By Jennifer Farnsworth
Having a strong work ethic, along with perseverance, are two things many small business owners say are part being successful.
Kathleen Kelly, owner and CEO of cupojoes.com and Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, may be the perfect example of this mantra. From selling her first cup of coffee 23 years ago, to now, Kelly is making her mark in the business.
Kelly moved to Lake George from Long Island 24 years ago, after having a hard time finding work. While still in Long Island, she was selling electrical supplies and had a moment where she decided to make a change.
“I decided to make things happen for me. To me it’s all about hard work and never giving up, trusting your gut. In 1994, I decided to open a coffee shop in the village called Cup O’ Joes. I remember making $11 on my first day and being so excited,” said Kelly.
Kelly said that first year was during what was she called the “cigar boom.” She said noticed many people seemed to be looking for a quality cigar. After her first year in business with the coffee shop, she purchased a small cabinet humidor and stocked cigars, eventually adding some pipes to the shop.
She said during this time the internet came about, so she began an e-commerce web site, cupojoes.com. Eventually, Kelly moved the business to Queensbury, becoming Queensbury Cigar & Pipe.
In 2012, she purchased the building at 1036 Route 9. There, the coffee shop evolved into a place to have a cigar, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a pint of beer and more.
“At the shop here we have a fully stocked walk in humidor, a pipe room with several hundred pipes and a large smoking lounge with beer, wine and spirits, as well as coffee drinks. We also have Kathy’s Kitchen, featuring great food like burgers, boneless wings, and pizza,” said Kelly.
They work with manufacturers like Dunhill, Davidoff, S.T. Dupont, Viprati, and Savinelli among hundreds of others. They also feature a Peterson Kelly pipe, named after Kelly.
Over the past 20 years, the business has served over half a million customers, she said.
Kelly said they added a room with fun items such as a golf simulator that features over 40 courses and five flat screen TVs that show sporting events, including UFC fights.
In the summer they have a patio area where people can enjoy items like the premium cigar called Taza De Jose, a creation of General Manager Brian Donovan. Kelly said the inside and outside decor is based on the beauty of the Adirondacks.
“It’s a great place to meet with friends, or make new friends. For me everyone here is family, ” said Kelly.
Kelly said she feels fortunate that the business is strong, including the e-commerce aspect, which is managed out the same building, all run by a staff of 11.
Queensbury Cigar & Pipe is open seven days a week. its websites are queensburycigarandpipe.com and www.Cupojoes.com, or call 636-3308.