BAM BizTALK - Your Business Sidekick!

by Angel Garcia

Season 3

Founders Focus: Leonardo Del Vecchio | From Orphan to Eyewear Empire

How did Leonardo Del Vecchio go from growing up in an orphanage to building a global eyewear empire? In this special edition of BAM BizTALK, Angel Garcia and Gina Lewis explore Del Vecchio’s journey, the bold decisions behind Luxottica, and the business principles that helped shape his success. From learning manufacturing firsthand to expanding into eyewear brands and retail, his story offers lessons on persistence, leadership, strategic growth, and recognizing opportunities. Topics Discussed Leonardo Del Vecchio’s childhood and early life in Italy Growing up in an orphanage and overcoming early challenges His early experiences in manufacturing Learning the eyewear business from the ground up The beginnings and growth of Luxottica Making bold decisions in business Building a competitive position in the eyewear industry Expanding into eyewear brands and retail Strategic growth and business acquisitions Lessons entrepreneurs can learn about persistence, risk, and leadership

S3 · E75

Oct 13, 2026

1:10:31

The PowerFunding Power Hour w/Sarah Stredic: From the Mailroom to Building Relationships and Finding Opportunity

In this PowerFunding Power Hour, Angel Garcia sits down with Sarah Stredic, VP of Business Development at Power Funding, for a conversation about her career in factoring, networking, business relationships, and becoming part of the Midland community. Sarah shares how she moved to Midland, transitioned from inside sales to outside sales, and built her network through local business organizations and events. She also takes listeners through her unexpected start in factoring, beginning in a mailroom and eventually moving into account management and sales. The conversation explores how factoring has evolved, how businesses manage extended payment cycles, and how factoring companies can support clients beyond financing. Sarah also discusses common misconceptions about factoring, the importance of local relationships, and why understanding the Midland and Odessa business community matters. The episode closes with a conversation about community involvement, including Sarah's work with local chambers, business organizations, grants, and Power Funding's involvement in supporting local businesses. 10 Topics Discussed Sarah's journey to Midland and how Midland became home The difference between inside sales and outside sales How networking helped Sarah build her career and referral network Practical lessons for getting comfortable at networking events The importance of showing up and staying top of mind Sarah's unexpected start in factoring, from the mailroom to sales How factoring has evolved and its role in business cash flow Extended payment cycles and challenges faced by businesses in oil and gas Common misconceptions and stigma surrounding factoring Community involvement, local relationships, and supporting small businesses The episode's discussion supports the progression from networking and sales into Sarah's career story, then into factoring and its role in business, before moving into local relationships and community involvement.

Sep 29, 2026

1:04:30

Season 3

EP. 101 | Quiet Champions: Ian Chisholm on Why the Title "Mentor" is Earned

In this episode of BAM BizTALK, Angel talks with Ian Chisholm, founder and partner of The Roy Group and author of “Quiet Champions,” about why mentor isn’t a title you claim, it’s one others have to hand you. Ian shares the story behind The Roy Group, named after his own grandfather, and what it actually takes to earn the word: example, instruction, advice, and coaching. The conversation also covers compassionate excellence versus perfectionism, and the appetites for validation, connection, and power that quietly shape how people lead. Topics Discussed 1. Why “mentor” is a word you earn, not a title you claim 2. The four patterns that build toward earning it: example, instruction, advice, and coaching 3. The story behind The Roy Group, named after Ian’s grandfather 4. Why Ian still reacts strongly to people calling themselves a mentor unprompted 5. What it felt like the first time Ian was called a mentor without asking for it 6. What compassionate excellence looks like versus chasing perfectionism 7. The appetites for validation, connection, and power that shape how people lead 8. Which of those appetites was hardest for Ian to recognize in himself while writing the book 9. How mentorship carries real power and influence, and the responsibility that comes with it 10. What Ian is still working to earn in his own growth as a mentor Book: Quiet Champions – quietchampions.ca Ian Chisholm, The Roy Group – roygroup.net/our-team/ian-chisholm #mentorship #podcast #midlandtx #inspiration

S3 · E74

Sep 15, 2026

1:00:42

EP. 100 | The BL3S Squad Story: Miguel & B. Martinez on Healing Through Community

For our 100th episode, we sit down with Miguel and B. Martinez, founders of BL3S Squad, a nonprofit built in memory of their nephew, Andrés “Bless” Martinez. After losing Andrés to suicide, the family found a way forward through baseball, community, and honest conversation about mental health. Miguel and B. walk us through how a small backyard rag ball tournament grew into a registered nonprofit that now brings families across the Permian Basin together every year. They talk about the stigma that keeps people, especially men, from admitting they’re struggling, and why events like the Rag Ball Tournament give people a safe space to connect. We also get into BL3S Squad’s partnerships with organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the JED Foundation, and how they point people toward resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline when they need it most. The episode closes with details on this year’s fourth annual Rag Ball Tournament, coming up September 19, plus a new 5K run on September 23 with the Desert Run Collective. This one is about what community can do when people choose to heal out loud instead of alone. Topics Discussed How BL3S Squad started after the family lost Andrés “Bless” Martinez to suicide Why baseball and the rag ball format became the way they chose to honor him Growth from a small family fundraiser into an official nonprofit Breaking the stigma around mental health, especially for men Creating spaces where people feel safe saying “I’m not okay” Partnerships with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the JED Foundation The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other local mental health resources How family involvement shapes the tournament, from kids to grandparents Details on the fourth annual Rag Ball Tournament, September 19 The new September 23 5K run with the Desert Run Collective and how to get involved #midlandtx #odessatx #permianbasin #bam #bamventures #bl3ssquad #healingthroughcommunity #mentalhealthawareness #suicidepreventionawareness #988lifeline

S3 · E73

Sep 10, 2026

59:29

EP. 99 | Meet The Soap Lady: Jamie Goodgame on The Craft & Business of Soap

Every small business owner eventually faces a choice: build from scratch or take on something someone else already started. On this episode of BAM BizTALK, Angel Garcia talks with Jamie Goodgame, owner of The Soap Company in Midland, Texas, about what it took to buy an established, home based soap business and grow it into one that now ships across all fifty states. Topics discussed: How Jamie went from longtime customer to owner of a fourteen year old soap company The six week cold process soap making method, start to finish What separates natural, plant based soap from mass produced commercial bars Saponification and the history behind lye soap Custom and specialty orders made for individual customers The full product line, from 28 soap scents to facial oils and French block soap Why premium packaging matters as much as the product itself Building a business that ships to all fifty states from a home based shop Setting business hours and avoiding burnout as a self-described people pleaser Getting past perfectionism to show up consistently on social media This conversation is a practical look at craftsmanship, ownership, and the everyday decisions that keep a small business growing. Give it a listen, and find The Soap Company at the farmers market or online.

S3 · E72

Sep 1, 2026

1:19:13

EP. 98 | Innovation, Aerospace & Education: Allan Lockheed & More at Permian Proving Grounds

BAM BizTalk goes on location to the Permian Proving Grounds conference in Midland, Texas, for a special episode featuring conversations with innovators, educators, and the next generation of aerospace and technology leaders. Leading the episode is Allan Lockheed, who shares stories from his family’s aviation legacy and reflects on the spirit of innovation that shaped the aircraft industry. He discusses his father’s generation of aviation pioneers, the history of aerospace innovation in the region, and why the same curiosity, imagination, and willingness to solve problems continues to matter today. Eric McManus of Permian Proving Grounds explains how the organization is creating a place where emerging technologies can be tested in real-world environments and developed into practical solutions. He discusses drones, autonomous systems, public safety, critical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and the role of the Permian Basin in bringing new technology into the field. The conversation continues with Aaron and Copeland Cares, exploring STEM education, e-sports, AI, drones, aerospace, and how to create stronger pathways for students from middle school through the workforce. The episode also features Edgar and Alyssa from the UTPB Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team, a student organization focused on aerospace engineering, rocketry, STEM education, and hands-on experience. Topics discussed include: Aviation history and the Lockheed family legacy Innovation and problem-solving Permian Proving Grounds and real-world technology testing Drones, autonomous systems, and public safety Aerospace and advanced manufacturing STEM education and student development E-sports, AI, and emerging career pathways UTPB Falcon Aeronautics and Space Team Rocketry and hands-on aerospace experience Building the next generation of innovators Recorded live during the Permian Proving Grounds conference, this episode brings together different generations and perspectives around one central idea: the future belongs to people willing to explore, build, test, and solve problems.

S3 · E71

Aug 19, 2026

1:36:32

EP. 97 | Soccer, Family & Community: Adan & Yesenia Olivas on Building the Permian Soccer League

What started as a Sunday pickup game between two friends has grown into one of Midland’s fastest growing sports communities. On this episode of BAM BizTalk, Angel sits down with Adan and Yesenia Olivas, founders of the Permian Soccer League, to talk about how a shared passion for soccer turned into a league that now includes dozens of teams across multiple divisions, and what it took to build it from the ground up. In this episode, we cover: How Adan and his friend Victor Gomez first came up with the idea for a Seven vs Seven league in Midland The knee injury that ended Adan’s playing career and led him to build the league instead Growing from 20 teams in the first season to over 60 teams today The different divisions, including men’s, women’s, coed, and the 11 vs 11 league Why the league was built around families instead of pure competition How Midland’s investment in new soccer specific fields is fueling growth across the city The upcoming West Texas Cup and what it means for local tournaments and tourism Free training programs open to women and kids who want to get involved How teams and coaches are supported through sponsorships and registration What’s next for the Permian Soccer League, including plans for a youth division Whether you’re already part of the league or just curious how a grassroots idea turned into a community movement, this conversation shows what’s possible when people build something families can be part of together.

S3 · E70

Aug 4, 2026

42:16

EP. 96 | Struggle, Clarity & Connection: Alex "Northstar" Enache on Making AI Actually Work

Struggle, clarity, and human connection might not be the first words that come to mind when you think about AI, but according to Alex “Northstar” Enache, they are exactly what make it work. On this episode of BAM BizTalk, Angel Garcia sits down with the AI educator and former Google trainer to talk about what actually separates businesses that thrive with AI from those that just add another tool to the pile. Topics discussed: Alex’s path from washing dishes in Italy to training teams at Google and Fortune 500 companies Why real learning happens through struggle, not comfort or shortcuts How AI is uncovering hidden details in classic art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Why clarity, not the AI tool itself, is what determines business results The common mistake founders make expecting AI to read their minds Why human connection matters more, not less, as AI scales Balancing entrepreneurship with lifestyle, rest, and relationships Knowing when to walk away from misaligned clients Why persistence, not talent, is what separates people who succeed with AI from those who don’t Practical ways to put AI to work for your family, business, and community New episode of BAM BizTalk is out now. Visit www.bamventures.online to learn more.

S3 · E69

Jul 21, 2026

1:19:58

EP. 95 | Bringing Space to West Texas: Matt Van Parys on Innovation, Grit & Diversifying the Basin

In this episode, Angel sits down with Matt Van Parys, VP of the Texas Space Coalition and 25 year Air Force veteran, to talk about how West Texas is positioning itself as the next hub for the space industry. Matt shares the story behind founding a nonprofit built to connect academia, industry, and government, and why he believes Midland and El Paso, not the usual I-35 corridor cities, are the right places for this growth to happen. Topics discussed: Matt’s 25 year Air Force career and how it led him into the space industry The founding story behind Texas Space Coalition and its mission in West Texas Why El Paso and Midland were chosen over the traditional I-35 tech corridor Space as a “second horse” to help balance Midland’s oil and gas economy SpaceX and Elon Musk as a case study in perseverance through failure Local businesses already working space adjacent, including a precision machining shop in El Paso Early STEM and robotics education, starting as young as third grade The “brain drain” and “heart drain” of aerospace graduates leaving the region for work Midland’s Air and Space Port and how it compares to Spaceport America Advice for entrepreneurs on perseverance, getting professional help, and avoiding the myth of overnight success Learn more about Texas Space Coalition at txspacecoalition.org.

S3 · E68

Jul 21, 2026

1:10:27

EP. 94 | Betting on Yourself: Johnny Vannier on Comedy, Entrepreneurship & Taking Risks

What does it take to bet on yourself when there are no guarantees? In Episode 94 of BAM BizTalk, Angel Garcia sits down with comedian, entrepreneur, and event producer Johnny Vannier to discuss the mindset required to take risks, create opportunities, and build something from the ground up. From navigating the challenges of stand-up comedy to producing successful events and growing a business, Johnny shares valuable lessons on confidence, adaptability, resilience, and trusting yourself when the outcome is uncertain. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, creative professional, or someone considering their next big move, this conversation offers practical insights on taking action, embracing discomfort, and creating your own path to success. Topics Discussed: ✅ Why betting on yourself is the ultimate entrepreneurial risk ✅ The similarities between comedy and business ✅ Building confidence through action and experience ✅ Adapting when things don’t go according to plan ✅ Reading the room and responding in real time ✅ The importance of resilience and persistence ✅ Turning opportunities into profitable ventures ✅ Producing events and creating your own platform ✅ Lessons learned from success and failure ✅ Why growth happens outside your comfort zone 🎧 Listen now and discover why some of the biggest opportunities come when you’re willing to take the chance on yourself.

S3 · E67

Jun 23, 2026

1:22:01

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