Christopher Mey Leaves Rocky Patel, Launches Own Company

Christopher Mey—a longtime employee of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc.—has left the company and is branching out on his own with a new company that aims to help cigar brands with international sales.

Aug. 9 was Mey’s last day with the company, ending a 21-year run with Rocky Patel. His title was director of global business development, and Mey was the company’s point person for international sales and distribution which included more than 100 countries and five different continents. He will now offer those services to other companies through his new entity: Christopher Mey Premium Cigars.

Mey won’t be responsible for distribution, that will be left up to local distributors, but he will be able to assist with everything in between the factory and those distributors. This includes assistance with sales and marketing, shipping, import/export, tax and duty, logistics, and even finding distributors.

The company’s first client is Esteban Carreras, which will be distributed in Germany by Kopp Tobaccos GmbH & Co., previously known as Kohlhase & Kopp, the same company that distributes Rocky Patel in Germany.

“We are thrilled to partner with Esteban Carreras Cigar Company,” said Mey in a press release. “Their commitment to using only the finest high-quality aged wrappers and fillers sets them apart.”

Mey told halfwheel that he left Rocky Patel on good terms, so good in fact that his wife, Irma, still works for Rocky Patel