All-American Warriors Initiative, LLC

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AAWI has roots reaching back to 2013 when All-American Holdings established the Paul Henry Hunt Commemorative Scholarship to the MBA in Entrepreneurship Program at the Acton School of Business in Austin, TX.  To date, AAH has funded 3 full scholarships for recently retired combat veterans who served as enlisted operators in America’s Special Forces.  All three recipients completed the program, earned their MBA, and have moved on to careers in the private sector.  AAH continues to mentor and support each of them as they navigate pursuits in the business world. 

Through that network, AAH identified an attractive investment opportunity in a veteran-owned premium cigar shop called Cigars Afloat that was operating a single retail location at the main exchange on MCB Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. After a brief diligence period, AAH partnered with its owners, Retired USMC veteran Michael Connors and Navy veteran Mark Marino.  PHH Commemorative Scholarship recipient and retired Navy SEAL Brian Chase was asked to join the team and together we launched All-American Warriors Initiative, LLC - a parent platform for military-centric investments.  Cigars Afloat was rolled into the AAWI umbrella and our team went to work on an expansion plan.  

In December 2020, AAH closed an investment in AAWI with sufficient funding to roll out  at least 20 new cigar shop locations on Military bases across the United States.  A re-brand is underway for the roll out and we plan to do business as Pop Smoke Premium Cigars once complete.  Our first new location was opened before the end of December at the main exchange on MCAS Cherry Point and satellite humidors have been added at various locations around each base to better serve our customers.  

Our goal is to build a team of combat veterans from all branches of the military who manage the business, staff its stores, and foster camaraderie within the on-base community.  Of course, we will also provide premium cigars at exceptional prices with unparalleled service! 

Come see us at one of our locations listed below.