Republic Tobacco

Republic Tobacco is a multinational tobacco company based in Glenview Illinois.

It was founded by Donald Levin, a truly amazing and ingenious entrepreneur. Don began with a small smoke shop called Adams Apple (it still exists to this day but it's no longer owned by Don). Don then went into wholesale distribution and grew his company into the largest RYO tobacco company in the world.

In the 1970's Don became the US Distributor for JOB rolling papers. He built the brand and used the profits to purchase the TOP Tobacco Factory & Brands from RJ Reynolds in the early 1980s. Don is rumored to have a copy of the check he wrote to RJR on his wall to this day.

Over the years Don grew his business magnificently, eventually culminating in his purchase of Bollore (the largest rolling paper factory on earth and owner of the ZIG-ZAG brand worldwide*). Don also purchased the Chicago Wolverines, produced many movies including Maximum Overdrive with Emillio Estevez, and recently has said he will try to purchase the Chicago Cubs.

Don comes from Humble Beginnings, and many (including myself) look up to him as an icon. He is the definition of the American Dream and well respected in the tobacco industry.

Please see the Talk Page of this article for a more personal take on Donald Levin and Republic Tobacco