Under the tutelage of his family in the roofing industry with combined experience of 30 years, Bryson Fowler found a passion in the premium tobacco industry that he enjoys to the fullest. In this world, he continues his work of building, but with a focus on weaving a network of support for the industry and all the businesses that accompany it, as well as for others, because for him, community and mutual support are vital for growth.
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Bryson’s first cigar came around 2010, probably a Gurkha Legend or maybe a Ghost, but definitely a Gurkha. This stick was what started his passion, building a mature palate that evolved to enjoy other brands like The Ron Harper’s underrated by Luciano and even the Oliva Melanio Serie V, a cigar he has chosen as his go-to for celebrations due to its notes, aromas, and its ease of availability.
“I’ve had great experiences ever since, and I don’t think there’s such a thing as a bad cigar; it just might not be for your palate, or it had a poor storage process, but that’s it.”
Once immersed in the pleasure of tobacco, Bryson decided to create the podcast Bosstalks on the Rooftop, a space dedicated to conversation, community, and camaraderie while enjoying a cigar. He saw this activity as a way to give back a little to the community that has surrounded him. “Every business needs help getting its name out there. You can be the best at what you do, but if you don’t share it, it won’t work.”
In addition, through this show on YouTube, Bryson seeks to inspire the next generation to succeed in what they want to do, learning from his experience or from those who appear on his channel, a channel with open doors for everyone.
Here, he confesses that one day, guests related to the cigar industry started to become scarce, while the show was dedicated to an educational series about cigars, their pairings, cutting and lighting techniques, and other topics. “That’s when we opened up the scope to talk about other subjects and extend the network of support to finance, construction, etc.”
Bosstalks on the Rooftop has also been important for talking with champion athletes, who share their success stories as inspiration. “You don’t smoke cigars, you just puff, and the cigar industry is about celebration, relaxation, and meditation. It’s really common to find athletes enjoying this hobby with every championship.”
Bryson clarifies that the podcast is not for self-promotion, but rather to give a platform to colleagues and collaborators, and to show things that might seem inaccessible, like private aviation—which, he says, isn’t really that much. It’s simply a different way to travel. “It’s also about opening ourselves up to new audiences and sharing them with the businesses that host us or the guests who join us.”
During a conversation on the podcast three years ago, while looking to make a little extra money, the idea was born to have an accessory line. This idea would crystallize into Kingpin Luxury, a line of high-end accessories that meet the needs of the everyday smoker. “Everyone needs a lighter, so we started with a torch paired with a watch, because smokers need to know when it’s time for a smoke break.”
In addition to this luxurious torch, the brand sells cutters, wine glasses, and tumblers, as well as t-shirts, sweatshirts, rubber shoes, and other accessories under the name Kingpin for men and Queenpin for women.
As a fun fact, the name comes from Bryson’s love for comics, especially villains like Kingpin from the Daredevil series.
“We are here as part of a collaborative effort, trying to do business with other people so they also have the opportunity to build their own businesses and grow together on this journey.”
