An Interview With the Folks at FreedomSmokeUSA
I wanted to learn more about this business that has the entire nation buzzing. A place where quitters were praised!
I felt like the luckiest Vaporist in the world, to be given the opportunity to meet and speak with some genuinely great people.
As coincidence would have it, FreedomSmoke USA is located in my home town of Tucson Arizona. My wife Patty and I pulled up outside the clean inviting Vapor Lounge, and walked in to a very comfortable looking area... with a high quality games table, various sitting areas, Large screen TVs, and a very beautiful collection of Artwork reflecting the southwest and Local areas "venue". (all made by local artists, and for sale)
We sat down with the Owners David and Pam, and the Lounge Manager Michael. There was so much that I wanted to know!
David hails from Hawaii, while Pam originated in Long Island, N.Y.
The Owners both had Doctors in their families; David's Dad, and Pam's Sister. Health consciousness was in the background from the start. David had been a heavy smoker (cigars), and when Pam's Dad, a long time smoker died from smoking related Heart complications after a triple bypass, 6 mos. after 9/11, some changes were to be made.
David explained the hippocampus and addiction, and how he discovered vaping. One of the 1st things that happens is that people want to indulge in eating, to fill the void. Using flavors these urges can be satisfied, and give a recovering smoker, more ways to fill any cravings that may develop.
It seems that the concept works well because these flavors appear to be helping folks lose weight WHILE quitting. What a bonus!
The warehouse is very closeby, and it is manned by family most of their own 7 kids!
Oh I forgot. This is a family business, and the employees are treated as such.
The lounge manager Michael proudly told of his own son who also worked in the warehouse. The employees have celebrations, BBQs, and large bonuses on birthdays, and a full benefit package. Way to go guys!
The family takes great pride in converting smokers, and a book of testaments from former smokers proves it. Local Honeys, Jerky and jellies are available for sale from a bunch of "quitters".. literally! These former smokers are encouraged by FreedomSmoke to place their wares for sale on the premises. The lounge manager Michael mentioned that they even made tradeouts with some clients, just to encourage this change from smoking.
The company that David and Pam have found for flavors is called Flavour Art.
An amazing company that creates not essences but actual flavor components that will amaze.
These ejuices have higher certifications than what I eat! They are approved every which way but loose, and are even certified Kosher!
I tried "Just Peachy" and a few others today.. but I don't want to review flavors, or I will get carried away, and I feel that as an ecig enthusiast you owe yourself a trip to their catalogue.
Yes.. They offer a variety of reasonably priced units, but the main attraction here, is the juice, and the flavors, and the family and the people
Dangthe whole thing was just a "GREAT SHOW"
People are encouraged to come in and just hang out and VAPE. There is a fun patio area also.
FreedomSmokeUSA boasts 400 flavors and have flavors being created and added daily. I got to try one new top secret flavor soon to be released (hehe.. but I ain't talkin')
There will be a Grand Opening party on
8/26 so come on down if near Tucson.
All kinds of fun will be going on, and DJ Frank from KLPX an ecig enthusiast will be "putting it on the air", while the folks from Old Father Inn will be over as well.
I will try to be there, and hope some of you that live nearby come too!
The pictures were taken with a $5 digital mini cam. I own no camera, but We did our best!
Owners David & Pam with Vito & Patty David, Pam, and Lounge Manager Michael, I obviously am having a blast!
I say bye to Michael.