Excerpt from The Fuente Story: Passion Behind the Tradition and Legacy
Carlos Arturo Fuente speaks to his son, Carlito, about moving their cigar factory to Dominican Republic from Tampa, Florida (year 1979).
“I realized that we had to try another foreign country, “Carlos says. “This was a scary thought. We'd had some hard knocks when we tried it before.
“I was actually close to quitting. I couldn't take the pain anymore. Meanwhile, there were people who wanted to buy us out. I didn't want to sell, but I had to ask my son what his feeling was.”
“Papa,” Carlito replied, “this is my life. I want to stay in this business forever.”
“Well,” Carlos countered, “you know that we're almost broke. So we have to move. And if we go to any foreign country, it has to be as a family. I don't want any more partners. I don't want to have to deal with anybody else.”
“Whatever you want, Dad.” That was Carlito's answer. From that moment, their decision to move forward to a new home overseas was firmly set. And a pattern was set, too. Many times in the years to come, Carlito's energy, determination and dedication would inspire Carlos to keep pressing ahead, pushing himself, working to make the business ever stronger, and to create cigars that would be known as the ultimate in quality and flavor. ing to make the business ever stronger, and to create cigars that would be known as the ultimate in quality and flavor. |
