Wade Forncrook
Hometown - Green Bay, WI
Married w/5 kids

I started smoking cigars in December of 1992 at a Christmas Party, a co-worker offered me a cigar and I took it. I have no clue what it was, I just know the next day I went and bought a good handful and the slippery slope started right there. I work part time two days a week at cigar shops in WI which allows me to smoke while I work while educating myself daily on our industry. I've been smoking two cigars a day since around '95, my favorites are currently from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

Alex Merick

Originating from the “Live Free or Die” state, Alex grew up with a deep appreciation of individual rights, the freedom of expression and the great outdoors of northern New Hampshire. At 18 he took $500.00 out of his savings account (which was all that he had) and bought his first motorcycle. Keeping the purchase a secret from his folks who thought ill of all motorcyclists, Alex taught himself to ride and to experience the world around him. During his tenure with Technicolor Alex would often spend his vacations on his motorcycle, with a tent, minimal supplies, a few cigars and his drive to see what was “out there”. In 2007 Alex turned another corner on life’s highway and joined Ashton Cigars. He currently covers the mid-west states surrounding Chicago always with his eyes to the horizon.

Chris Stone

I've been smoking cigars since I was 18. Been active in the industry since 2005. I managed a cigar bar in CO since 2006. The first event with Drew Estate was with Rick Ardito and from that moment, I knew this was a company I MUST work for. Soon after I met Fabien and the relationship blossomed. It took years but in February 2010 I was offered an outside sales position in MWN territory. I turned that area around and in January 2012, was promoted to EPA territory.

I love cigars, the culture, the people. I'm a maniac in my own right and I love those who appreciate individualism. I look forward to rockin' with you this year!

Michael Watman

Michael was born and raised in the Boston MA metro area where he ran The Newsshop Cigar and Tobacco Stores in the New England in the early 1990's. In 1997 he was hired by Ashton Distributors and has spent the last thirteen years working the Southern and Southwestern markets. He currently resides in Tempe AZ with his wife Mary Jane and his two daughters Mikey and Charlee Mabel.

BIO - William Rectenwald
William Rectenwald is a graduate of the University of Toledo in Creative Writing. Started in the tobacco industry in Toledo, Ohio in May of 2003 Managing The Cigar Affair. Then joining Ashton Distributing in December 2006 covering the Upper Midwest and Great Plaines. Currently living in Red Wing Mn.

Fabien Ziegler

"Dirty" Fabien Ziegler has been in the cigar industry for 10 years. He is the National Sales Director for Drew Estate, maker of Acid, Natural and Liga Privada cigars. His love of cigars is only matched for the pleasure he gets when he sees someone smoking and loving one of the great Drew Estate cigars for the first time. Come on down and try one of the best cigars in the industry which is made Only for the Deadwood Tobacco Company, the "sweet Jane".

Scott Almsberger, EVP, COO, Director of Product Development and Design

Scott is a University of Kansas Graduate with an Industrial Design degree.

Prior to Designing, Inventing and Patenting the XIKAR cutter Scott worked in industrial design and sales for several international companies. Since he co-founded XIKAR, Scott has become an expert in the design and sourcing a wide range of products, including cigar cutters, pocketknives, leather goods, humidors, humidification devices and lighters. Scott has been awarded many patents on products currently selling throughout the world.

He has also worked in Central America, on the development of cigar blends. Two of the blends have made the Cigar Aficionado top 25 which includes all cigars produced worldwide (Cubans included).

Scott has continued to be involved in the Industrial Design program at the University of Kansas teaching Industrial Design and collaborating with professors, undergrads and graduates.

Scott designed and built a passive solar residence which he enjoys with his wife and two children.

William Rectenwald

William Rectenwald is a graduate of the University of Toledo in Creative Writing. Started in the tobacco industry in Toledo, Ohio in May of 2003 Managing The Cigar Affair. Then joining Ashton Distributing in December 2006

Covering the Upper Midwest and Great Plaines. Currently living in Red Wing Mn.