About Us
Mission
Centro Cigars was created to be a cigar connoisseurs’ haven and destination. We strive to provide our customers with the very best selection and service when it comes to choosing and enjoying fine cigars. We offer a friendly environment where people may meet others who share their passion, have fun and learn more about what it means to enjoy a fine cigar.
People
Rich Spangler – Co-Founder & Proprietor
Rich Spangler’s extensive knowledge about current cigar trends and what customers want stem from his more than 20 years experience in retail management, with the last six years exclusively in cigars. If you are a seasoned cigar lover or need advice on what to buy for someone just getting into cigars, Rich is your man. The best way to contact him is via email at Rich@centrocigars.com.
Rus Spangler – Co-Founder & Proprietor
After 18 years of living in Northern California, Rus is happy to be back to his Midwest roots. With a background in computer networking, operations management and buying, Rus is responsible for the operations and technical aspects of the company. He also leads sourcing non-cigar products, so if you have a product suggestion the best way is to contact him via email at: Rus@centrocigars.com.
Rick Woodbridge – Co-founder and Proprietor
Rick is a practicing architect in Kansas City, Missouri. He fell in love with cigars while attending Kansas University and has never looked back. Currently Rick is involved with several charitable outreach efforts including the IDDI in the Dominican Republic which raises funds to provide clean water stations for the villages throughout the country. Rick was also a championship body builder, which makes him easy to spot when he is in the store. Email: Rick@centrocigars.com
Bryan Newbury – Store Manager
Pairing cigars with libations comes naturally to Bryan, who considers Mark Twain a model of moderation. Always eager to discuss his passions, customers can feel free to converse with Bryan about each individual cigar in the humidor and are usually treated to a series of details, anecdotes and Marxian quips. (He promises not to include any musical numbers from Duck Soup.) Understanding that the lifestyle is all about fun, his personal goal is to see everyone exit the store satisfied and with a smile. Email: bryan@centrocigars.com
Umut Newbury– Store Manager
Umut is a graduate of William Allen White School of Journalism and after working at newspapers from Georgia to New Mexico for 8 years, she has returned to her beloved Lawrence. Her enthusiasm for matching customers to the right products is amazing, especially when shopping for someone special on your list. Umut also heads up our in-store special events and keeps our customers informed on all happenings at Centro Cigars. Ask Umut about our Frequent Buyer Discount Card and Club Centro memberships. Umut@centrocigars.com
Directions
To Get To Centro Cigars:
From I-435 North
West on K-10
Stay West on (K-10 / 23rd Street / Clinton Parkway)
Right on Wakarusa Drive to corner of Wakarusa Drive and Bob Billings Pkwy
From I-70 West
Take last Lawrence Exit (Lecompton)
Take K-10 South to West 6th (K-40)
Left on West 6th Street (K-40)
Right on Wakarusa Drive to corner on Wakarusa Drive and Bob Billings Pkwy