Nick Goebel, Owner/Operator/Founder
Originally from New Jersey, in 1997 Nick decided to migrate south and open up the first location of Nick’s Cigar World in North Myrtle Beach. Nick was drawn to the industry because cigars are a passion and he thought it would be fun. Turns out, it is and he really enjoys going to work, even at his age. He has been married to his wife Holly for 52 years and they have two daughters Erin & Jamie. In his spare time, Nick enjoys Sundays with his granddaughter Caroline.
NICK’S FAVORITES INCLUDE:
FOOD: Fresh Swordfish
SPIRIT: Seagrams VO & Italian Wines
HOBBY: Work 4 days, Golf 2 Days, Beach 1 day. Living the life!
SPORT TEAMS: UGA Bulldogs
GOLF COURSE SMOKE: Sindicato Maduro
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: The Surf Golf Club (his country club)
Jamie Ketola, Vice President
Jamie was born and raised in Ramsey, NJ. In 1997 she left to attend college at Elon University in North Carolina for a degree in Communications. After graduation, she moved to Myrtle Beach and worked for Burroughs & Chapin for five years as a tournament sales coordinator for their golf division. In 2004, she started part time helping out at Nick’s. In August 2006, she moved permanently into a full-time role to start preparing for Nick’s retirement (which is never happening). Jamie has an 8 year old daughter, Caroline.
JAMIE’S FAVORITES INCLUDE:
FOOD: Crab Legs
SPIRITS: Champagne & Patron Silver
HOBBIES: Traveling, Going to Sporting Events and the Beach, and Golf when she can.
SPORT TEAMS: UGA Bulldogs
FAVORITE SMOKE: Heiress Cigars
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Joe’s Bar & Grill
Jaimie “LJ” Ayala – Merchadiser & Customer Relations
Jaimie is originally from Erie Pennsylvania. Fun fact, she was the original Nick’s Cigar Bar Bartender but left to go back home. Three years later, she decided to come back to work with us on the cigar side. She keeps us all in line and makes sure all of our customers are happy with their purchases and experience shopping at Nick’s. She has an eye for merchandising and making sure everything looks right in the store. She has two amazing sons and is happily married!
JAIMIE AYALA’S FAVORITES:
FOOD: Eggplant Parmesan
SPIRITS: Jesus & sometimes a glass of wine
HOBBIES: Home decorating
FAVORITE SMOKE: La Flor Dominicana Reserve Especial
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Thoroughbreds
Jim Cartin, Online Sales Manager
Jim was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For 15 years, he worked at Santino’s Family Restaurant and Bar. In the summer of 2004, he decided to leave and move to South Carolina. He started with Nick’s in 2005 and worked his way up to Manager for the company. Jim oversees all store operations and the online retail department. In his spare time, he also likes to participate in various charity golf tournaments around the Grand Strand. Jim has two beautiful daughters and a loving wife.
JIM CARTIN’S FAVORITES INCLUDE:
FOOD: Philly Cheesesteak with WIZZ & Tasty Kakes
SPIRITS: IPA’s
HOBBIES: Golfing. Swimming and Playing with his Kids
SPORT TEAMS: Philadelphia Pro Teams
FAVORITE SMOKE: Padron 1926 40 Year Anniversary Maduro
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Rockefeller Raw Bar
Rick Roff – Tobacconist
Rick is originally from South Jersey. He grew up on the beach and after high school, he spent 4 years in the US Marine Corp. Upon his return home, he joined the Atlantic City Police Dept. After 28 years, he retired and moved south. Rick has been with us for over 10 years and is enjoying semi-retirement here at Nick’s.
RICK ROFF’S FAVORITES:
FOODS: Chicken Parm
SPIRITS: Johnny Walker Black
HOBBIES: Golf & Surf Fishing
SPORT TEAMS: Philadelphia Eagles & Flyers
FAVORITE SMOKE: Oliva Master Blend
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Wahoos on the Marsh Walk
