BBGuest: Matt K

Owner, Draper's Tobacco, Washington, DC

Matt owns arguably the oldest continuously operating tobacco shop in the nation, W. Curtis Draper, Tobacconist. He shares how a guy with a taste for the good life found himself with a really sweet life, complete with all the cigars a guy could want.BBG:  How did you get into your current line of work?

MK:  I was offered a job in 1996, but decided to pack my gear and head to Arizona. I was 25 and had no responsibility, so I decided to move there and play golf during the winter months. Phoenix was where I ended up, working at the Arizona Biltmore, a great old money resort. I missed the East Coast, so after a year I decided to come back to DC, and was offered the same job at Draper’s. Blind luck that it was still available.

BBG:  What things or people inspire your personal style?

MK:  I can't put my finger on any one thing or person, I just think, for me, it happened gradually. With age and being exposed to new experiences, I just started paying more attention to style and trends. I have found two things to be important, 1) know the dress for the occasion and 2) make sure your clothes fit.

BBG:  Is how people look important to you? Why?

MK:  It’s important because how you look can reflect how you feel about yourself and others.

BBG:  Do clothes make the man or do manners make the man?

MK:  Manners

BBG:  What sort of behavior do you see too much of and what would say to young men about it?

MK:  Too many people have a sense of entitlement and self importance. I say to young men, lose those thoughts, be confident in yourself but not overbearing, you will be much more respected.

BBG:  What unique tip(s) can you give a guy to help make him a Better Guy?

MK:  Remember to take care of yourself. Your happiness translates to other people’s happiness.

BBG: What makes a guy stand out?

MK:  Attitude, both good and bad

BBG:  If you could do one thing, anywhere in the world without constraints, what would it be?

MK:  African safari, I am amazed at the diversity of animal life in that part of the world.

BBG: If you could have a conversation with one person, who would it be?

MK:  George Washington, ask him how it was he became the first president, why he cut down the tree, and what his old whisky recipe was. 

BBG:  What’s your favorite room in your place? Why?

MK:  Kitchen, I like to cook, and am pretty good at it, so I’m told.

BBG:  What do you do/where do you go for fun?

MK:  I am into food, wine, cigars and sports. I go out to eat quite often and have been recently impressed by Blue Duck Tavern, Brasserie Beck, and Ceiba. I grew up playing hockey, so I follow the Caps (Washington Capitals) and go to a few games, and am looking forward to Nats (Washington Nationals) games at the new stadium.

BBG:  Who's your favorite band?

MK:  U2, first major concert I ever attended, hooked ever since.

BBG:  Monica Belluci or Gong Li?

MK:  Monica Belluci