Toraño Promotes Miguel Schoedel to National Sales Manager (Update)

Miguel Schoedel has been promoted to national sales manager for Toraño Family Cigars. Schoedel, who most recently held the position of regional sales manager for the midwest territory, posted the news on various social media platforms on Monday.

Schoedel was credited as being part of the blending team for the company’s Salutem release which debuted at the 2012 IPCPR trade show and convention.

While the company has no official statement at this time, a representative for the company confirmed to halfwheel the promotion.

Toraño is the official U.S.-distributor of both Leccia Tobacco and Palió.

Schoedel could not be reached for comment.

Update (Nov. 26, 2013) — Today Toraño Family Cigars sent out a press release announcing Miguel Schoedel’s promotion to national sales manager. It appears below:

Toraño Family Cigar Company Names Miguel Schoedel as New National Sales Manager

November 25, 2013 (Miami, Fla.) — Industry veteran Miguel Schoedel (Show-DEL) has accepted the position of National Sales Manager with Toraño Family Cigar Company, effective November 1.  For the next 1-2 years, he will travel nationally from his present Cincinnati, Ohio, base, then hopes to relocate to Toraño’s headquarters in Miami.  Schoedel is 33, married and has 2 children.

Schoedel reports to President Charlie Toraño, and his responsibilities are two-fold … overseeing the existing nationwide “Toraño Team” of manufacturers’ representatives, plus expanding the sales force to meet future company growth.

Schoedel’s career has been in premium cigars for 10 years, primarily in sales.  He worked indirectly with the Toraños for 3 years, followed by another 3 years as a direct Toraño sales rep, covering 7-1/2 Great Lakes states from his Cincinnati base.  His former rep slot will be filled with another firm, yet to be announced.

Quoting Charlie Toraño, “Based on Miguel’s outstanding performance as a Toraño rep, we knew he was our best choice for the position.  Infectious enthusiasm, passion for cigars and extensive knowledge of the marketplace are his key strengths.  We look for great things from Miguel.”

Of special import, Schoedel will assist in preparing for the 2016 Centennial of the Toraño’s legendary history in premium tobacco and cigars.  In 1916, Don Santiago Toraño left his native Spain for Cuba’s Pinar del Rio region, to grow world-class tobaccos for cigar giants Partagas, H. Upmann, and the Plasencia and Newman families.  Don Santiago’s original dream has continued uninterrupted via his descendants … his son Carlos and grandson Carlos Jr., and great-grandson Charlie Toraño.  In true Latin fashion, other members of the family also participate in its daily operation.

Schoedel states, “In my 6 years of working with the Toraños, I found myself being drawn to the family, especially Charlie, with his leadership, ethics and stature in the industry.  It is an honor and pleasure to work at his right hand.  It will give me lifelong pride and satisfaction to help take Toraño into their 100th anniversary and beyond.”