Jon David Cole is owner and chief tobacconist at The Country Squire.  Hired by founder Gwen Reeves in 2011, Cole began working part-time at The Squire while attending Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.  In the wake of Mrs. Reeves’ death in 2012, Cole was asked to manage the business by Reeves’ daughter Kim Owen.  Together for the next several years, Cole and Owen ran the business and oversaw its resurgence as a premier tobacco destination in the United States.  Cole bought the historic business from Owen in 2016 and has continued the shop’s commitment to premium quality and distinctive community.

In 2013, Jon David co-founded Country Squire Radio, a podcast which quickly became the world’s #1 pipe-centric variety show.  Listenership exploded overnight as thousands of pipe enthusiasts across the globe whet their thirst for professionally produced content related to the hobby.  Since then, pipe smokers from far and wide have invested in the community of The Squire and have come to great lengths to visit the shop in person for what has been dubbed the “Pipe Pilgrimage”.  Visitors hail from as far away as Australia, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.

Cole works as an accomplished tobacco blender and leader of the unique community which surrounds The Country Squire, locally and abroad.  He is most proud of the unique character and charm of The Squire and works to invite local and international smokers into the historic shop’s story.  Jon David has been invited to teach tobacco blending classes across the United States and has been featured in publications and media related to premium tobacco and small business.

Cole is designated a Certified Retail Tobacconist by Tobacconist University and has been recognized as a CPCC Master of Pipes for his work to globally promote pipe smoking and pipe collecting.  He is a graduate of Mississippi State University and a seminary drop-out.  Jon David and his wife Nina live in Jackson, Mississippi, with their two children.