Harlow "Nick " E. Weeks Jr.

was an Independent Manufacturers Representative from the early 1950s through his retirement from the road in 2001. He traveled the entire Southeastern and Atlantic region over his illustrious 50-year career on the road and covered most of the Eastern seaboard.

He started with Philip Morris Marlboro, Havana Tampa, Kaywoodie Yello- Bowl Pipes, and many other pipes, pipe tobacco companies, and machine-made cigars/cigarettes during the 50s and 60s.

He entered the premium cigar scene in the early 1970s after the closing of direct trade with Cuba and the departure of most of its high-end premium cigar families/manufacturers (as the first rep ever hired by the Fuente family).

He also helped to open the first 40 Davidoff White Label accounts when Zino Davidoff first came to America in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He was a visionary. He saw a future in something that most people dismissed as a high-end luxury vice item. He believed a cigar was a truly handcrafted artisan product and one of the last affordable luxuries available to everyone.

He often said that every cigar tells a story of over 300 hands. The average cigar is taken through an intensive 12 to 18-step process, spanning at least a year, if not (in most cases) three to five years. Over 300 individuals touch each cigar to make one premium handmade cigar. When it reaches America, the average retail price is anywhere from $5 - $25 retail, from your "basic" value brand to the start of ultra-premium, high-end, and rare limited editions.

He would say that telling each cigar's story touches all five senses: from the exquisite look to the smooth taste, the silky touch, and the flavorful aromas, from the great conversations that you have and hear while enjoying a cigar with friends or family to developing bonds of camaraderie with others in the enjoyment and memories that take place while sharing a great smoke together.

Nick Weeks, a true pioneer in the cigar industry, saw the value of unity through cigars. He was not just a professional but a gentleman of the highest order. His legacy as the first true Independent Manufacturer's Representative for premium cigars/accessories is unparalleled.

He represented almost every major manufacturer of premium cigars and their brands that still thrive today: Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Oliva, Camacho, Miami Cigar, Rocky Patel, la Flor Dominicana, Graycliff, Dunhill, and Torano, to name a few.

His career spanned more than 50 years, and even when he retired from traveling the road in 2001, he still sold Zippo lighters out of his garage until he was 85 to honor his father, Buddy Weeks, who was one of the first salesmen ever hired by the Zippo family outside of Bradford, Pennsylvania, to represent their brand.

He was a man of integrity, honor, courage, commitment, and selfless service. He believed in loyalty, duty, taking care of his family, his friends, and his responsibilities above all.

He invented a job that didn't exist, pulling the resources of many together (many of whom were families who had had everything taken from them as they fled Cuba) and combining them, strengthening them. He helped their businesses thrive, working hard to preserve their wonderful family heritage to continue building a bond of unity throughout the cigar community, still to this day.

The Ten Sales Commandments

1. Never park in the very front spots of a retailer’s store.

2. Never go number two in a retailer’s bathroom. However always be at least number two in sales, if only by just a little bit.

3. Never get romantically involved with anyone in the business.

4. Never do a deal that’s unethical, illegal, or amoral no matter what the reason.

5. Only do 360° deals, the kind that benefit everyone involved.

6. Keep it all business when you’re on the road however don’t forget to always have fun.

7. No matter what the need, always and only hire professionals.

8. Bringing people up is always the best investment to make.

9. Always remember numbers don’t lie but sometimes people do.

10. Most importantly, and never forget the line for credit is very long, while the line for hard-work is always much, much shorter. The one you choose to stand in will determine where you end up.

A Toast to H.E. Weeks Jr.

Cloudless whispers of days gone by, I dreamed a dream that never died.

It sang the past bittersweet lullabies.

For it was over the darkness and thru all the years, That I was trapped by laughter and set free by tears. I found pain’s release in love over fears.

Or maybe just maybe a few more Cheers.

Cheers, Nick.

Nick Weeks was Born

in Marlborough, Massachusett

He spent his summers growing up on

Cedar Island with his family

He loved sailing and would often sail with a friend

all the way from Cedar Island over to Long Island.

Nick Weeks is survived by his

2 Daughters, 2 Sons and 1 Son-in-Law

Debi Gouge & Tim Gouge of VA. H.E. Weeks III "Eddie" of Shelby, NC,

Terri Weeks of Charlotte, NC and Scott T. Weeks of Cornelius, NC

10 Grandchildren:

Taven Johnson, Kailan Johnson, Andrew Silecchia, H.E. Weeks IV , Carolyn W. Bumgarner, Ashley Weeks, Christain Weeks, Peyton Weeks and Ava Weeks and Step-Grandson,Myles Darnell and 10 Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation, this was an important Charity to our Father.

A funeral service for Nick will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 282123611. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at External Service Location, 7632 Hood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215.