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The Founders
Joey Hudson
I am a US Navy veteran, grandpa to an amazing granddaughter, stepdad to a veteran daughter, loving husband, avid cigar smoker, history buff, and bourbon connoisseur.
I founded this club to bring Veterans and supporters of Veterans together in the commonality of cigars. Having that one common background brings out the comradery many of us miss. Smoking cigars and coming together digitally or in person helps all step aside from whatever the day brings and relax.
Brian Conrad
I am an Army Veteran, husband, and father of 3 children along with an army of animals. I am in love with what a simple cigar can bring to life's experiences.
My passions are collecting cigars, guns, whiskey and wine. I am 13 years sober and find an incredible amount of satisfaction in helping others discover a beautiful life without, dragging the bottle. I am a Sanitation Supervisor who works for a company that dedicates many services to veterans across Los Angeles County.
The vision of this club was to set us apart from other clubs, originally designed to lessen Covid boredom. We wanted a brotherhood, one which was inclusive and safe. We wanted to stress accountability, integrity and respect. Our dream became a reality and well beyond Covid, we now we have created this strong community for veterans and supporters to thrive. The bonds created in this club are priceless, thanks to the support from all our members.
Our Story,
Our Standards
The Beginning: A Purpose-Driven Community
Brian and I, along with our friend Paul were in another club together prior to starting Veterans of the Leaf (VOTL). They both saw the need for a new kind of cigar community and wanted me to lead the charge in building it. Initially I was hesitant to launch another club, without a distinct purpose. After some persuading and encouragement from my friends and thoughtful consideration on my part, within a few months I established VOTL. The core idea was clear from the beginning: to build a club grounded in accountability, integrity, and structure.
Our Community is More Than Just a Cigar Club
VOTL was founded with a specific vision: to create a structured environment offering military veterans a dedicated space to connect, share experiences, and enjoy cigars among peers who understand their background. We wanted a place where veterans could be authentic with their brothers and sisters.
Nevertheless, our community extends beyond military service. The term “Veterans” in our name also embraces experienced cigar enthusiasts – “veterans of the leaf” in their own right. We proudly open our ranks to Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), First Responders, and supportive civilians who align with our values and respect the service of others.
Our Core Values Drive Our Community
- Accountability: The Foundation of Trust
- Accountability is critical at VOTL. When you join, you agree to uphold our shared standards and rules, including active participation in weekly herfs. We understand life gets busy, and members occasionally miss a week. What we value is proactive communication – letting the group know via our chat channel, when you can’t make it and why. This demonstration of personal accountability allows us to extend grace. We recognize this level of commitment isn’t for everyone, and we look for members who genuinely embrace this shared responsibility.
- Integrity: Character In and Out
- Integrity extends beyond club activities. We expect members to demonstrate strong character both within the VOTL community and in their personal lives. We aim to be “our brother’s keeper,” encouraging support and ethical conduct. If a member’s actions outside of the club conflict with the values of integrity we uphold, it may impact their membership. While we strive for this high standard, we acknowledge that we are all human and sometimes fall short. When mistakes or oversights occur, we believe in owning them, learning, and making necessary adjustments.
- Structure: Building Brotherhood
- VOTL operates with a clear structure, which may be more strict than other clubs. We believe this framework, including having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), is necessary for minimizing drama and preventing cliques. Our goal is to create a level playing field, where genuine bonds of brotherhood can form across the entire membership, not just within smaller groups. While this structured approach may deter some people from joining, we find it vital for maintaining a positive, fair and focused environment.
Our Continuous Evolution
As we head into our third anniversary on November 9th, 2025, VOTL remains committed to setting the highest of standards for cigar communities. We are constantly learning and adapting based on experience, correcting our mistakes, and integrating member ideas that align with our core mission. Some initiatives succeed brilliantly; others teach us valuable lessons.
VOTL will always evolve and learn. Members may come and go, but our foundational principles and enduring mission remain, for all who choose to be part of this unique brotherhood.
~ Joey Hudson – VOTL Founder