Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Klement.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Northern New Jersey by my Eastern European grandmother, I learned early the value of resilience and hard work. My parents divorced when I was just three years old, and my upbringing reflected a balance of tradition and independence. After building valuable experience in corporate America, I decided to officially leave that world in 2018 to pursue self-employment, making my entrepreneurial journey a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth pursuing comes without its share of obstacles and challenges. Life truly is a roller coaster; each stage brings new highs and lows, successes and setbacks. A mantra that guides me is: “The more people I meet, the more people I get to know, the more people move on. Lather, rinse, repeat.” This reflects not just the constant change in relationships, but also in opportunities and directions—every closed door leads to another hallway, and every connection leaves an imprint even after it fades.
There have definitely been struggles along the way. Building a business meant repeatedly starting over, adapting to market shifts, and often parting ways with people who were once integral to the journey. Whether it was losing clients, adjusting teams, or learning to bounce back from setbacks, there’s never been a period where everything went smoothly. Each hurdle has been a lesson in resilience, reminding me to keep moving forward—no matter who comes or goes. It’s a cycle, and with each round, there’s more growth, new connections, and a deeper understanding of what really matters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I lead a diverse portfolio that includes candy distribution, smoke shop supply, premium cigar sales, adult wellness products, and PPE. Alongside these businesses, I’m involved with the production of a cannabis-infused cooking show called “Baking Bad” hosted by Vinny Pastore and produced by Danny Provenzano. My focus is on operational excellence and personalized solutions, empowering clients with flexibility and real-time strategies while actively innovating across multiple industries.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is all about building real relationships, not just collecting contacts. Sometimes a connection pays off right away, but sometimes it takes years. Staying in touch, showing genuine interest, and helping others whenever possible has always worked well. I’ve even been criticized for networking too much, but that approach helped me eventually become my own boss and spend more time with my family—so I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Mentoring is rewarding but not always easy—sometimes life and busy schedules prevent people from making it a priority, even when the desire is there. Being asked to mentor is an honor, yet timing and personal responsibilities can get in the way. Still, mentorship holds promise for the future, and with a bit of persistence, those opportunities can continue to grow and expand over time.
Pricing:
- All variable and also live lol
Contact Info:
- Website: http://smokenpoke.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sm0ke_n_p0ke
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563985329074
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauliejklement?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
