Locations/Headquarters: Hopatcong, New Jersey
Business Accolades:
NaVOBA Certified, New Jersey Disabled Veteran Business of the Year 2023 Under 3 Million
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VBE Spotlight on: The Mobile Cigar Lounge
Events NaVOBA • Nov 16, 2023
The Mobile Cigar Lounge
The Mobile Cigar Lounge was founded in 2018 by Joey Mac Dizon, Alvaro Patrick, and Miley Massed.
This week's Veteran's Business Enterprise spotlight shines on The Mobile Cigar Lounge, a venture founded by a dedicated group of Veterans and First-Responders. Their mission? To elevate events with unforgettable experiences of premium cigars and whiskey. Rooted in a deep love for the camaraderie that comes with a fine cigar, their team brings professionalism, knowledge, and interactivity to every gathering. With a commitment to their core principles of alignment, teamwork, accountability, results-driven focus, and inspiration, they're not just a business - they're a community dedicated to creating memorable moments while positively impacting local communities.
Learn more about The Mobile Cigar Lounge at https://themobilecigarlounge.com/
About the Business - Alignment, Teamwork, & Accountability
What services do you provide?
"Cigar Bar and Rolling at weddings and private events."
Who are your primary customers?
"Brides, Wives, Girlfriends, Venues, Wedding and Event Professionals."
When and how did you start your business?
"2018. We bootstrapped our business because we loved smoking cigars from the military."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"We didn't know our exact target client yet."
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Always continue to learn, Lead, and be proactive."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Create a plan in each area of business. Learn to lead and motivate people. Invest in learning more in business."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Listening to people who have never done it."
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA Community?
"We absolutely love bringing the ultimate cigar and whiskey experiences to weddings and private parties. We pride ourselves on high quality, professionalism, and communication. We love to sip, smoke, and celebrate."
Service information
Branch:
United States Marine Corps
Service Years:
2005-2011
Highest Rank Attained:
E-4 Corporal
Why did you join the military?
"I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I enjoyed playing sports and being part of a team. The military was a great place for leadership learning, challenging yourself, and getting the chance to make a difference in the world. The best part was the people I met and continue to meet as a Veteran. I wouldn't trade my service for anything in the world. It made me who I am today."
Military Occupation:
"0311. Infantryman"
Any significant military achievements / experience you would like to mention?
"Deployed to Mongolia, Norway, and Iraq 08-09"
Biography/Fun Facts
People might be interested to know?
"That I hate pineapple on pizza."
What would you be doing if you weren't a business owner?
"Firefighter"
What artists are on your favorite playlist?
"Cash Cash."
On October 22, NaVOBA celebrated the Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Awards Ceremony during the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference in Atlanta. Hosted at Cuts Steakhouse, a sponsor of the event alongside Accenture, Shell, and Hilton, the event was complete with a full course meal, drinks, and networking. Mimi Lohm, NaVOBA's Chief Development Officer, kicked off the event and set the stage for the awardees. Keynote speakers included Brandi Rauch, General Manager of Supply Chain for Shell, Che' McFerrin, Associate Manager, Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Accenture, and Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA's President. Before the announcements of the winners, NaVOBA surprised Don McKneely, Chairman & CEO of Minority Business News, with the 2024 Veteran's Business Champion Award. The program then went on to highlight two companies who have demonstrated excellence within their industries with the 2024 Veteran's Business Enterprise (VBE)® We Love Awards. The first VBE We Love Award went to Demond Crump, CEO of REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins. Founded in 2019, REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins specializes in providing innovative sanitary napkins and panty liners infused with a Nobel Prize-winning material featuring a super absorbent system. The key to REIGN's success lies in prioritizing their mission over profits, ensuring that the focus on empowering women and young girls takes precedence. Demond served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1994, achieving the rank of E-5 and specializing as an Operations Specialist. He is Aegis system qualified and brings a wealth of strategic expertise from his military service to his entrepreneurial journey. You can read more about this VBE spotlight here . The second VBE We Love Award was presented to Paden Sickles, CEO of SickFit. Founded in 2021, SickFit specializes in wholesale and custom socks, as well as murals. SickFit caters to a diverse customer base that includes service members, athletes, corporate partners, active individuals, and government entities. The key to SickFit's success lies in its commitment to innovation and authenticity. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned company, SickFit represents a movement focused on resilience and empowerment, particularly for those in underrepresented communities. Paden served from 2014 to 2024 in the Army, achieving the rank of Captain and earned the Expert Soldier Badge and Air Assault Wings. You can learn more about this VBE spotlight here . NaVOBA then celebrated the 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise ® of the Year: Robert Swain, CEO of Swain Enterprises. Established in 2020, Swain Enterprises specializes in federal projects, including restoration and renovations for military bases, federal facilities, and hospitals in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC areas. Swain Enterprises is committed to providing the highest level of service to government, commercial, educational, and institutional clients. The key to the success of Swain Enterprises has been a focus on integrity, hard work, and strong relationships. From the outset, the company has committed to delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations. As a fully veteran-owned business, Swain Enterprises is dedicated to empowering veterans and creating opportunities for those moving from military to civilian careers. You can read more about NaVOBA's 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year here .
Jewel Sanitary Napkins LLC
Swain Enterprises LLC
Thank you for your interest in the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (SDVBE) programs. This initiative creates a nationally recognized gold standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and enables corporate America to proactively source and confidently utilize businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
OUR MISSION
NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s Veteran’s and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education.
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