JASON JONES jjones @ palestineherald . com
Carlos Wilson cuts a striking figure . From his finely tailored suits and meticulously polished shoes to his impeccable grooming and warm demeanor , no one walks away wondering if he will ever struggle with success . It seems only fitting that his business venture , 1502 & Sterne Fine Cigar Company , is focused on making those around him feel successful as well .
1502 & Sterne is a unique mobile experience , designed to elevate the customer ’ s gathering . Wilson will arrive with his mobile cigar lounge and a wide assortment of fine cigars for event or gathering attendees to enjoy .
“ Nothing brings people together like enjoying a cigar ,” Wilson said . “ And that ’ s our goal : change the world one cigar at a time .”
Wilson recently retired from a successful career coaching college basketball . After stops at Odessa College , Tyler Junior College and Arkansas State , Wilson spent the past several years as Associate Head Coach of women ’ s basketball at Texas Southern University . When the pandemic struck and put sports on hold , he decided it was time to explore and pursue a new passion .
“ My nephew has been an aficionado for a long time , and he introduced me to the world of cigars . Unfortunately , my schedule wouldn ’ t allow me to partake like I wanted to ,” Wilson said . “ 20 years of coaching basketball … I never got to experience life like other people . But when the pandemic hit , life stopped , and I was able to learn more .”
Wilson is a Palestine native , and his family history is deeply reflected in his business . The name ‘ 1502 & Sterne ’ was inspired by his childhood home .
“ That was my address , 1502 Sterne Avenue ,” Wilson said . “ The house burned about ten years ago , but I remember my dad , his friends , my elders , they all used to gather on the porch . Some smoked cigars , some smoked pipe tobacco , and we would all run through as kids because we liked the smell .”
Apparently , the frequent run-throughs resulted in some quality time with those elders and garnered Wilson and the other kids a lifetime of lessons .
“ Thinking back on those memories , the oral lessons on our history – all types of lessons were taught on that porch ,” Wilson said .
Wilson ’ s family history is very much a part of his venture . 1502 & Sterne serves as an ode to generations of tobacco smokers in the Wilson family . Their roots can be traced from slavery and the tobacco fields of South Carolina to freedom and entrepreneurship in Texas . Wilson strives to make 1502 & Sterne a place where the past and the present meet .
Wilson ’ s brother , Morris Wilson , is the main inspiration behind the creation of the venture .
“ Morris was such a mellow person ,” Wilson said . “ He was the kind of man who brought people together .”
Morris passed away after a battle with cancer in 2016 . His silhouette is immortalized in the company logo and his peaceful and unifying manner are the cornerstones of 1502 & Sterne .
“ I love connecting with people , much the way Morris did ,” Wilson said . “ Our motto is ‘ changing the world one cigar at a time ,’ and when you light up a cigar with someone else , it becomes a place of genuine conversation and a safe place for people to come together . It provides a
commonality among men and women . With the things that are happening in the world , it ’ s like a safe zone .”
Wilson provides that safe zone in his patrons ’ environment , on their terms and in their space .
“ We don ’ t have a brick-and-mortar building ,” Wilson said . “ We are able to go on-location to wherever the event or venue may be . Whether it ’ s a bar , restaurant , a wedding , a birthday , or a red-carpet event , we can add the cigar experience to that event .”
1502 & Sterne Fine Cigars , and Carlos Wilson in particular , are amazing examples of the kinds of people and opportunities that are possible to find in Palestine , Texas .
“ You know , I left Palestine twenty years ago to chase my dream of coaching basketball ,” Wilson said . “ When you ’ re younger , you know … I don ’ t think I appreciated ‘ home .’ But cigars brought me back home . And when I ’ m here now , I see all the things I didn ’ t see before . I notice the beauty . I notice the people . I notice the architecture . I even notice the air . And I ’ ve gotten such a great response from the people here . I ’ m really hoping to become a permanent fixture .” It is amazing what a little slice of home can do for the soul . For more information about 1502 & Sterne Fine Cigars and the cigar experience , call Carlos Wilson at 832-797-5876 or visit their website at 1502andsternecigars . com .
Carlos Wilson cuts a striking figure . From his finely tailored suits and meticulously polished shoes to his impeccable grooming and warm demeanor , no one walks away wondering if he will ever struggle with success . It seems only fitting that his business venture , 1502 & Sterne Fine Cigar Company , is focused on making those around him feel successful as well .
JASON JONES | PALESTINE HERALD-PRESS
SUMMER 2022 | PALESTINE MAGAZINE | 9