Ownership Transition

Oak Park Heights, MN September 10, 2026

Owning a business is an incredibly rewarding, and at times, challenging endeavor. When Dad retired from his lifelong career and we decided to embark on the journey of owning and operating a cigar shop together, it was one of the most exciting times we had the good fortune to be part of.

We opened Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe on April 1st, 2019 and it has been quite the thrilling ride every day since. There have been some unbelievable highlights (new friendships, trade show experiences, watching a business grow from just a thought to something tangible). There have also been some less than stellar obstacles (Covid 19, management changes, changing inventory philosophies, etc.).

Over the past 7 years, two things have become apparent to Dad and I:

1. The small retail model is one that thrives with an owner/operator. We have had some great people work at the shop over the years, but nothing will ever replace the owners touch and care for the business.

2. Dad’s retirement hasn’t exactly been a retirement since opening the shop and I have many other business priorities in the staffing world to manage.

The combination of these two things have resulted in numerous conversations over the past few years, and he and I have finally come to the realization that it is time to pass the baton to someone else.

It is with humble intent and mixed emotions that Dad and I have sold Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe to Bret “Red” Fraser, effective September 1st, 2026.

Red has been a positive and significant figure in the Minnesota cigar community since before we opened the store in Oak Park Heights. We have grown a wonderful friendship these past 7 years and Dad and I couldn’t be more supportive and optimistic in his ability to take our original vision forward and forge his own path.

Sodie’s has been a wonderful place of community, friendships and lasting memories and we are proud to have had a part in that history. We are grateful for every customer, every dollar spent, and the experiences we have been able to be part of along the way.

Sodie’s is in great hands moving forward with Red. There may be some changes to certain things as Red makes the business his own, but Dad and I are confident this business will be highly successful and thriving for many, many years to come.

Thank you very much for 7 great years. As always…

Smoke on!

Luke & Scott Sodergren