What did you do before you got into cigars?
“I worked as an environmental lawyer, which I partly still do, but I am more selective with my clients and take on fewer assignments now. These days I only work as a lawyer for former clients and friends. I like my old work and have therefore chosen to partially continue working with it. Balancing time can be difficult at times but with a good structure and plan it works out well most of the time”.
If you are curious to read about Lampert Law, use the link below.
How did your journey with cigars begin?
“The first cigar I smoked was given to me by my grandfather in my early 20s, but Lampert cigars started by pure chance. It all started by pure chance, to escape the cold I went to Thailand hoping to enjoy warmth. Unfortunately, those warm days were filled with storms and the vacation did not go as planned. I ended up sitting on the balcony enjoying cigars and keeping notes on all the cigars I smoked. Luck and bad luck you could say, I wanted warmth and my passion for cigars deepened thanks to the storm and lack of sun, the storm was the beginning of Lampert cigars which was the great luck. I chose to create a house blend cigar I could enjoy and to share with my clients. Demand started coming in after they had smoked the cigars and I was contacted by a distributor. I took the chance and that’s how Lampert Cigar’s journey began”.
When you create new Blends, are you going after the consumer’s taste buds or yours?
“I create blends in a combination for both. I stand behind what I sell and don’t want to sell something I can’t stand behind. I want both the customers and myself to be able to enjoy the cigars”.
Why do you think Europeans smoke milder cigars compared to Americans?
“In Europe, people have been used to Cuban cigars, which are generally a bit milder, and that’s how European culture has been shaped. Whereas in America there was no legal access to Cuban cigars and the cigars generally had more body and strength”.
You are extremely picky and have high demands in everything you do.
“Being picky with high standards is a bit in my nature. As a lawyer and book author of more than 10 books you are used to working very precisely. In Europe, cigars are not part of the culture in the same way they are in America and the consumer is a bit more demanding. If we compare it to America, cigars are part of the culture and people are much more open to trying new cigars, both inexpensive and expensive cigars. There are lounges you can sit on. Whereas in Europe, cigars are more of a luxury item that is mostly consumed less often. It’s not that Americans aren’t picky, but they are more open thanks to their cigar culture and try new flavors and cigars”.
If you are interested in law and want to learn more, you can find Stefan’s books on Amazon. (written in German)
What is your best advice for those who want to follow their dreams?
“When you want to follow your dreams, you have to be prepared to work hard and not be afraid of pushbacks. A pushback provides new lessons and strength that can lead you forward. You must not give up in hard times. When you get an opportunity, dare to take it and don’t let it go to waste”.
Why do you think the cigar community is more open than others?
“Cigars are very much about friendship and a moment of relaxation. Smoking cigars connects people. Cigars is all about people”.
VDO Cigars:
I want to thank you Stefan for the opportunity to write about you and Lampert cigars. It was a great honor for me. The more you read about Lampert, the more you realize the detail in everything you do.
