Kane Coles
About
Dynamic and dedicated professional with a proven track record of success in the cigar industry, excelling in both collaborative and independent initiatives. Known for a strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and strategic thinking in inventory planning, product placement, and customer engagement. Skilled communicator with a proven ability to build lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and partners, consistently delivering tailored solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Design | Project Management | Communication | Marketing Strategies |
Storytelling | Customer Relationship Management | Leadership | Research
Social Media | Organization | Team Building |
Experience
Ecommerce Channel Merchandiser ~ Thompson Cigar – Scandinavian Tobacco Group – March 2025 – September 2025
Education
Rowan University 2023
Majors: Journalism & Radio/Television/Film
Minors: Political Science & Marketing
GPA: 3.96
Helped develop a $300 million e-bike sales plan with Hyper Bicycles and Hall of Fame Sports Memorabilia.
- Promoted to work with a much larger business unit to help meet forecasted sales.
- Implemented fresh initiatives to reverse declining sales, resulting in final six weeks to have consecutive year-over-year gains.
E-Commerce Channel Merchandiser ~ Pipes & Cigars – Scandinavian Tobacco Group – May 2023 – March 2025
- Led a team project focused on implementing URL redirects, achieving 96.8% coverage across websites acquired through a recent company acquisition.
- Executed strategic campaigns that ensured the site remained on track to meet or exceed sales forecasts.
- Created engaging social media content that drove record-high user interactions for the page.
- Wrote compelling copy and developed website categories for daily promotional emails.
Rock Department Director – Rowan Radio – May 2021- May 2022
- Worked with Record Labels to chart weekly new additions to the station library.
- Managed a team of show hosts for nightly rock specialty shows during the week.
- Hosted a weekly on-air live show with participating listeners for 3 years.
- Gained experience operating the board for live during my shows, interacted with listeners who sent in requests, assisted show hosts in producing their shows, as well as adding songs, liners, and promotions to the system that I edited with Adobe.
Store Manager – Lit Cigar Lounge – Sweedesboro, NJ – May 2021- May 2023
- Oversaw inventory management, collaborating with wholesalers to ensure timely restocking and introduction of new merchandise.
- Designed visually compelling merchandise displays to attract customers and optimize purchasing behavior.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by building strong rapport, offering knowledgeable assistance, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Created a YouTube channel and managed social media accounts to promote the lounge and increase customer engagement.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Personal Blog – Beforetheash
- Founded a personal cigar blog & Instagram that provides in-depth reviews and insights.
- Collaborated with master blenders and brand owners to gain deeper knowledge of the products, enriching content with expert perspectives and educating readers through engaging, informative posts.
- Learned the importance of how something is presented will affect how it is received by the targeted audience.
- Interviewed industry members: (Rick Rodriguez, Francisco Almonte, Akhil Kapacee)
Writer – The Whit – 2020 – 2022
- Wrote for university print & online newspaper.