Mike Poe, founder and owner of The Traficante Cigar Company in Birmingham, Alabama. He started the company out of necessity during my 25-year career in law enforcement, specializing in Narcotics and SWAT. The company, founded in 2015, initially served as a cover for long-term narcotics investigations. Surprisingly, it thrived even after he retired in 2017 due to the physical and mental toll of the job.

Originally, the brand had no online presence to maintain a low profile. After retiring, he was able to fully commit to growing the business. The company's roots trace back to Ware Island on Lake Mitchell, Alabama, a former drug trafficking hub. A family friend helped clear the island of traffickers, providing a home for his family. During his 14 years there, he envisioned the Traficante Cigar Company as a means to transition from law enforcement to civilian life, transforming it from a mere cover story into a successful business.