Nat Sherman Expanding Cigar Sales Force

If you need to find a cigar company that is expanding, there’s a townhouse in Manhattan that is a good place to start.

Last week, Michael Herklots, the vice-president of retail and brand development for Nat Sherman, announced the company was adding full-time sales representatives to cover the west, southwest and central east regions. It’s the latest in a process that begin in 2011, when the company brought on Herklots to modernize both its New York City retail and revitalize its cigar brand. 

“We’ve been around since 1930, we’re certainly an internationally recognized and respected brand,” said Herklots. “But many people have different familiarity to the brand, whether cigarettes, cigars, or as an iconic retailer in New York City.  

The company has already has a national sales force for its cigarette operations, but those representatives do not handle the premium cigar side. Conversely, the sales representatives—including the new hires—on the cigar side have nothing to do with the company’s cigarette business.

“As our business grows, we try and grow with it, in order to provide the best support and service possible,” said Herklots. ”Now that we have the IPCPR show behind us, we can focus on finding new people who are interested in growing with us, and supporting our retail partners, new and old, throughout the country.”

For over a year, Nat Sherman has had two full-time representatives, one for each coast, as well as Ike Karipides who serves as director of premium cigar sales. Herklots indicated the company has outgrown the smaller staff and as such it has added a full-time premium cigar customer service representative, as well as creating the new sales positions.