About Us

“What is the allure of a cigar?” That question has echoed throughout Randy Shorman’s life. With decades spent immersed in the cigar world—from personal discovery to industry leadership—Randy brings more than passion to Minutemen Cigars. He brings experience.

It began in the late 1990s on a porch in Washington State, where Randy was handed his first cigar by Uncle Ellis. That simple moment under the stars sparked a lifelong journey. From there, Randy became a familiar face in local cigar shops, a core regular who shared stories, celebrated milestones, and explored the art and nuance of cigars with fellow enthusiasts.

Over the years, his passion for cigars evolved from casual moments among friends into meaningful milestones within the industry. Since 2009, he has attended the IPCPR—now known as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), the industry’s leading trade show—while also serving as an event manager for fundraisers and tournaments. His journey has taken him to Nicaragua, into partnerships with boutique brands like T.L. Johnson Cigars, and across Washington D.C., where he visited every shop he could find, attended rooftop events, and connected with legends of the cigar world. Whether exploring blends or cultivating relationships, Randy’s footprint stretches from coast to coast.

In 2025, after a remarkable recovery from major health challenge, Randy realized a long-held dream: opening his own cigar shop alongside his son. Minutemen Cigars in Prescott, Arizona is the result of a lifetime of experience, resilience, and deep appreciation for the craft. Every corner of the shop reflects Randy’s journey—from the curated humidor to the welcoming Wednesday night gatherings.

Minutemen Cigars isn’t just a shop. It’s a tribute to tradition, community, and the simple joy of a wellearned cigar. Stop in, and you’ll find Randy doing what he loves: sharing knowledge, connecting with people, and continuing the story he started long ago.

Chase Shorman’s cigar story started with a spark—watching his dad, Randy, light up on the patio with friends. To a young kid, they looked like action heroes: cool, confident, and a little mysterious. That image stuck.

Through high school summers filled with cigars and board games, to working at a local shop at 19, Chase immersed himself in the culture. While his parents lived in Washington D.C., Chase made frequent trips to visit. His dad introduced him to the city’s best cigar lounges and events, including a La Aurora gathering where Chase met Guillermo León. At the Little Puff rooftop event, Chase met Pete Johnson of Tatuaje—a moment captured in a photo that now hangs in the shop, next to a more recent one from 2025. These experiences deepened his bond with his dad and expanded his view of the cigar world.

From D.C. to Hawaii, Chase kept smoking, learning, and connecting. He introduced cigars to friends, customers, and coworkers—always sharing what he loved. In Prescott, Arizona, he found a humidor in need of a cigar guy and helped turn it into a destination. Along the way, he met Joe Adams, a customer turned close friend, whose first cigar recommendation sparked a lasting bond.

After nearly losing his dad in 2024, Chase knew it was time to chase the dream they’d talked about for years: opening their own cigar shop. He’d been hosting cigar nights at Founding Fathers Collective, and the answer to “where” became clear. Chase and Randy approached Grant Quezada, the owner of Founding Fathers, with a proposal. Grant smiled and said, “Rising tide lifts all boats.” He saw the vision—and the value of what they could build together.

With Joe, Randy, and Chase aligned, the dream took shape. At the 2025 PCA trade show, they were welcomed back into the industry like family. And on July 10th, 2025, they cut the ribbon on Minutemen Cigars—a shop built on legacy, friendship, and the belief that cigars are more than smoke. They’re stories. They’re connection. They’re family.

For Chase, nothing beats helping someone find the perfect cigar—one that turns a moment into a memory.

Joe’s cigar journey began with a mysterious box of “Cubans” gifted by a coworker—true origin unknown, but the impact undeniable. That box launched him into a world he never looked back from. Guided by his cousin, who worked in a cigar shop, Joe began sampling top brands and discovering not just cigars, but the people, stories, and local shops that came with them.

He built friendships from Michigan to California, and in 2018, began hosting an annual Phoenix cigar gathering for 25 chosen guests—each invited with a custom coin, Joe’s signature calling card. Cigars became his space for reflection and connection. When work brought him to Prescott, a chance encounter with Chase sparked a friendship fueled by boutique blends and weekly cigar nights.

Cigars became more than a hobby—they became a way to reflect, recharge, and celebrate. Weekly cigar nights brought camaraderie and conversation. When his son got married, cigars marked the moment.

In 2024, Joe attended the Big Smoke in Las Vegas—a yearly cigar show where consumers and sellers gather for talks, seminars, dinners, and the chance to enjoy as many fine cigars as they can. There, he met Carlito Fuente Jr., head of Arturo Fuente, and Drew Newman, head of J.C. Newman. Carlito’s words about the deeper meaning of cigars struck a chord, affirming what Joe already knew: cigars connect people in powerful ways.

Joe’s appreciation for cigars deepened through shared experiences. So when Randy and Chase invited him to help build Minutemen Cigars, the answer was an enthusiastic yes—once cleared with his ever-supportive wife, Kathy, of course.

Now, nestled within Founding Fathers Collective, Joe brings passion, warmth, and a welcoming spirit to the shop. For him, every cigar is a chance to unwind, connect, and welcome new people into a growing family—and he’s just getting started.