Meet Mike Simmons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Simmons.

Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started smoking cigars ten years ago when I graduated from the police academy and smoked my first celebratory cigar. Never turn back when you smoke a cigar. It’s dedicated time out of your day when you are forced to relax and let time unwind. Cigars demand you to sit and have time with yourself or good company. I fell in love with this concept/idea and decided I wanted to open up a lounge dedicated to the art of relaxing- alone or amongst good friends. After 14 years as a Sheriff Deputy for Wyandotte County, I decided to retire and do something new. I have always aspired to be a business owner, and this was the perfect time to go after my dreams and make them happen. I am very proud of my hometown and hope this helps continue the growth within Wyandotte County, especially Strawberry Hill.

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?
The Shop Cigar Lounge has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it! It has been a challenging yet enriching journey so far. The support and encouragement from the community have been incredible. The cigar-smoking community has been so helpful along the way- I’ve already made many new friends and connections. Starting a small business has a lot of firsts- and I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of friends and family that have been able to help. Everything from relationships within the city to friends that do woodwork.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started my career as a Wyandotte County Sheriff Deputy in 2008. I loved my job. The best feeling in the world is being able to help someone in need. During my career, I had many opportunities-in charges of the Training Academy, Task Force with the US Marshals, SERT Team, and Detective, even working in the detention center. All these positions taught me something new. They each challenged me differently. Through these positions, I became even more involved with community service. I organized food drives, helped serve the homeless, and worked to keep kids off the streets and back in the classroom. I have been most proud of showing our community the positive side of policing. Being a law enforcement officer taught me many things- including the art of conversation. You come in contact with many different types of people, all from different walks of life. This is very common in the cigar world too. Everyone has a different story. After 14 years in law enforcement, I decided to put the badge and gun down, go after my dreams, and open my own business.

Who else deserves credit for your story?

• First, I owe everything to my wife, Cristina, and family for trusting and supporting me with this new venture.
• Maggie and Zeb with Weston Tobacco have taught me so much, and I appreciate them letting me hang around and soak up their knowledge.
• My mentor Ron Ward, whom I met just by chance in Navarre Beach, FL, has been a tremendous help in answering every question I’ve had. His insight and guidance have been unmatched.
• Huge thank you to my friends that have helped me build, carry, and move furniture- or who have just cheered from afar. Your support has meant the world.
• And last but certainly not least, the community- Thank you for welcoming us with open arms! We are so excited to be in Strawberry Hill in downtown KCK.

Contact Info:

• Website: theshopcigarlounge.com
• Instagram: theshopcigarloungekck
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087937067513

Image Credits
Lori A Robinson Photography