shops house Oliva lounges.

A representative from Oliva declined to comment.

Update: Shortly after this story was published, a representative from Oliva Cigar Co. confirmed to halfwheel there would not be a STUDIO TOBAC World Tour in 2014.

Overall Score

Avatar photo

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.