Michael Giordano
CEO, Quality Importers Trading Co., Inc.
Michael Giordano is an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur. Right out of high school, his first job was as a call center customer service representative for a New York electronics components distributor. His talents and interest in the products were recognized by ownership who quickly promoted him to the purchasing department and then to product development manager. There he started to learn about international supply chain and sourcing. At age 26, with his new knowledge and a $15,000 investment in a production of cigar humidors, Michael founded Quality Importers Trading Co., a wholesale business selling cigar accessories throughout the U.S. With no additional capital invested, today Quality Importers is the leading cigar industry supplier for humidors and cigar accessories by volume, has accomplished 17 acquisitions (including former competitors), and boasts cumulative sales revenue surpassing $80 million. But you know entrepreneurs – why stop at one success? Michael’s portfolio of joint venture partnerships now includes Hollywood, Florida’s Kult Koffee, a new wine brand from Napa Valley, and home goods and furniture retailing through Amazon and Wayfair. Every student can learn something from Michael’s unvarnished discussion about what it takes to succeed early and often at this level.