Interview with Maik Neubauer from Stauffenberg cigars.In honor of the heroes who sacrificed their lives.

Time has passed but has left its mark. In today’s society it feels more and more like we have forgotten the horrific years, the suffering, the screams and the millions of lives that were lost during the Second World War. I wonder if the world has learned anything from the battles and the blood that filled the streets or have we already started to forget and everything was just a short break there after the war. Today it doesn’t matter which social media you open or almost which channel you turn on the TV, because more than ever you will see a soldier or armored vehicle with fear in their eyes. The whole world is preparing for battle in one way or another, Even Europe, which was among some of the worst fates, is procuring and preparing for something we all hope to avoid.

When I talk to elder people, I almost get the feeling that life was better before, even though the post-war generation was largely poor, but they appreciated the peace that existed, had a different work ethic and didn’t take anything for granted. With each passing generation, everyone becomes more spoiled and luxury has almost become a right instead of something you achieve and fight for. That in itself may be one of the reasons why the battles of the past are starting to be forgotten and we have become relaxed in such a way that it is starting to become a danger to society again. I am not saying that poverty was good, but their appreciation of not having to fear for their lives and ending up in a holocaust camp meant that society began to be built in a peaceful way. Today we have forgotten that fear and it has made us take everything too much for granted.

I had a short interview with Maik, the Founder and Owner of from Stauffenberg Cigars and found out the meaning behind the brand, a meaning I feel is now almost more important than in decades.

“The Stauffenberg Cigars brand was created to commemorate a significant historical event with a high-quality premium cigar product and to support lasting remembrance of the resistance during and especially at the end of the Second World War. The brand is not intended to glorify the conspirators around Claus Graf von Stauffenberg who were involved in the Stauffenberg plot on Adolf Hitler on 20th July 1944, but rather to commemorate the general death-defying resistance against a cruel and totalitarian regime at that time. In addition to the well-known Stauffenberg assassination attempt, there were many other acts of resistance against the inhumane atrocities and power structures of the Third Reich. The Stauffenberg Cigars Brand should honour and remembrance the courage of all of these resistance fighters in the 2nd World War.”

A meaning that honors the heroes who sacrificed their lives, resisted and the innocent human lives that were lost. A meaning that makes one remember what was and think about the future that is to come. The reason I feel this meaning is as important as it is, is precisely because I believe we must remember what was, so as not to take everything for granted and make the same mistake again.

Stauffenberg’s story is so strong that it even got a place on the Hollywood screen and was played by none other than Tom Cruise as Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg in the movie Valkyrie in 2008..

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For many, balancing everyday life with family commitments can be challenging. How do successful entrepreneurs manage to juggle it all?

“In the world of cigar business—a highly entrepreneurial sector—you face a diverse array of partners, institutions, and bureaucracy. Having established multiple companies and entities throughout my career, launching Stauffenberg Cigars was not the hardest part. However, navigating the complex EU Track & Trace regulations and ensuring compliance with varying import, tax warehouse, and tobacco tax regimes proved more demanding. This process required significant time and effort, but thanks to my extensive network within the international cigar community, I could overcome these hurdles. Still, this aspect remains time-consuming and acts as a market entry barrier.”

How to succeed in the cigar industry?

“Success in the cigar industry hinges on trusted relationships. It all begins with identifying an experienced master blender and building trust in your factory partner and torcedores (cigar rollers). Without quality-driven partnerships, delivering a premium product is impossible. Quality takes time, dedication, and strong collaboration. Beyond exceptional cigars, the packaging, labels, and boxes are equally vital. I made the decision to produce everything locally in Honduras, believing that local producers share a pride in their craftsmanship. This shared commitment fosters a quality-focused approach and supports the authenticity of the brand”

How important is family in this journey?

“Extremely. My wife and three grown-up daughters have been supportive from the start—they understand the heritage, craftsmanship, and culture behind producing outstanding cigars. Although none of them are smokers, they admire the artistry that goes into each cigar. My wife especially supports the project, on one condition: my cigar consumption must remain modest. She appreciates the story behind Stauffenberg Cigars and the quality-first approach I uphold.”

What is your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Don’t overthink the risks. Every business venture carries uncertainties. Trust your gut, build a strong network, learn the business quickly, and just go for it. There’s no perfect way—expect hurdles and tough decisions along the way”

I rarely talk about age, but I feel that perhaps in this particular case it is worth highlighting. In many people’s world, age has a dull meaning. The older you get, the more you look back and see the life you could have had. That is not the case with Maik. Although 57 years is not old in my opinion, it is rare to hear of someone who throws themselves into a new industry and follows their goals after they have passed the age of 35-40. It is all about mindset and one’s attitude towards life. You are never too old to start a new venture. Maik, who had been interested in cigars for over 20 years, chose to create his own brand at the age of 56 and at the age of 57 the first cigars reached Europe.

Maik’s story shows that dreams can come true regardless of age, it’s all about mindset and experience. When I look at the various editions of Stauffenberg Ccigars, it feels a bit like I’m looking at a piece of history, a history that has shaped the society we live in today. A cigar that fits in the humidor like part of the history books on the bookshelf, a cigar that gives a person a reminder of history, wisdom and thoughts about the past and thoughts about the future.

Do you want to know more about Stauffenberg cigars? click on the image below.

Maik, thank you very much for taking the time for the interview. Even though your brand is not big today, I strongly believe that we will see it worldwide in the near future. The Stauffenberg cigars brand brings up a lot of history that I think many people have started to forget and it is important to be reminded of for the sake of a better future.