Chingon SA

On today's episode of Chingon S.A., I sit down with Marcus Walker — Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, a San Antonio nonprofit that has spent 15 years fighting poverty through connection, dignity, and community partnership. Before planting roots here, Marcus served as a missionary in Germany for eight years, leading outreach across Eastern Europe and Ethiopia. This conversation goes deep — into what poverty really looks like up close, why food is just the entry point, and how a parenting class changed a divorced man's relationship with his kids. Hope you enjoy!Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:30 Marcus's background — born in San Antonio, raised in the Valley3:30 Eight years as a missionary in Germany 6:00 How Marcus and his Swiss wife Doris met through Youth With a Mission 9:00 Why they came back to San Antonio — and what brought them home 12:00 How Marcus stumbled into Daily Bread Ministries as a volunteer 15:00 Working every role in the organization before leading it 18:00 What Daily Bread Ministries actually does — beyond the food pantry 22:00 How they distributed $11 million worth of food with just 9 staff 26:00 Equipping churches to fight poverty — not just feeding people 29:00 The biggest misconceptions people have about those living in poverty 33:00 Why dignity starts with remembering someone's name 37:00 Relationships aren't efficient — but they change everything41:00 The "Raising Highly Capable Kids" parenting class and breaking cycles 46:00 The graduation story that still gets Marcus every time 51:00 The legacy Marcus hopes Daily Bread leaves in San Antonio 54:00 How to get involved and volunteer with Daily Bread Ministries 56:00 Closing thoughts—Follow Marcus Walker & Daily Bread Ministries: 🌐 Website:Daily Bread Ministries  📧 Volunteer: [email protected]—Thanks for watching!Follow Chingon S.A.: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luislealsa/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luislealsa 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GlJW3ObcC8JZnIDhUkNJ1?si=05d70ad998a642d1&nd=1&dlsi=2f65963bc38e4532 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chingon-sa/id1805692415Want to be on the show? If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone doing something chingon in San Antonio — email us at [email protected]—Chingon S.A. is hosted by Luis Leal — fourth generation entrepreneur, founder of Leal Insurance Services, and a proud San Antonio native. Every week, Luis sits down with entrepreneurs, builders, and community leaders who are shaping the future of the 210. From the culture, for the culture.🔗 Protect what you've built. Leal Insurance Services offers personalized insurance solutions for families and businesses right here in San Antonio. 👉 https://lealinsurance.com/Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode on Facebook and TikTok. We'll see you next week. 🤘

On today's episode of Chingon S.A., I sit down with Steve Perry — five-time Platinum Top 50nominee, certified negotiation expert, and one of San Antonio's most trusted realtors. Theconversation dives into what actually separates great realtors from the other 14,000 licensed inSan Antonio, why this business lives or dies on relationships, and the biggest mistakes buyersand sellers are making right now in the SA market. We also get into solar panels, new builds,soil conditions, inspections, and what it really means to show up for your clients — even if that means holding a baby mid-showing. Hope you enjoy!—Follow Steve Perry: 📘 https://www.facebook.com/steve.perry.50—Thanks for watching!Follow Chingon S.A.: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luislealsa/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luislealsa️Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5GlJW3ObcC8JZnIDhUkNJ1?si=05d70ad998a642d1&nd=1&dlsi=2f65963bc38e4532️Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chingon-sa/id1805692415Want to be on the show? If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone doing something chingon in San Antonio — email us at [email protected] S.A. is hosted by Luis Leal — fourth generation entrepreneur, founder of Leal Insurance Services, and a proud San Antonio native. Every week, Luis sits down with entrepreneurs, builders, and community leaders who are shaping the future of the 210. From the culture, for the culture.🔗 Protect what you've built. Leal Insurance Services offers personalized insurance solutions for families and businesses right here in San Antonio. 👉 https://lealinsurance.com/Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode on Facebook and TikTok. We'll see you next week. 🤘

Welcome back to Chingon S.A.! This week, host Luis sits down with Amanda Davila Lupascano — San Antonio native and owner and CEO of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning of San Antonio. Amanda didn't plan to end up in HVAC — it wasn't on her bingo card — but three bad service experiences and a glaring gap in trust pushed her to build the company she wished had shown up at her door. Alongside her husband Kirk, she's bringing a customer-first mindset to one of the least trusted trades in the country.In this episode, Amanda breaks down her "give the buffet" philosophy, what it's like being one of the few women leading an HVAC company, how San Antonio's skilled trades shortage is creating real opportunity, and what every homeowner should actually do before summer hits. She also reveals a CPS rebate program most people don't even know exists.You can reach the One Hour team 24/7 at 210-588-0555, book online at One Hour Heating and Air San Antonio, or find them on Facebook and Instagram. Contact info in the show notes below.If you're a business owner or entrepreneur doing something chingon in San Antonio and want to be on the show — email us at [email protected] sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode on your Facebook and TikTok. We'll see you next week. 🤘#ChingonSA #SanAntonioBusiness #WomenInTrades #HVACSanAntonio #OneHourHeatingAndAir #AmandaLupascano #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #FromTheCultureForTheCulture

Welcome back to Season 2 of Chingon S.A.! This week, host Luis sits down with Alex Pallares — chef, self-proclaimed "glorified cook," and owner of Tacopolis, located just outside the Deco District on Fredericksburg Road. Alex has been in the kitchen for over 15 years, but his story starts long before that — watching travel shows in Morelia, Mexico as a teenager, replicating dishes with his cousin, and eventually making it onto the Travel Channel himself.Before Tacopolis, Alex traded business school and corporate meetings for the lowest rung of the restaurant ladder — washing dishes, serving tables, earning his place. He quit his job at Luke, told his girlfriend he'd be back in two weeks, and disappeared into Mexico for four months — eating with street cooks, learning from taqueros in Mexico City, and absorbing the philosophy of food as connection. That journey is the DNA of everything he does today, including the open kitchen concept that lets you watch every taco being made from your seat.In this episode, Alex and Luis get real about the challenges facing small restaurants right now — from DoorDash's 30% cut to post-Covid foot traffic struggles — and why Alex's answer is always the same: come to the restaurant. They also dig into legacy, what Alex learned from his time at Carnitas Lonja, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: think small, be consistent, master one thing, and don't be afraid to grow when the time is right.You can find Tacopolis at 1604 Fredericksburg Road, right outside the Deco District. Follow them on Instagram for menu updates, specials, and all the tacos you didn't know you needed.If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone doing something chingon in San Antonio and want to be on the show — email us at luisalv.insurance.com.Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode on your Facebook and TikTok. We'll see you next week. 🤘#ChingonSA #SanAntonioBusiness #Tacopolis #AlexPallares #SanAntonioFood #LocalBusiness #SanAntonioTacos #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #FromTheCultureForTheCulture

In this episode of Chingon S.A., host Luis sits down with Luis Lopez, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, to talk about servant leadership, representation, and what it means to leave home, grow, and come back stronger.Luis shares his journey from growing up on the South Side of San Antonio to becoming the first CEO of color in the YMCA's 148-year history. He opens up about sacrificing comfort to take a COO role in Austin, losing his mother shortly after the move, navigating COVID during a rebuilding phase, and what it felt like to finally return home — not just as a success, but as someone who could open doors for young people who never saw themselves in a leadership role.This conversation dives into servant leadership, representation and equity, community health and wellness, nonprofit leadership, first-generation success, mentorship, San Antonio culture and values, and what it truly means to build people, not just programs.If you're interested in San Antonio leadership, community impact, and what it looks like to sacrifice, grow, and come home to serve at the highest level — this episode is for you.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎉 YMCA OF GREATER SAN ANTONIO — 150TH ANNIVERSARYThe Y is celebrating 150 years of serving the San Antonio community! Join the celebration this September 26th and be part of a legacy that has shaped generations across our city.📍 Learn more & get involved:👉 ymcasatx150.org━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎙️ Chingon S.A. — Stories from San Antonio business owners and entrepreneurs of Grit, Growth & Legacy.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes🌐 chingonsa.carrd.co━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#ChingonSA #SanAntonioLeader #YMCA

In this episode of Chingon S.A., host Luis sits down with Richard Cavazos, owner of Pride Floors, to talk about faith-based entrepreneurship, generational legacy, and what it really means to bet on yourself in San Antonio.Richard shares his journey from growing up in McAllen and entering the flooring industry at 19, to building a business for 19 years — and just last week, buying the building his company calls home. He opens up about leaving his uncle's partnership with a pregnant wife and no safety net, the spiritual awakening in his 40s that changed everything, learning to delegate, and why he doesn't do the tiptoe of faith — only the leap.This conversation dives into generational entrepreneurship, faith and business, mentorship, BNI networking, community giving, tithing, San Antonio small business growth, and what it takes to go from running someone else's floors to owning your own building.If you're interested in San Antonio entrepreneurship, building a legacy rooted in faith and relationships, and what real grit looks like over 19 years — this episode is for you.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎙️ Chingon S.A. — Stories from San Antonio business owners and entrepreneurs of Grit, Growth & Legacy.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes🌐 chingonsa.carrd.co━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#ChingonSA #SanAntonioEntrepreneur #SmallBusiness

In this episode of Chingon S.A., host Luis sits down with Klarissa Gamboa, owner of Elite Credit Repair, to talk about entrepreneurship, family, faith, and financial empowerment.Klarissa shares her journey from growing up in San Antonio to building a successful credit repair business while raising a family and living in Puerto Rico. She opens up about being a young mom, navigating cultural shifts, building strong client relationships, and helping families break generational financial cycles.This conversation dives into credit education, homeownership, bilingual business, community impact, work-life balance, and what it really takes to build a legacy that lasts.If you’re interested in business, personal growth, financial literacy, and San Antonio entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Chingon SA, Luis sits down with licensed therapist and entrepreneur Maggie Rodriguez to talk about mental health, community care, and building inclusive spaces in San Antonio. Together, they explore her journey from working at the Rape Crisis Center to co-founding ABC Counseling, her passion for serving marginalized communities, and her mission to make therapy more accessible and affirming. Maggie shares powerful insights on trauma-informed care, immigrant advocacy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, intergenerational healing, and what it takes to grow a purpose-driven practice. This conversation highlights the importance of emotional wellness, leadership, and creating lasting impact in our city.

In this episode of Chingon S.A., host Luis sits down with San Antonio native and entrepreneur Madeleine Nereo, founder of Mad Media and creator of the upcoming PAIR app. Madeleine shares her journey from public service and politics to building a purpose-driven media agency focused on excellence, ethics, and community impact. She opens up about being the first in her family to graduate college, the sacrifices behind success, leaving politics, and why serving San Antonio remains her top priority. This conversation dives deep into leadership, grit, faith, entrepreneurship, and building a legacy that truly matters.

In this episode, Luis sits down with Janice Lerma, founder of Rental Property Pros, to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it really takes to run a successful property management business in San Antonio. Janice shares her journey into real estate, building her company from the ground up, raising her family, and navigating challenges in hiring, communication, and tenant relations. They discuss the importance of customer service, accountability, continuous learning, and creating strong relationships between landlords, tenants, and management. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, resilience, and raising the standard in property management.

In this episode of Chingon SA, Luis sits down with Christopher Bustamante — a former professional football player turned multi-million-dollar marketing agency owner. Chris shares his journey from arena football to building a powerful agency that helps entrepreneurs, Shark Tank founders, and creators turn attention into real revenue.They dive into content creation, networking, handling rejection, learning through failure, building trust with clients, and why San Antonio is the perfect place to grow a business. This conversation is packed with real lessons on entrepreneurship, mindset, discipline, and believing in yourself — especially when starting from nothing.

In this episode of Chingon SA, Luis sits down with Javier Salazar, the Sheriff of Bexar County, to talk about his journey from growing up in a military family to leading one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Texas.Sheriff Salazar shares how he worked overnight shifts while putting himself through college, his years with SAPD, and what motivated him to run for public office. He opens up about community policing, building trust with San Antonio residents, handling protests, protecting immigrant communities, and fighting scams targeting seniors.They also discuss grassroots politics, leadership lessons, public service, and why relationships between law enforcement and the community matter now more than ever.This episode is a powerful look at service, resilience, and what it takes to lead with integrity in San Antonio.

In this Season 2 premiere, Luis returns with a solo episode to share what’s next for Chingon SA. He opens up about stepping away from his former agency, restarting his independent insurance business, and rebuilding with a trusted team. Luis explains the meaning behind “Chingón,” the mission of the podcast, and why spotlighting local entrepreneurs matters more than ever. He also previews upcoming guests, discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, and shares how community, resilience, and purpose continue to drive the show forward.

We're taking a break from publishing new episodes, but want to encourage you to go back and listen to any of our full episodes you may have missed. Have a listen to why we're taking a break and what this means for the show.

Joe Trevino, a seasoned marketing and sales leader, discussed his career trajectory from owning a Tejano nightclub in San Antonio to leading international campaigns and driving multi-million dollar growth. He highlighted his roles at Hollywood Records, Arista Records, and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, where he increased Hispanic program funding from $400,000 to $9 million annually. Trevino emphasized the importance of bilingual skills in his success and his current role as a mortgage loan officer, where he leverages his Spanish proficiency to serve Spanish-speaking clients. He also shared his commitment to providing transparent, high-quality service to his clients.

Mariana Loya, founder of LIT Design, a boutique interior design firm specializing in high-end remodels and bespoke furnishings joins the show. Mariana shares her journey from El Paso to San Antonio, where she pursued interior design at Incarnate Word. She discusses the challenges of balancing work and family, the importance of collaboration, and the significance of maintaining quality in her projects. Mariana emphasizes the impact of design on personal and professional growth, aiming to inspire her clients to strive for better. She also highlights her involvement in a significant upcoming project in San Antonio.

Jeanette Lira, a licensed professional counselor and entrepreneur, discusses her journey from aspiring to be famous to founding Auravia Therapy, which focus on mental health, holistic healing, and professional empowerment. She hosts the "Untamed and Unapologetic" podcast for wild individuals. Jeanette shares her 15-year career and the challenges of balancing three businesses. She emphasizes the importance of leading with logic and reality, and the need for therapists to connect with clients. Jeanette also highlights the significance of legacy, aiming to leave a positive impact on her family, community, and team.

Luis interviews Ryan and Rylan Bascos, owners of Wiki-Licious San Antonio. The brothers, aged 18 and 20, started their business in 2017 to fund their own purchases, inspired by their father's finance and real estate background. Initially selling kettle corn and lemonade, they expanded to include Filipino and Hawaiian foods. They operate primarily at events, catering to their neighborhood, and have participated in events in San Antonio, Killeen, and Houston. They plan to continue growing their business while balancing school and martial arts.

Cynthia Perez, owner of Tacos Al Carbon, discussed her journey from starting a food truck in 2013 to operating three trucks, including a permanent location at 16900 Blanco Road. She and her husband, Benjamin, who handles the cooking, transitioned from Mr. Maximum to Tacos Al Carbon in 2023, focusing on high-quality, authentic tacos. Despite challenges like fluctuating business and employee turnover, they maintain quality by prepping at their Blanco location. Cynthia emphasized the importance of community and family, aiming to expand while preserving their small, personal touch. They also highlighted the impact of social media in growing their customer base.

Jennifer Smith, executive director of South Texas Alliance for Orphans, discusses her journey from physical therapy to leading a nonprofit focused on foster care. She highlights the organization's three-pronged approach: prevention, support for children in the system, and mentorship for youth aging out of foster care. The Alliance has grown from a local initiative to involving 136 churches and impacting over 3,000 children in foster care annually. Smith emphasizes the need for foster families, professionals, and financial support. Upcoming events include Kin Mart on July 27, providing school supplies for relative caregivers.Connect with South TX Alliance for Orphans:KinMark InfoFB: South Texas Alliance for OrphansIG: South Texas Alliance for Orphans

Luis Leal interviews Bryan Snyder, a photographer and videographer from San Antonio. Bryan, originally from Piedras Negras, Mexico, and raised in Eagle Pass, started his business in 2020 and formalized it in 2022. He discusses his journey, including his decision to change his name from Galvan to Snyder to honor his grandparents. Bryan emphasizes the importance of providing unique value to clients and overcoming exposure challenges in a competitive market. He also shares his philosophy of always learning and the significance of maintaining work-life balance. Bryan aims to grow his business while mentoring others and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for his family.

Luis Leal hosts a conversation with Dr. Tim Peterson and Dr. McKenzie Slattery from Peterson Chiropractic in San Antonio. Dr. Tim, a second-generation chiropractor, took over the practice from his father, who transitioned from pharmacy to chiropractic after witnessing the benefits. Dr. McKenzie, a recent graduate from Sherman College of Chiropractic, specializes in the torque release technique, which uses precise instruments for adjustments. The practice, celebrating 40 years, emphasizes patient care, community engagement, and a family-like atmosphere. They discuss the importance of educating patients, managing expenses, and the potential for future generations to continue the legacy.Contact Peterson Chiropractic HereFB: Peterson ChiropracticIG: Peterson Chiropractic

Denise Cabello, a San Antonio native and UTSA graduate, discusses her career transition from local broadcasting to hosting "Hollywood Hits" on Quarter Moon Productions. The show, which airs on KCWX and is available on YouTube and as a podcast, reviews movies, series, and provides Hollywood headlines. Denise highlights the importance of relationships and adaptability in her career, noting the supportive culture at Quarter Moon Productions. She also shares her experience as an MC at the San Antonio Missions since 2015, emphasizing the community connection and the upcoming move to a new downtown stadium. Denise encourages flexibility and valuing employees in the workplace.

Albert Gonzales is on the show today a self-taught San Antonio artist known as Treble Art on Instagram. Albert discusses his journey from quitting a banking job in 2014 to becoming a full-time artist, selling his work on the streets, and eventually exhibiting in major galleries. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, community, and engagement in his work. Albert shares his vision for making art more accessible in San Antonio, including his ambitious plans for street art installations and a nonprofit called The Cool Artists. He also explains the significance of his name and the acronym "Time Resolves Everything But Love Answers."

Sean Timmerman, founder and CEO of Gruene Botanicals, discussed the expansion of his six CBD/Hemp locations in Texas, including franchises in Universal City and Austin, and his commitment to medical-grade cannabis. He highlighted the potential impact of SB3, which could outlaw THC products, leading to job losses and store closures. Timmerman emphasized the importance of proper dosing and certification for employees, noting that his stores employ over 30 people. He also mentioned the company's involvement in community events and the need for state regulation to ensure quality and safety.

Luis Leal hosts a conversation with three entrepreneurs: Steve Perez from Texas Bearded Cartel, Dan Montez from Flores Garage, and Louie Vega from TX Bros Jerky. Steve discusses the sixth annual Chingon Fest, set for September 20 at The AquaDuck Beer Garden. Dan shares his journey of taking over Flores Garage in 2023 and emphasizes quality over quantity in automotive services. Louie talks about scaling his jerky business, producing over 170 pounds weekly, and the importance of family support. They all highlight the challenges of running their own businesses, the importance of community support, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance.Connect with the Trifecta:Louie Vega III - TXBros Jerky Dan Montez - Flores GarageSteve Perez - TX Bearded Cartel

Niki Deeley, President of Dealey Media International, discusses her journey as a digital marketer and AI specialist. She highlights the process as a Certified Conversion Strategist and AI Specialist, which requires creating 200 sales funnels annually. Niki emphasizes the urgency for businesses to adopt AI, citing predictions from Elon Musk and Mark Cuban that businesses have three years to integrate AI or risk failure. She shares her experience with AI, including creating a clone of herself to manage workloads and launching the AI Business Marketing Hub, a free tool offering custom workflows and resources. Niki also discusses her competitive background and commitment to helping small businesses in San Antonio.

Raul Peralez, an Associate Judge in Bexar County Children's Court, discusses his journey from Fox Tech High School to law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He emphasizes the importance of child welfare law, having represented both parents and children in cases. Perales highlights the challenges of reunifying families while ensuring the best interests of children. He advocates for mentorship programs like Eagles and Pearls, which provide support to children in foster care. Perales stresses the need for self-care and empathy in his role, aiming to help families and children succeed. He also calls for higher community standards and kindness.

Tejano music icon, Shelly Lares joins the show to talk about her retirement from touring and what she's up to these days. She highlighted her recent re-release of her 1994 album, which garnered over 2 million streams in weeks. Lares emphasized the importance of authenticity and hard work in the music industry, sharing her experiences with mentoring both young and veteran artists. She also discussed her role as an artist in residence at UTSA and her work with Harmony Hospice Care, where she uses music therapy to connect with patients. Lares stressed the significance of legacy, not just in her career but in the lives she has touched through her music and mentorship.

On this episode of Chingon SA, Luis hosts Kendall Cox, co-owner of Enduring Home Solutions, a home modification company. Kendall, an occupational therapist and certified accessibility specialist, discusses her journey from shadowing health professionals to becoming an entrepreneur. She explains the differences between occupational and physical therapy, emphasizing the holistic approach of OTs. Kendall and her brother, a PT, collaborate on home modifications, integrating their expertise to create accessible living spaces. They face challenges in balancing business operations and healthcare knowledge. Kendall highlights the importance of early involvement in home design for accessibility and aims to make homes more accessible for an aging population.Connect with Kendall and Enduring Home Solutions:FB: Enduring Home SolutionsInsta: Enduring Home Solutions

Luis, the host of the Chingon SA Podcast, interviews Dominic Gutierrez, an entrepreneur and digital marketer. Dominic shares his journey from being an electrician to a videographer and digital marketer. He discusses his early influences, including mentors and companies like Dr. Squatch, and his experiences working with various clients. Dominic emphasizes the importance of building systems and processes in his business, Serafina Digital, and the challenges of running a creative business. He also highlights the significance of continuous learning and the value of mentorship in his success. Luis provides advice on business operations and the importance of paying it forward.Insta: @rrez.mp4

In this episode of Chingon SA, Luis interviews his uncle and business mentor, Javier Leal, a State Farm insurance agent with a unique background. Javier shares his journey from being a first-generation college graduate with a master's in social work to becoming an insurance agency owner. They discuss the challenges of business ownership, the importance of delegation, and the value of caring for clients. Javier emphasizes that his legacy is simply about showing he cared, balancing work with family, and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from his parents. The conversation offers insights into small business ownership, personal growth, and the meaning of success from a local San Antonio perspective.Insta: @JaiverCLealSFFB: Javier C Leal

In this episode of Chingon SA, host Luis sits down with Samantha Najera, the powerhouse behind Bean & Chisme and Heart Fire Media. Samantha shares her entrepreneurial journey from video production to social media content creation, discussing the challenges of being a single mom, breaking cultural barriers, and building a platform that empowers the Hispanic community. With humor and heart, she talks about her vision to create culturally relevant content, address important social issues, and inspire others to pursue their dreams while staying true to their values. The conversation offers insights into business, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.Connect with Samantha on all the socials:Insta: Bean & ChismeFB: Bean & ChismeTikTok: Bean & Chisme

In this episode of Chingon SA, host Luis interviews Luis Vega, founder of Texas Bros Jerky. Vega shares his entrepreneurial journey from working full-time at CPS Energy and H-E-B to launching a successful jerky business. He discusses developing unique flavors like Chingon Dilly and Celly Dilly, growing from 5 to 170 pounds of jerky production weekly, and selling at local pop-up events. The conversation explores Vega's commitment to community involvement, his mentorship experiences, and his passion for creating a business that inspires hard work and perseverance. With eight current flavors and plans for expansion, Texas Bros Jerky represents a testament to grassroots entrepreneurship and family-driven ambition.Learn more about Louie and TXBrosJerky on all the socials:Insta: txbrosjerky210TikTok: txbrosjerky2102FB: TXBros Jerky

On this episode of Chingon SA, Luis interviews Martin Pacheco, a tattoo artist based in downtown San Antonio, about his business journey. Martin, a father of four, started his own tattoo studio to have more flexibility with family time. He specializes in realism and black and gray tattoo styles, working primarily by appointment in a unique professional office building. Martin has built a strong social media presence, using creative strategies like blind tattoo contests and collaborations with local businesses. He emphasizes the importance of professional content creation. Martin gives back to the community by organizing annual Christmas toy drives for local shelters, raising thousands of dollars in donations. Reflecting on his career, he wishes he had sought mentorship earlier in his tattooing journey, acknowledging that it took him several years to develop his skills. His ultimate goal is to be recognized as one of the greatest tattoo artists, creating memorable artwork for his clients, which has already included some notable Spurs players. Martin can be found on Instagram @tattoos_by_martin.

Welcome to the very first episode of CHINGON SA - a bold, unapologetic podcast spotlighting the stories of San Antonio's hardest-working business owners and entrepreneurs. Rooted in culture and community, we share real conversations of Grit, Growth, and Legacy.In this podcast episode of Chingon SA, Tommy Gonzalez shares his unique journey from working in the music and television industries to becoming a barber shop owner in downtown San Antonio. After a pivotal moment in Berlin where he realized he was unhappy with his current career, Tommy decided to pursue barbering, attending school in Washington state and eventually returning to San Antonio to open Poodle Handsome Barber Shop. He strategically opened his business next to the Majestic Theater, navigating the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately allowed him to connect with a new community of downtown residents and adapt his business model. Tommy emphasizes that his business is about creating an experience, not just providing haircuts, and he focuses on cultivating a small, controlled environment with an emphasis on customer satisfaction and personal connection. His commitment to community involvement is evident through partnerships with local organizations and participation in community events. Looking forward, Tommy's goal is to leave a lasting legacy by improving the barbering industry, potentially through a future barber school that teaches not just technical skills, but the importance of customer care and community engagement. The conversation highlights Tommy's entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and dedication to providing a meaningful service in San Antonio.Catch Tommy on Insta, X, Facebook, YoutubeBook an appointment with Tommy: Haircut