#61 From Operator to Visionary: Building a Scalable Tech Powerhouse in West Texas
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
01:26:09
#60 Cybersecurity for Small Biz: What Every Owner Needs to Know
In this #Cybersecurity60 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.
29:19
BAMBIZTALK SPECIAL: What You Need to Know: Mobile Home Planning, Zoning, and Your Rights in Odessa
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. This conversation aims to explain what the proposed changes actually mean, how they may affect residents, and most importantly, what rights homeowners have moving forward.
This episode isn’t about speculation — it’s about transparency, planning, and making sure every Odessa resident understands their role and voice in the process.
10 Topics Discussed
1. The truth behind Odessa’s proposed zoning ordinance changes
2. Clarifying the term “legal non-conforming” and what it means for homeowners
3. Protections under Texas state law for mobile and manufactured homes
4. Why the city sent out strongly worded letters — and what they really meant
5. Strategic planning vs. outdated zoning from the 1950s
6. How public input can shape the final outcome
7. The role of planning and zoning boards in policy decisions
8. Ensuring long-term protection through written ordinances
9. The future of downtown Odessa and development initiatives
10. How citizens can stay informed, get involved, and voice their concerns
01:26:22
FOUNDERS FOCUS: Hetty Green: The Fierce Mind Behind America's Queen of Wallstreet
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 vision.
Listen in as Angel and Gina dive deep into how Hetty’s mindset, upbringing, and strategic brilliance helped her thrive through four financial panics — building wealth that rivaled the titans of her age without seeking anyone’s permission.
This isn't just a history lesson — it’s a blueprint for bold entrepreneurship today.
10 Topics Discussed
1. The Power of Early Financial Education: Hetty reading stock reports at 8 years old.
2. Battling Gender Expectations in Business: Why Hetty was underestimated — and why she didn’t care.
3. Living Frugally, Thinking Rich: How lifestyle discipline built lasting wealth.
4. Turning Trauma Into Tenacity: How early rejection fueled her drive.
5. Navigating Four Major Financial Panics Successfully.
6. The Role of Women in Finance Before Legal Rights Were Recognized.
7. Trust, Betrayal, and Family Wealth Battles.
8. Why External Validation Didn't Matter to Hetty (and why that's crucial for founders).
9. Teaching Financial Independence to the Next Generation.
10. Modern Parallels: How Hetty's Strategies Apply in Today's Volatile Markets.
01:31:58
#59 From Oil Fields to Open Roads: Garrett Dobbs' Journey of Faith, Grit, and Growth
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.
01:56:59
#58 Rooted in Truth: Redefining Hemp, Health & Hustle with Imperium Root
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.
59:04
#57 Empowering Generations: Inside the Legacy of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club
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
#bambiztalk #WomenInLeadership #communityempowerment #legacymakers #youthmentorship #ScholarshipsForAll #midlandtx #nonprofitleadership #SisterhoodInService #entrepreneurship
01:18:40
#56 From Hustle to Community Building: Savannah Morales' Journey of Impact and Empowerment
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 initiatives like Adelante Mujeres, Savannah shares how she blends entrepreneurship with purpose to uplift her community. This conversation is packed with real talk about perseverance, vision, and what it truly takes to build something that lasts—not just in business, but in people’s lives.
🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ Savannah Morales’ Roots – How her early hustle laid the foundation for impact.
✅ Masa Bakery – Building a family-rooted business with heart and intention.
✅ Community First – The story behind Adelante Mujeres and its mission.
✅ Purpose Over Profit – Balancing business growth with meaningful service.
✅ The Craft of Connection – Creating quality, scratch-made products that bring people together.
✅ Uplifting Entrepreneurs – Her strategies for fostering collaboration and support.
✅ Mentorship Matters – Why guidance and shared experience shape success.
✅ Navigating Setbacks – How resilience turned obstacles into opportunities.
✅ Looking Ahead – Savannah’s vision for the future of her business and her community.
✅ Real Advice – Actionable tips for entrepreneurs who want to lead with purpose.
🎧 Tune in now for an authentic and uplifting conversation that will leave you inspired to hustle with heart and build something bigger than yourself.
BAM BizTALK is a podcast that forges an on-demand personal connection to benefit local communities, business owners, clients, and students. Its mission is to provide meaningful dialogue that advances highly interactive entrepreneurial conversations and discussions on various topics with like-minded individuals. The goal is to motivate solutions by weighing evidence, characterizing impacts, evaluating alternatives, and developing actionable strategies.
The principles driving this podcast are to deliver critical information that optimizes success, maintains growth opportunities through introductions to others who have walked a similar entrepreneurial path, leverages robust knowledge from materialized practical experiences, and establishes successful methods. By bringing together knowledgeable guests and an engaged audience, BAM BizTALK aims to be an invaluable resource for the business community to learn, connect, and propel their ventures forward.