Why Our Products Are One Of A Kind

Want to know why our customers are so happy with their purchase? Learn about what sets us apart from the rest..

Unique leathers

Imitation is the best form of compliment, however when it comes to classic veg-tanned Leather, no modern process comes close. Click here to find out why...

Skilled Crafting

By respecting manufacturing traditions that require time tested machinery, quality raw materials and years of skill and talent, our products are one of a kind. Click here to find out why...

Conscious Design

Our products are built to look amazing for whatever you life style. Designed to be unique, highly functional and extremely durable, Built for a life time. Click here to find out why...

Signature Buckles

Our belt buckles are ethically sourced from Europe where pollution is strictly controlled, castings and finishing are perfect, and their designs are a one of a kind art form. Click here to find out why...

From Boutiques to Online sales:

The Rebirth of Tobacco Road's Timeless Craftsmanship

Robert Currea, Tobacco Road founder

I was born the son to a diplomat and the grandson of a shoe manufacture in Colombia. Growing up I resided in Miami and enjoyed restoring antique cars and fishing. Just after high school, my father became very ill and we moved back to Colombia. Upon his death I attended Florida International University, where I earned a dual bachelors degree in Finance and in International Business. To pay for my education, I continued to restore cars eventually selling them in Germany and importing them as well. This not only gave me the opportunity to travel extensively through out Europe, but on one of those trips, meeting a belt manufacturer in Madrid. I helped designee and learned to manufacture items in his factory that I would bring back on my trips to Miami. When they started selling well to local boutiques, I incorporated as Shovelle Inc. in 1982. I eventually expanded sales across the U.S. and Canada. With the decline of the dollar to Euro exchange rate, I had to start manufacturing my own products in Miami using American leather and only importing European buckles. Inspired by a local Miami bar, in 1984 I trademarked my line of American belts as Tobacco Road Belt Co. After attending multiple international trade shows the product line expanded to stores in Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Caribbean Islands, Venezuela and Colombia.

In the late 80's many manufacturing brands started to move their production to China, but my trips there found nothing near the quality I was accustomed to delivering. So I remained committed to sourcing raw materials from Europe and continued to manufacture in Miami and continued using the traditional European techniques I had learned along the way. Despite fierce competition from these cheaper imports and synthetic lookalikes, I succeeded by focusing on delivering hand crafted quality, and selling primarily to boutique stores that valued our craftsmanship and unique leathers and buckles.

By the early 2000s, I was selling to over 500 boutiques. I had chosen not to sell online during the DOT COM bubble, to avoid competing with my retailers who many were now good friends. However, after the 9/11 attacks and the 2008 financial crisis, these small mom and pop business faced devastating challenges. A few couldn't pay past invoices and others could no longer afford my products. The final blow to my market came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately I had worked hard to eliminate debt in order to keep my business alive. Through private label work for a few customers that had a strong on line presence I was able to cover overhead. However the Tobacco Road Belt line production came to a screeching halt.

In 2023, I decided to focus entirely on rebuilding the Tobacco Road brand on line, focusing first on cigar cases. I offered a limited line of cigar cases on Etsy with amazing results. After reconnecting with suppliers I began offering a broader selection of leather textures and colors and added in a few belts. I will also eventually start selling to retailors as the market stabilizes. Meanwhile, your online purchases and feed back will most defiantly help shape the future of Tobacco Road. I appreciate your support as I work to recapture the brand's reputation and loyalty.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments.

Robert Currea

Customer Reviews

See what our customers are saying about Tobacco Road.

Not only did Tobacco Road knock it out of the park on this order but they did on my last. I was so impressed... I can’t say enough about the craftsmanship, speed and professionalism of this shop. Thanks again for a great buying experience.

Ryan Mallary

USA

I highly recommend this shop! I purchased a cigar case for my father and I could not be happier with this one. It is beautifully crafted, sturdy, and perfect for travel. I had some concerns about shipping time, and Robert was kind and accommodating. It looks even better in person, can’t wait to gift this!

Sage

USA

★★★★★

★★★★★