In this episode of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with Devin Benavides, Director of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Permian Basin, to explore how transparency, community trust, and proactive leadership drive business success in West Texas. From reshaping outdated perceptions of the BBB to discussing entrepreneurial values, nonprofit partnerships, and digital reputation management, Devin shares real-world insight on serving the business community and fostering integrity in a rapidly evolving market. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Devin 03:25 – Why BBB still matters in a digital-first world 08:40 – Rebuilding trust & reputation after bad reviews 12:55 – The most common complaint categories at BBB 17:30 – Ethics in entrepreneurship & leadership 21:40 – Empowering small business owners with resources 25:00 – What to do if your business is wrongly targeted online 30:10 – Partnering with nonprofits & workforce development 35:55 – Local impact: How the BBB serves the Permian Basin 41:20 – What integrity looks like in business today 46:00 – Advice for new entrepreneurs in West Texas #BAMBizTalk #BetterBusinessBureau #WestTexasBusiness #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #SmallBusinessSupport #BusinessIntegrity #LeadershipMatters #PermianBasinBusiness #BBBInsights #BusinessGrowthTips

In this episode of Founders Focus, host Angel Garcia sits down with Gina Lewis to explore the extraordinary entrepreneurial legacy of Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. More than just a deep dive into IKEA’s success story, this conversation draws powerful parallels between cost control, founder mindset, and navigating adversity with intentional leadership. Topics Discussed: How cost control unlocks long-term scalability and impact Lessons from IKEA’s early growth and global expansion The value of resilience, even from childhood trauma Emotional leadership and measured decision-making The Testament of a Furniture Dealer (IKEA's internal manifesto) Creating customer-centric experiences through innovation Why selling with care makes the difference in business relationships If you're a founder, leader, or simply love entrepreneurial stories of grit and growth, this one will leave you inspired—and possibly rethinking your business model. #FoundersFocus #LeadershipJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #FaithInBusiness #BusinessGrowth #StartWithPurpose #BAMBizTalk

In this episode of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with Karina “KJ” Johnson — entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and co-owner of Fuego Resto & Bar — to unpack her fearless approach to business ownership, resilience, and reinvention. From acquiring two businesses on the same day to launching an online party shop while undergoing chemotherapy, Karina’s journey is packed with bold pivots, lessons in mindset, and the power of betting on yourself. Topics Covered 00:00 - Grounding Yourself & Introducing Karina Johnson 01:10 - Rebranding Fuego & Owning a Restaurant 18:00 - Returning to College as a Single Mom 25:00 - Finding Your Strengths as a “Generalist” 46:00 - Selling Posh Party Play & Starting Over 50:00 - Acquiring a Second Business in One Day 59:00 - Cancer Diagnosis & Launching New Ventures 1:04:00 - Nursing School, Chemo & Entrepreneurship 1:13:00 - Event Planning for Permian High Prom 1:19:00 - Karina’s Final Message: Move the Orange Cones Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or in the thick of growing your brand, this episode delivers real talk on building a legacy business — even in the face of the unimaginable. #BAMBizTalk #KarinaJohnson #EntrepreneurLife #CancerSurvivor #BusinessPodcast #WestTexasBusiness #WomenInBusiness #BusinessResilience #StartupStories #OdessaTX #MidlandTX #FuegoResto #Happyish #BAMVentures

In episode #66 of BAM BizTalk, we sit down with Victoria Santiago, Dean of Continuing Education at Midland College, to explore how education, equity, and entrepreneurship intersect in West Texas. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from ESL instructor to leading one of the region’s most impactful community education programs. From helping families build better futures to creating inclusive opportunities for immigrants, women, and underserved communities, her story is a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart and purpose. Whether you’re a business owner, educator, student, or advocate for change, this episode is filled with value. 💡 Topics Covered: 00:00 Why education transforms families 03:00 Victoria’s path from Venezuela to Odessa 08:00 Building ESL and workforce programs 14:00 CDL programs and empowering women 20:00 Serving underserved communities 25:00 Partnering with nonprofits like Casa de Amigos 32:00 Creating equity in education 38:00 The impact of AI on productivity 44:00 Community partnerships at Cogdell 52:00 Final thoughts on life, growth & leadership 👤 Guest: Victoria Santiago — Dean of Continuing Education, Midland College #podcast #midlandtx #odessatx #bambiztalk #podcasting #westtexas #businesspodcast #business #entrepreneurship #education #ai #artificialintelligence #youthempowerment

In episode #65 of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with Ginny Van Doren-Truong, founder of Backstage Event Marketing, to dive into the dynamic world of live event marketing. Ginny shares how her passion for the arts and entertainment industry turned into a thriving business helping venues, nonprofits, and communities bring audiences back to live experiences. From teaching others how to market live events, to fostering community through initiatives like First Friday ODTX, this conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone working in events. Whether you're looking to sell more tickets, market smarter, or turn passion into impact — this is the episode for you. Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Ginny’s journey to Midland and Wagner Noel experience 06:00 Founding Backstage Event Marketing 12:00 Odessa’s Texas Music Friendly designation 18:00 Marketing live events vs. other industries 25:00 Building a creative brand with intention 35:00 Why teaching & sharing resources matters 42:00 How to stay focused and avoid shiny object syndrome 48:00 Building community through First Friday ODTX 55:00 How to connect with Backstage Event Marketing and access resources Guest: Ginny Van Doren-Truong – Founder, Backstage Event Marketing #BAMBizTalk #BackstageEventMarketing #LiveEventMarketing #OdessaTX #FirstFridayODTX #TexasMusicFriendly #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #EventMarketingTips #CreativeEntrepreneur #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SupportLocalTX #SmallBusinessMarketing

In episode #64 of BAM BizTalk, host Angel Garcia sits down with Darien 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, Darien 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 Police Officer to camera: How Darien 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: Darien 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. 📲 Follow us: Website: ⁠www.bamconsulting.com/bam-biz-talk-podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bam_ventures_business_sidekick⁠ Facebook: BAM Ventures - Your Business Sidekick #BAMBizTalk #AbundancePhotography #MidlandTX #odessatx #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. 📲 Follow us: 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