The business end of the cigar industry

Most of you are probably unaware that I am working diligently on my pursuit of a degree in business. Not all of my ideas deal with cigars but obviously it is something that I am very passionate about and would love to be involved with for a long time.

I am curious how many people in this forum have dealt with tobacco retail before. Have you owned your own shop? Know anyone who does? I know that there are legal hurdles to jump through in order to sell cigars, were they as difficult to get over as you expected?

Basically what I am asking you to do is brag about your business success (or failure) and let me eavesdrop. Help an aspiring businessman out!