BAM BizTALK - Your Business Sidekick!

In this episode of BAM BizTalk , we sit down with Tracy McCurry to explore the powerful intersection of mental health, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Tracy shares her personal journey, the lessons learned from overcoming challenges, and how embracing mental wellness can transform not only individuals but also entire businesses. From breaking down stigmas to building authentic leadership, this c...

In this episode of Founders Focus , hosts Angel Garcia and Gina Lewis sit down with Jose Ortega — entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for sustainable business growth. From his early entrepreneurial mindset to leading initiatives that impact both local and international communities, Jose shares the principles, challenges, and strategies that have shaped his career. Discover how adaptabilit...

In this special birthday edition of BAM BizTalk , host Tina Townsend sits down with Angel Garcia , founder of BAM Ventures, to reflect on his journey as an entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader. From his humble beginnings to building businesses that create impact, Angel shares personal stories, lessons in leadership, and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship in Midland and beyond. Thi...

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 From reshaping outdated perceptions of the BBB to discussing entrepreneurial values, nonprofit partnerships, and digital reputation manageme...

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 unl...

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, l...

In episode #66 of BAM BizTalk , we sit down with Victoria Santiago, Dean of Continuing Education at Midland Colleg e, 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 opp...

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...

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...

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 adaptin...

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 Co...

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 su...

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...

In this episode of Founders Focus , a special edition of BAM BizTalk , hosts Angel Garcia and Gina Lewis shine a spotlight on one of history’s most overlooked financial powerhouses — Hetty Green, known as the "Queen of Wall Street." From overcoming early rejection to becoming a self-made legend who even bailed out the city of New York, Hetty’s story is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and vi...

In this special episode of BAM BizTalk , host Angel Garcia is joined by Liz Shaunessy, Director of Development for the City of Odessa, to unpack the real facts behind the proposed zoning ordinance changes — and to clear the air on misinformation spreading throughout the community. Thousands of residents received letters about zoning ordinances — and understandably, many had questions and concerns....

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 dir...

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...

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,...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of BAMBIZTALK Podcast , hosted by Angel M. Garcia, MBA, Founder and CEO of BAM Entrepreneurial Center. In this episode, we dive into the story of Savannah Morales , a passionate entrepreneur and community builder who transformed her small-town hustle into a movement of empowerment. From her beginnings in Odessa to the founding of Masa Bakery and launching initi...

In this special BAMBIZTALK Podcast episode, host Angel Garcia is joined by former Midland Mayor Jerry Morales , Jennifer Vega , and Ryan McGuire for an insightful discussion on leadership, business growth, and the power of community collaboration. Filmed live at the BAM Joint Mixer with the Midland Chamber of Commerce, this conversation highlights the role of visionary leadership in driving econom...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of BAMBIZTALK Podcast , hosted by Angel Garcia. In this episode, we sit down with Gitsy Vasquez , a dynamic entrepreneur who shares her incredible journey of overcoming challenges and embracing success. From navigating the ups and downs of business ownership to finding purpose in unexpected places, Gitsy offers valuable insights for aspiring and seasoned entrep...

Welcome to another episode of Founders Focus on BAMBIZTALK , hosted by Angel Garcia and co-host Gina Lewis . In this episode, we explore the brilliant mind of Paul Graham—programmer, writer, investor, and co-founder of Y Combinator. From pioneering Software as a Service (SaaS) to mentoring some of the biggest startups like Reddit, Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe, Paul Graham has shaped the entrepreneu...

Welcome to another exciting episode of BAMBIZTALK Podcast , hosted by Angel Garcia, CEO of BAM Entrepreneurial Center . In this episode, we dive into the world of esports and gaming with Shane Bell , an industry leader bringing competitive gaming to West Texas . Shane shares his incredible journey from gaming enthusiast to esports entrepreneur , discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a...

Join us in this exciting episode of BAMBIZTALK Podcast , where host Angel Garcia sits down with Howard Craig Marks , Director of the Ector County Library , and Jay White to explore the innovative changes happening at the library. From the launch of the Words on Wheels (WOW) Bookmobile to the integration of AI, VR, and digital resources, this episode is packed with insights on how libraries are evo...

In this episode of BAMBIZTALK , Angel Garcia sits down with Megan Powell , a key leader at the Recording Library of West Texas . Discover the inspiring work behind providing accessible audio resources for individuals with low vision, blindness, or physical impairments. From daily news readings to audiobooks, hear how this organization is breaking barriers and fostering inclusion. The conversation...