Joel Sherman Passes Away

Joel J. Sherman, former president and CEO of Nat Sherman, passed away Sept. 9 in New Jersey surrounded by his family.

Born on August 2, 1939, Joel Sherman spent decades shaping and elevating the family business, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of premium cigars and fine tobacco.

At the age of 10, Joel Sherman worked in the original Nat Sherman store on Broadway in New York City. Nat Sherman later relocated to 42nd Street near Grand Central Terminal, where it became a symbol of sophistication and high-quality cigars.

In 1990, after the passing of his father, Nat Sherman, Joel Sherman returned to lead the family business. Under his leadership, Nat Sherman expanded into a prestigious name in the premium cigar world, developing its own lines of cigars and cigarettes.

In 2017, Nat Sherman was acquired by Altria Group. Although the iconic Nat Sherman store closed in 2020, the cigar blends live on under the Ferio Tego brand, now led by Michael Herklots, who previously served as the vice president of Nat Sherman International and was a longtime associate to Joel Sherman and his family.

“Mr. Sherman was an industry icon,” Herklots told the Premium Cigar Association. “He was beloved by everyone who knew him and certainly those who had the good fortune of working for him. His moral and ethical compass was always guiding the business and above all, he led with love.”

Throughout his career, Joel Sherman received many industry honors and awards, including TMA’s “Giant of the Industry” award in 2014. He served as director of Tobacco Reporter’s parent organization, the Tobacco Merchants Association, and was an active participant in, and board member of, several other industry associations.