Benny Sausage Company
Rio Rancho, NM: Ruben Rodriguez, Benny Sausage Co Ruben Rodriguez’s entrepreneurial journey comes from a background of service, resilience, and hands-on business experience. He is a disabled, retired veteran who previously served in the federal service as a Zone Safety Manager with the National Park Service. His career taught him lifelong skills like leadership and the ability to perform under pressure, all of which he brings into business ownership today. Before launching B
McCabe Experiential Learning
Farmington, NM: Roman McCabe, McCabe Experiential Learning In 2024, Roman McCabe established McCabe Experiential Learning, specializing in team dynamics, consultation, and facilitation. When previously employed, McCabe Experiential Learning was just an idea, but Roman knew it would be beneficial for team building offered as a formal service. He had a special skillset in teaching and promoting diverse learning environments. Roman has been a rodeo announcer since he was 22 year
Sips on 66
Hobbs, NM: Grecia Franco & Italia Hermosillo, Sips on 66 Grecia and Italia are sisters and founders of Sips on 66, a mobile beverage business. The sisters launched Sips on 66 in September 2025 with a vintage truck. Their grandfather operated beverage trucks in Mexico for more than a decade, building strong relationships with community, and serves as the inspiration for the family-owned and operated business. He didn’t just serve drinks; he created meaningful experiences. Sips
Albuquerque School of Healing Arts
Albuquerque, NM: Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed, Albuquerque School of Healing Arts (ASHA) When Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed first connected with WESST, it was through a long-standing relationship rooted in community. “I’ve known about WESST for over 20 years,” Sara shared. Her son went to school with Agnes, WESST’s previous Executive Director, and she met Mark, WESST’s previous Incubator Director, about 15 years ago when she first began exploring the idea of opening a business
Mr. Teez
Gallup, NM: Frank and Kathleen Sanchez, Mr. Teez Frank Sanchez has been the owner of Mr. Teez since November 2017. His screen-printing business was established on the basis of providing exceptional customer service, and their goal has always been to ensure our customers love their products. They are proud to support Gallup and the surrounding areas with their graphic design needs. During the COVID pandemic, like so many other small businesses, Mr. Teez faced some difficult
WESST Featured at March 29 “Status of Democracy” Event
By WESST | April 27, 2026 Mark and Carol Fidel are deeply passionate advocates for social justice and New Mexico. We are fortunate to call the Fidels members of the WESST family. They have worked with us both as clients when Mark was starting his consulting business and as longtime donors. On March 29, we gathered at their home with dozens of guests for their most recent “Status of Democracy” event. WESST client Amanda Powers, owner of Enchanted Farms Mushrooms, shared rema
Studio 11 Fitness LLC
Hobbs, NM: Lorena Chavarria, Studio 11 Fitness LLC Hailing from a family of boxers out of Hobbs, Lorena Chavarria has always had a strong connection to the sport through her family. It has been a continued, meaningful part of her life, instilling discipline and resilience. When Lorena first taught women’s boxing classes at her brother’s gym, she gained more than just coaching experience. She saw firsthand the positive impact that the art of boxing was having on women. It was
Tangle Beauty Designs
Waterflow, NM: Natasha Begay, Tangle Beauty Designs In the summer of 2005, Natasha Begay made the decision to formalize her jewelry business and set up an LLC. She had the necessary skills for her craft and passion, but she needed to make sure the foundation was built correctly. Natasha had learned about WESST through social media and local entrepreneurial resources, and she reached out to gain a clearer understanding of the steps she needed to take to form her LLC and grow h