Hidden Gems: Meet Joshua Stump of Smokers Abbey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Stump.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“After spending 25 years working in nonprofits and ministry, I reached a point where I knew I needed to find a way to better provide for my family. I’ve always been passionate about building community — it’s something that just came naturally to me — but at the time, I wasn’t sure how you could turn something like that into a career that paid the bills.

One thing I had started doing was inviting a few guys over to the house for cigars and drinks — nothing fancy, just good conversation and new friendships. It was simple, but powerful. That got me thinking: could this actually be a way to make a living?

Turns out, it could. What started as casual get-togethers evolved into something much bigger. I realized there’s real value in creating spaces where people can connect authentically, and that’s what opened the door to my next chapter.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“At first, I thought it would be simple — just build a community, create a space for good conversation, and somehow make a living from it. But I learned very quickly that there was nothing easy about the process.

I spent a solid six years deep in financial debt, constantly on the verge of complete failure. There were plenty of moments where it would’ve made sense to just walk away. But honestly, I’m stubborn — I don’t quit easily. Perseverance became the real pathway to success for me.

Looking back, the hard years were what actually shaped the foundation for what I have now.”

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tennessee’s home for hand-rolled cigars from the best boutique tobacco companies in the world.

Passion for great tobacco runs deep in our sanctuary. We curate only the finest small-batch artisan cigars, tobaccos, and craft beers. Like ancient abbeys, our lounges foster community, conversation, and comradery. So join us at the Abbey and let our devout tobacco monks be your guide.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
“Looking back, I realize it would’ve been a huge advantage to have a mentor in business. There were so many aspects I just didn’t know. The transition from nonprofit work to running a for-profit business is a pretty intense one — way tougher than I expected.

But what I did have were a few loyal friends who believed in me, and honestly, that might’ve been enough at the time to take the risk. Two of those guys were Brady Lane and Nathan Pohnert — both cigar smokers, both good friends who saw something in me even when I was still figuring it out myself.

Since then, over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to build incredible relationships with some of the best tobacconists and blenders in the country. I’ve also connected with a lot of other retailers who’ve been generous with their advice, tips, and encouragement — all of which helped me grow and build something sustainable.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.smokersabbey.com
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