Mitchell Thomas

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Mitchell Thomas Trading Co. is one of the largest importers of smoking accessories in North America. In addition to offering their Mitchell Thomas line, they reintroduced the Aldo Velani line of pipes at the 2008 IPCPR Trade Show.

The owner, Jeff Abel began working in his family's retail smoke shop in Memphis, TN when he was 15 years old. During his tenure there, Jeff participated in all aspects of the business, from assisting patrons to creating custom tobacco blends. He even traveled to London to attend a Dunhill principal pipe dealers meeting. In late 1992 Jeff moved to Chicago to work for a cigar distributor where he learned day-to-day warehouse operations. Then in 1994 Jeff moved to TX to travel a 7 state territory as an independent sales rep for such companies as Phillips & King and Savinelli. For 6 and a half years Jeff traveled 1000's of miles cultivating his customer base and selling millions of dollars worth of tobacco products.

While on the road, Jeff recognized a need for value priced accessories that were not a part of his rep lines. None of his partner companies expressed interest in sourcing such wares, so Jeff took the initiative and did it himself. Within a few years he accumulated enough items to form his own operation. In 1998 he officially founded Mitchell Thomas Trading Co. and took on a single employee, his wife Laurie. Initially the couple ran the fledgling company from their home, but eventually it grew large enough to move into a small office. These days Mitchell Thomas operates out of an 8,100 sq ft facility in Memphis, TN.

Mitchell Thomas Trading may have had humble beginnings, but today the company sells a vast line of pipes and smoke shop accessories to retail tobacco stores all across the country--even abroad. Other wholesalers like Phillips & King and Music City also distribute Mitchell Thomas merchandise. The Abels own several well-known brands such as Aldo Velani, Sasieni, Friend Holder and Lil Cus, but they import, control and brand most of their products under their own name.

Although Mitchell Thomas has grown into an internationally recognized company, it's retained a personal touch. Jeff and Laurie still operate the business as a couple, and their only full time employees are their six cocker spaniels--better known as the Welcome Wagon. The warehouse is essentially "home sweet home" 7 days a week. But the Abels will do whatever it takes to maintain the level of superior service that has become synonymous with the Mitchell Thomas name. Quality merchandise at an affordable price will always be their top priority.

TO HONOR THE MEMORY-- The Abels chose to name their business after Jeff's brother Mitchell Abel, who passed away in 1986 and Laurie's father Thomas Jones, who passed away in 1987.

Their list of partners includes the following brands:

Contact Information:

Website: http://www.mitchellthomastrading.com/
Phone: 1-877-869-4557