Pfeifenbox

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Taming a lion

Jeff Folloder is probably one of the world's best-known pipe collectors. Now, he has taken a step many dream of - becoming a briar professional. Joining the team at Smokingpipes.com, he is entering one of the most successful online businesses in the pipe trade.

Some people may own far more pipes, but few are so public and outspoken in the pursuit of their hobby. For Jeff, pipes are a cause, rather than a pastime. In the past, his sometimes controversial statements have won him many friends and foes in the smoking and collecting world. Few would dispute his sincerity and passion, but in this interview, Pfeifenbox wonders how he will endure the 'professional neutrality' his new position entails.

What are your envisioned roles at Smokingpipes?

JF: I am responsible for acting as an internal business process consultant that helps Smokingpipes.com grow their business at a strategic and tactical level. More importantly, though, I am responsible for helping build the 'personal' aspect of our business through working with pipe clubs, shows, and individuals. I am really looking forward to this! Additionally, I will also be helping Sykes with some of the purchasing for the company.

Besides being an expert on high-grade pipes, what qualifies you for a job in the business?

JF: Well, I wouldn't call myself an expert. If I have learned anything in my years of collecting it is that there is so much that I do not know. I am constantly learning new things and that keeps things fresh for me.

I have over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry - grocery and food service - where I have developed my skills as an analytics and business process professional. I am the third generation of my family to be recognized as an industry expert in the consumer goods arena, and I am very proud of what my family and the industry have taught me. Those lessons are universally applicable to any retail channel: make certain that the customer can find what they want, when they want it, at a price they are willing to pay. And make certain that the customer feels great about the decision. Beyond that, I am absolutely passionate about pipes and innovation. Smokingpipes.com has built a solid reputation for customer service, variety, and the ability to get things that are not available anywhere else. Sykes and Jon's approach will mesh very well with 'big business' concepts, and our customers will be the ultimate beneficiaries.

No doubt you are also looking forward to getting first grabs at new merchandise.

JF: I thought I was! Customers always come first at Smokingpipes.com. All of our pipes and other merchandise, by company rule etched in granite, must be first made available to our customers. No exceptions. Our customers have varied tastes, but I've already found that many of the things that I have shown an interest in are gone just a day or so after arrival. I suppose that Sykes might let me buy a pipe if I paid a premium over retail [laughs]...

Now that you are representing a business, does this mean the end of the outspoken Jeff Folloder we've come to know him on pipe boards and in newsgroups? Agent provocateur no longer?

JF: Yes and no. I'm still on the net and posting away. However, I think that it will be prudent for me to keep some opinions to myself. There is absolutely no way for the casual reader to hold separate my comments from my professional persona. Given that, I cannot put myself in the position of being perceived as being negative toward brands that we don't represent, or other folks that we compete with. I suppose that I will still be stirring it up from time to time... I will just have to be a bit more careful [grins]. Really, though, there is only one hard and fast restriction that has been placed upon my activities in the 'pipe world' by the senior management of Smokingpipes.com. For some silly reason, they will not allow me to appear shoeless on the main floors of pipe shows. This is going to be very difficult for me. I suppose that I'll get through it.

(May 7, 2004)

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