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.

📲 Follow us:

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

In this episode of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with John Brenner, founder of West Texas IT Consulting, to dive deep into what it really takes to grow an IT business from scratch. From working solo with 60 clients to leading a certified MSP with a full team, John shares his journey of long nights, hard lessons, and big wins.

They discuss the mindset behind evolving from break-fix support to managed services, how to price services for sustainability, why culture and training matter more than ever, and how AI is transforming the future of small businesses. It’s an honest, insightful look at growth, grit, and leading with purpose.

10 Key Topics Discussed:

1. The shift from break-fix to Managed Service Provider (MSP) model
2. Starting a business from zero — with no clients or money
3. Lessons from undercharging and pricing for value
4. Building client trust and long-term service relationships
5. Why small business owners need to embrace AI now
6. Creating internal training systems for tech teams
7. Using peer groups to scale smarter and learn faster
8. Promoting from within: technician to TAM and VCIO roles
9. How to build a company culture that drives retention
10. Structuring business entities and planning for long-term growth

In this Cybersecurity episode of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with David Gonzalez, Jaime Gonzalez, and Joshua D. Hansen — senior team members from Tall City Cyber — to unpack what small business owners really need to know to stay secure in a digital world.

This isn’t a tech lecture — it’s a straight-talking, real-world conversation designed for entrepreneurs, operators, and community leaders who know cybersecurity matters, but don’t know where to start.

From phishing scams to password mistakes, insider threats to cloud safety, these experts bring insights from their experience in military, IT, and business operations to help you take control of your digital security.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks
• The most common mistakes that open the door to hackers
• What a cybersecurity-first mindset looks like in daily operations
• Simple, low-cost actions you can take immediately
• How to get your employees on board with safe practices
• Tips for choosing the right cyber partner for your business
• Stories from the field: what local businesses are facing today
• The truth about antivirus, firewalls, and “set it and forget it” security
• Why military discipline translates well to cybersecurity
• The first 3 steps to strengthen your business security this week

If you own a business — or help run one — this 60-minute episode could save you more than just money. It could save your reputation.

In this powerful episode of BAM BizTalk, Angel Garcia sits down with Garrett Dobbs, aka The Insurance Hunter, to explore his inspiring leap from oil and gas into the world of health insurance. More than just a career change, Garrett’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and finding purpose through business.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned hustler, or just someone seeking direction in life, this episode is packed with real talk and raw wisdom. Garrett breaks down what it really means to build a brand that's true to you, embrace faith during uncertainty, and why “you don’t have to do anything — you get to do everything.”

10 Key Topics Covered:

1. Personal Branding – Why your business should be a reflection of you.
2. Career Pivots – How Garrett went from oil rigs to insurance calls.
3. Faith in Business – Trusting divine timing and walking by faith, not by sight.
4. Sales Mindset – Shifting from “closing” to serving people.
5. Aggressive Patience – Working hard while waiting on the results.
6. Social Media Growth – Learning to leverage digital platforms authentically.
7. Overcoming Setbacks – How not getting paid one month became a turning point.
8. Work-Life Harmony – Finding flow instead of balance in a chaotic schedule.
9. Active Recovery – The role of gratitude walks, meditation, and nature.
10. Discipline & Focus – Why intentionality beats hustle culture every time.

In this eye-opening episode of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with the founders of Imperium Roots — Gabe Herrera Jr., Desiree Herrera, and Paul Cyphers — to unpack the real story behind a misunderstood plant and a fast-growing industry. We dive into the entrepreneurial journey of building a wellness brand in Texas, rooted in science, community, and truth.

Forget the buzz — this is about biology, business, and breaking outdated mindsets. From the science of activation to the legal shifts that created new doors for small businesses, this conversation covers it all.

10 Topics Discussed:

1. The legal definition and history of hemp vs. cannabis
2. The science behind decarboxylation and cannabinoids
3. Family perspectives and generational mindset shifts
4. Starting a wellness brand in a formerly taboo space
5. Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals
6. Sleep, anxiety, and wellness transformations
7. Customer testimonials and real-life health improvements
8. Building a legit business model within compliance
9. Educating the public and overcoming social stigma
10. The future of plant-based wellness in Texas and beyond

Tune in for insights, laughs, and the real stories behind Imperium Roots — where hustle meets healing.

Welcome to another powerful episode of BAMBIZTALK, hosted by Angel Garcia, CEO and Co-Founder of BAM Entrepreneurial Center. In this episode, we spotlight the inspiring work of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club of Midland—a 90-year legacy organization committed to empowering youth, building community, and uplifting underserved voices.

Joined by Mary Helen Bowers, Valencia Taylor, and Michelle Carrasco, this conversation explores how sisterhood, service, and scholarships are transforming lives in West Texas. Discover how this group of powerhouse women is creating pathways for young leaders, supporting education through inclusive scholarships, and reminding us that real community means real connection.

Whether you’re a community leader, business owner, educator, or advocate for the next generation, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and impact.

✅ Topics Discussed in This Episode:

1. The mission and legacy of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club of Midland
2. How inclusive scholarships support students beyond GPA and traditional paths
3. The impact of community engagement and service on underserved youth
4. The power of female collaboration and sisterhood in leadership
5. Youth leadership programs and mentorship development
6. Highlighting underserved education paths: trade schools, technical careers, and non-traditional success
7. Community-building through signature events like MLK Day and Bunko Nights
8. The importance of real, in-person human connection in a digital age
9. Preserving and expanding a 90-year-old legacy of impact and leadership
10. How to get involved: volunteering, sponsorships, and spreading the mission #BAMBIZTALK #WomenInLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #LegacyMakers #YouthMentorship #ScholarshipsForAll #MidlandTX #NonProfitLeadership #SisterhoodInService #EntrepreneurshipWithPurpose