The Entrepreneur Who Lit Up the Cigar Industry with Brian Desind

In this special episode, hosts Donovan and Chelsea Ryckis sit down with Brian Desind, the visionary entrepreneur behind Privada Cigar Club. Brian shares his remarkable journey from being a sneakerhead in LA to transforming the cigar industry with his innovative subscription service.

We explore how he’s built meaningful relationships with manufacturers, pioneered the concept of "farm rolled" cigars, and driven rapid business growth through storytelling and education. Brian also opens up about his ethos, shaped by a chaotic childhood, and how it fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence in products and experiences. 

We dive into broader themes like business strategy, the importance of differentiation, and the challenges of disrupting significant industries, including healthcare. Tune in for an episode brimming with insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on achieving success in business and beyond. Whether you're a cigar aficionado or simply interested in entrepreneurial stories, this episode offers something for everyone.


Brian Desind, a notable figure in the cigar industry, is renowned for his transition from a musician to a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded Privada Cigar Club in 2017 alongside Ofelia Desind. Based in Orlando, Florida, Privada Cigar Club began as a monthly subscription service offering rare and limited-edition cigars. It quickly gained popularity, becoming legendary with over 18,000 monthly subscribers. The club is unique in its focus on educating cigar smokers about these exclusive cigars and the stories behind them.


In addition to Privada Cigar Club, Desind initiated the Limited Cigars Association (LCA) in July 2020. This venture aims to rejuvenate brick-and-mortar premium cigar shops across the United States. The LCA operates by distributing limited quantities of popular products to various shops and then promoted across Privada Cigar Club's social media channels. This approach has been highly successful, with the featured cigars often selling out rapidly.


Desind's journey from creating catchy music to revolutionizing the cigar industry exemplifies his innovative approach to business. He has effectively applied storytelling and branding techniques learned from the music industry to market and promote cigars. This unique blend of skills and experiences has enabled Desind to make a significant impact in the cigar world.

Connect with Brian:
Instagram:   / privadacigarclub  
Website: https://privadacigarclub.com/


Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com


Instagram:   / ethoseffectpodcast  


Chelsea:   / chelsea-whalley-8508a192  


Donovan:   / donovanryckis