Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Personal and Career Background:
Before entering the cigar industry, de Frias worked at NASA for 12 years. He joined NASA at age 25 and eventually served as a director of the budget for the science mission directorate. Driven by entrepreneurial energy and a passion for cigars, he left his stable career at NASA in 2016 to pursue Fratello Cigars full-time. De Frias also played professional basketball in the Dominican Republic.
The Fratello Brand
The company was established in 2013 and is currently celebrating its 13th anniversary. The name "Fratello" originated from a college nickname; De Frias had studied Italian and used the term "fratello" (meaning brother) to address others, which eventually led to people calling him by that name.
The brand has grown to be available at over 1,100 retailers across the U.S. and in 37 countries. Key partnerships include retailers such as ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Smoker Friendly, as well as international distributors.
De Frias emphasizes the importance of consistency and maintaining strong relationships with manufacturing partners, such as La Aurora and Joya de Nicaragua, to ensure reliable tobacco supplies.
Current Products and Initiatives
The interviewees smoke the Fratello 1821, described as the company's first Dominican Puro. The product features an experimental wrapper from the Dominican Republic and is described as medium-to-full-bodied with nutty nuances. Fratello Cigars has integrated Boveda humidity control packs into their SKUs.
Personal and Career Background:
Before entering the cigar industry, de Frias worked at NASA for 12 years. He joined NASA at age 25 and eventually served as a director of the budget for the science mission directorate. Driven by entrepreneurial energy and a passion for cigars, he left his stable career at NASA in 2016 to pursue Fratello Cigars full-time. De Frias also played professional basketball in the Dominican Republic.
The Fratello Brand
The company was established in 2013 and is currently celebrating its 13th anniversary. The name "Fratello" originated from a college nickname; De Frias had studied Italian and used the term "fratello" (meaning brother) to address others, which eventually led to people calling him by that name.
The brand has grown to be available at over 1,100 retailers across the U.S. and in 37 countries. Key partnerships include retailers such as ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Smoker Friendly, as well as international distributors.
De Frias emphasizes the importance of consistency and maintaining strong relationships with manufacturing partners, such as La Aurora and Joya de Nicaragua, to ensure reliable tobacco supplies.
Current Products and Initiatives
The interviewees smoke the Fratello 1821, described as the company's first Dominican Puro. The product features an experimental wrapper from the Dominican Republic and is described as medium-to-full-bodied with nutty nuances. Fratello Cigars has integrated Boveda humidity control packs into their SKUs.
