Q&A: Nick Melillo, Owner, Foundation Cigar Co.
Nick Melillo, 39, has spent most of his professional life in the tobacco business. Fresh out of high school, he went straight to tobacco retail, and a few years later found himself in charge of tobacco at Drew Estate. But in order to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning a brand, Melillo knew he’d have to venture out on his own. In 2015, he did just that and started the Foundation Cigar Co., which is headquartered in his home state of Connecticut. His experience served him well. The next year, one of Melillo’s cigars made Cigar Aficionado‘s list of Top 25 cigars for 2016. Melillo recently spoke about his career in the cigar industry with senior editor Greg Mottola.