One of Clermont, Florida’s best kept secrets sits on one of its many hills. With beautifully landscaped views and palm trees lining the streets, The Spot Cigars’ chic, trendy and oh so…should I say San Francisco or New York ambiance is definitely in contrast to what is normative for this small city. However, Reed and Gerrial Watts have brought a bit of metropolitan flavor to this ever-growing small city. Clermont is a quiet family city, home to the Citrus Tower and many beautiful scenic lakes.
Many say first impressions are lasting. My first, and last impression of The Spot was and still is “Exquisite”! As you walk into The Spot you are greeted with the fresh aromatic fragrances of vibrant, spicy, sweet and sensuous tobaccos rolled into the harvested tobacco leaves. Leather arm chairs carefully encapsulate the teak tables, inviting a comfortable sit for the evening as you socialize with the locals over a glass of Merlot and puff on one the exotic cigars kept in the walk in humidor which I call it the “Cigar Vault”.
The architectural designation is smooth, and rounded almost feminine in feel. However, the ever-present coloring, seating and television screens airing ESPN and other sports channels, lets you know the masculinity of The Spot is not forgotten. I sat down with Reed at The Spot for this interview, and I must say I enjoyed interviewing Reed, which definitely has to be one of my favorites. Reed is soft-spoken, intelligent, suave, distinguished, and handsome…and yes ladies he is married.
JW: Who are Reed & Gerry Watts?
RWW: I am the CEO of The Spot Cigars. Gerry, my partner and older brother has worked very closely with me and has been very instrumental during the due diligence phase of opening The Spot.
JW: Tell me about The Spot Cigars?
RWW: The Spot is a place that provides an atmosphere where men and women can come, relax in comfort, while letting the stresses of the day melt away. The sense of getting away, from it all is what most customers feel while visiting The Spot. The Spot is a relaxed atmosphere with nice music, walk in humidor, a nice selection of beer and wine, and 5 TV’s strategically placed with sports packages, as well as annual memberships.
JW: How did you decide the location for The Spot Cigars?
RWW: I did a lot of research, and one of the major factors was that Lake County is one of the fastest growing communities in Central Florida with great people, which makes for a great clientele.
JW: When did you open The Spot Cigars?
RWW: October 14, 2010.
JW: What made you want to become a Cigar Aficionado, and subsequently open The Spot Cigars?
RWW: Over the last five years during my travels across the US, I would visit different Cigar establishments. The one constant was the Cigar guests. They were usually well traveled and great people to interact with. As far as Cigars, I really enjoy the various stories that accompany each Cigar…
JW: Can you expound on that?
RWW: I really enjoy the history behind each cigars, the stories are paramount to what I am achieving at The Spot. They bring individuality to the brand, and into The Spot…bringing them altogether in one Spot.
JW: I noticed the basketball jersey hanging on the wall at The Spot. Tell me about your sports background.
RWW: I was blessed enough to gain a full athletic basketball scholarship from Niagara University, which has a NCAA Division 1 Basketball program. I grew up playing football and basketball but during my junior year in high school I decided to focus on one sport, which was basketball.
JW: What made you choose an entrepreneurial background over your prospective basketball career?
RWW: I have worked in Corporate America in sales, sales training and marketing for Fortune 50 companies for over twenty years. I was always recognized by organizations as approaching my business in an entrepreneurial way. In other words, I always took it to heart when leadership used to say run your business like it was your own. As far as a basketball career…I was only blessed with the ability to have a very productive college career in which I graduated with a B.S in Commerce
JW: Do you plain on expanding The Spot Cigars?
RWW: That is my hope…but for now-I just want to provide a great environment and great service for our current and future guests. Our guests will determine if and when we expand.
JW: Who was influential in you becoming the successful Cigar entrepreneur?
RWW: No one influenced me to become a Cigar entrepreneur. It has been an internal goal of mine to become an business owner, and as I look at the various businesses, I asked myself the following questions…
1. What products would I enjoy working with?
2. What type of people would these products bring to The Spot?
3. Where do I want to open at?
JW: If there was something you wanted to change about your choices in life what would they be?
RWW: There are always things that happen in life that we wish either we could do over, maybe make a small adjustment, or maybe just have more information before making a choice. With that said, overall I am very happy with my choices because the best choice led me to my wife Rosalie of 24 years and our 4 year old daughter Riani Reedyn.
JW: Where exactly is The Spot Cigars located?
RWW: We are located in Clermont Crossings shopping center 2519 US HWY. 27 Clermont Fl. 352-404-8804 www.thespotcigars.com
Article written by: B Wehmer Johnson
