Laura Barlau Joins Espinosa Premium Cigars

Laura Barlau, a cigar industry veteran for nearly two decades, will be joining Espinosa Premium Cigars as the company’s new vice president of key accounts and special projects. Most recently, Barlau was the director of purchasing, wholesale, and events for Best Cigar Prices.

“We’re very happy to have Laura join an already solid team. She brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, along with a fresh energy that will serve our partners and our company well,” said Erik Espinosa, president of Espinosa Premium Cigars, in a press release.

In her new role, Barlau will focus on working closely with online retail and distributor partners, as well as on private-label projects and contract manufacturing, growing distribution, and supporting the brand.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Espinosa team!” said Barlau in a press release. “Erik’s vision and perseverance have positioned the company for great things, and I’m honored that the crew is putting their trust in me to be a part of this exciting future.”

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the G-League’s Valley Suns. I was previously the PA announcer for the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League, and Goodyear Ballpark, spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I’m a voiceover artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.

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