In episode #64 of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with Darian Smith, founder of The Abundance Photography, to unpack a powerful journey of purpose, creativity, and community.

From a career in law enforcement to becoming one of Midland’s most sought-after photographers, Darian shares how he transformed a personal need into a thriving, faith-led business — rooted in servitude, creativity, and a deep commitment to giving clients more than expected.

This is not just a conversation about photography. It’s about building a mission-driven brand, rebranding for growth, and how staying true to your story can set you apart in a crowded industry.

Topics Covered:

00:00 The mindset behind “Expect More”

02:00 Why “The” in The Abundance Photography matters

04:15 From cop to camera: How Darian started during COVID

07:40 Turning creativity and faith into a career 10:30 Building a business around family and freedom

13:50 Why branding and rebranding really matters

19:00 Growing a team and staying true to your identity

25:00 Word of mouth vs. marketing: What really builds a business

30:00 Pricing with purpose and discernment

35:00 How to stand out in a saturated industry

39:00 Staying humble, focused, and impact-driven

Guest:

Darian Smith – Founder, The Abundance Photography

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders across West Texas.

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#BAMBizTalk #AbundancePhotography #MidlandTX #CreativeEntrepreneurs #FaithDrivenBusiness #PhotographyBusiness #BusinessPodcast #RebrandingSuccess #TexasCreatives #PurposeOverProfit #SmallBusinessGrowth #StartupStory #BusinessWithHeart

In this episode of BAM BizTalk, Angel Garcia sits down with Ty Caffey, the owner of Ski Skeller Sports, to talk about building a thriving outdoor gear business in a place where snow is rare and passion runs deep.

This conversation dives into the unique challenges and creative strategies behind running a seasonal, niche business in West Texas — from managing ski and snowboard inventory to adapting during COVID and connecting with both college students and families. Ty shares what it’s like taking over a 60-year-old brand and building trust across generations while keeping things fun, local, and true to its roots.

Whether you're into outdoor sports, niche retail, or small-town entrepreneurship, this episode delivers practical insights for building a business that lasts.

Topics Covered:

00:00 Intro

02:15 The history of Ski Skeller Sports

06:40 Why a ski shop works in West Texas

10:20 How Ty transitioned into ownership

14:00 Serving seasonal markets and pricing for different customers

18:45 Marketing to both families and college students

22:10 Navigating COVID closures and pivoting strategies

28:35 Wake surfing, snowboarding, and trending gear

32:50 Community involvement and partnerships

37:20 What it takes to revive a legacy brand

40:00 Founders Blend and the power of local connections

Guest: Ty Caffey – Owner, Ski Skeller Sports 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with innovators and entrepreneurs from across Texas.

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Website: ⁠bamconsulting.com⁠

Facebook: BAM Ventures - Your Business Sidekick

Instagram: bam_ventures_business_sidekick

#BAMBizTalk #SkiSkeller #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #SmallBusinessSuccess #MidlandTX #WestTexasBusiness #SeasonalBusiness #OutdoorRetail #SkiGear #WakeSurfing #LocalLegacy #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessPodcast #FoundersBlend #RetailSuccess

In this episode of BAM BizTalk, Angel Garcia sits down with Eric McManus of the Space Force Association to explore how *West Texas* is becoming a major player in the global space economy.

From launching rockets to 3D printing organs in zero gravity, this conversation reveals how *Texas* is driving space innovation, education, and national security through local grit and global vision.

**Topics Covered:**

00:00 Intro

01:50 Why Texas is leading the commercialization of space

06:30 How Midland supports space testing and innovation

10:15 Oil & gas meets space exploration

14:20 U.S. space dominance – the real story

20:10 Space domain awareness and national security

28:00 Printing organs in space: Healthcare revolution

35:40 The future of STEM and space education

42:00 Tech, robotics & getting kids involved

48:30 The Space Force Cadet Corps

54:00 How everyday West Texans can shape the future of space

👨‍🚀 **Guests:**

Eric McManus – Space Force Association

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with innovators and entrepreneurs from across Texas.

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Website: [⁠bamconsulting.com⁠] ⁠Facebook⁠ BAM Ventures - Your Business Sidekick ⁠Instagram⁠ @⁠bam_ventures_business_sidekick⁠

#SpaceEconomy #TexasInnovation #SpaceForce #STEMEducation #Entrepreneurship #SpacePodcast #MidlandTX #BAMBizTalk #podcast #odessatx #nationaldefence #Texas #exceptionalism