Five questions with Nate Williams, inside sales & key account manager at Foundation Cigar Company.
Tell us about yourself, Nate. When did you start in the industry and when did you start with foundation?
Similar to Nick [Melillo], I started young, working retail at Mr. J’s Havana Cigar Lounge in Rhode Island while I was still in school. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at one of the premier establishments in the region, as I was able to learn a great deal with the help of some incredible mentors. That experience eventually evolved into a desire to work with a manufacturer.
As luck would have it, after attending a Foundation dinner in 2018, I was offered the position of account manager—I ran with it. I like to think I was a qualified candidate for the position, but I also share a birthday with Bob Marley, which I’m sure tipped the scale in my favor. Now approaching six years with the company in April, I have no regrets. We have experienced tremendous growth, built a great team, and the future couldn’t be brighter with Nick’s vision of cementing Foundation as a staple brand in humidors across the globe.
Describe a typical day for you at Foundation.
This is a difficult question to answer, as just about each day comes with its own set of challenges. I would say the most important part of each day is ensuring a steady flow of product to all of our retail partners across the country.
Daily sales are the lifeblood of any organization, and our continued growth—along with natural limitations on the raw material side and other external factors outside our control—can often make that a challenge. But therein lies one of the strengths of the company, which is our ability communicate that message. We continually do our best to divvy up product so that as many consumers as possible have the chance to enjoy our blends.
Share your most memorable cigar moment.
One of my most memorable cigar moments would have to be the first time I attended the PCA Trade Show, which at the time was still IPCPR. I was in awe about how much went into the organization of the event at every level. I have a great appreciation of everyone’s hard work and dedication that goes into bringing the whole industry together for a week. Getting to see everyone is something I look forward to every year.
What or who inspires you and why?
Being from New England, it may sound cliché to say this, but Tom Brady. Watching him maintain the highest level of success, over such an extended period of time, was remarkable. But what’s truly admirable to me is how he did it. The mindset of showing up, working hard and making yourself better every day is something I try to replicate myself. He was also greatly respected for his leadership, and as a teammate, which are two qualities that I want to emulate in my career.
If you had to change one thing about the premium cigar industry, what would it be and why?
I would like to change the notion that there must always be something new or limited. There are so many great regularly produced cigars in the marketplace that aren’t appreciated enough, simply because they don’t have restricted quantity being made. While we have some limited production items in our Foundation portfolio, we pride ourselves on having consistent, high-quality, flavorful core lines that are available all the time.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 1, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.