Art is a native of Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and the University of South Florida, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently the president of Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company located in historic Ybor City. He is the grandson of the late Arturo Fuente who began hand rolling cigars in Tampa 100 years ago. Today, the Fuente brand cigars are one of the most sought after cigars in the world.
Art spent over 18 years at the Pinellas plant with General Electric and Lockheed Martin Corporation in the engineering and manufacturing areas as an engineer and as a manager. He is a past recipient of the prestigious Lockheed Martin’s “NOVA” award for his innovative leadership and creative design contributions in the field of engineering. He is also one of 38 individuals who have been honored by AVS, a science and technology international Society, with the AVS “Honorary Membership” Award.
Over the years Art has been involved with Credit Unions as a director and as vice president. During the past 10 years he has been actively involved as a member of the Supervisory committee for GTE Financial and now serves as the 1st Vice Chairman. He is also currently a board member of Tampa Bay & Company and a member of the Rotary Club of Tampa. Art has served as Chair of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and is currently on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Art was selected by the Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. as the 2010 Hispanic Man of the Year for his significant contributions to the success of our community.
Mr. Fuente and his wife Martha have been married for over 38 years. Their daughter Kristin graduated with two master degrees from the college of business at the University of South Florida. She is currently Vice President of Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company and Past-President of the Ybor City Rotary Club.
