Montebello neighbor Keith Moskowitz has built a business that blends craftsmanship, global relationships, and a lifelong passion into every product he offers. Kikimomo Cigars, founded in 2020, is a wholesale company dedicated to providing premium-quality cigars - each one rooted in tradition, artistry, and an appreciation for the finer details that elevate a cigar from ordinary to exceptional.

Keith’s journey into the cigar world began long before Kikimomo Cigars was even a concept. The spark was lit during a formative trip to Midtown Manhattan with his father, where they visited Alvin Sanchez’s hand-rolled cigar shop. The boutique setting, the artistry behind the rolling process, and the culture surrounding premium cigars left a lasting impression. That early experience opened Keith’s eyes to an industry defined by patience, precision, and pride - values that would later shape his own business philosophy.

As an adult, Keith became known among friends and neighbors as “the cigar guy,” rarely without a signature cigar in hand. But his interest went far beyond enjoyment. During travels abroad, Keith immersed himself in learning the agricultural and environmental aspects of cigar production, studying how tobacco leaves grow and the climates in which they thrive. From soil conditions to curing processes, he developed a deep respect for the journey a cigar takes before ever reaching a humidor.

In 2020, that passion transformed into Kikimomo Cigars. Operating as a wholesale business, Kikimomo focuses on sourcing and offering cigars that meet exacting standards of quality and craftsmanship. While the brand itself is rooted here in Montebello, the scope of the business is global—connecting Keith with growers, rollers, and partners around the world who share his dedication to excellence.

Like many entrepreneurs, Keith faced significant challenges as the business grew. One of the most complex aspects of running Kikimomo Cigars has been navigating the strict regulations and taxation involved in importing and exporting cigars internationally. These hurdles require constant attention and adaptability, especially as the company continues to expand its reach. Yet Keith sees these challenges not as deterrents, but as part of what makes the business meaningful and rewarding.

Despite having launched and operated several businesses throughout his life, Keith says this venture has been uniquely fulfilling. What surprises him most is the joy that comes from connecting with people across cultures and continents who share his passion for the cigar industry. From growers and artisans to fellow cigar enthusiasts, Kikimomo Cigars has become a bridge between people brought together by a shared appreciation for tradition, craftsmanship, and conversation.

Outside of work, the business has woven itself naturally into Keith’s identity. He wears the title of "the cigar guy" with pride. But beyond the reputation, Kikimomo Cigars represents something deeper: a business built on personal history, global curiosity, and genuine human connection.

Keith wants Montebello neighbors to know that Kikimomo Cigars is not just about selling cigars—it’s about sharing an experience. For fellow cigar lovers in the community, he warmly welcomes the opportunity to connect and is happy to offer samples of his finest premium rolled cigars. It’s his way of inviting neighbors into the world he’s spent years exploring and cultivating.

As Montebello continues to celebrate the entrepreneurs within its community, Kikimomo Cigars stands as a reminder that big ideas often grow from personal stories—and that a business rooted in passion can reach far beyond neighborhood borders while still feeling right at home.