The Think Small Podcast

Episode 79: Alex Almazan, Managing Partner/CEO, Almazan Law, P.A.

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with attorney and entrepreneur Alex Almazan, founding and managing partner of the Almazan Law, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of the legal industry in the age of AI. Alex shares his journey from working at traditional law firms to building his own practice, discussing the lessons he learned from early partnerships, navigating business downturns, and creating a firm culture centered around adaptability and long-term vision. He also opens up about balancing ambition with personal fulfillment, explaining how his definition of success evolved over the years from chasing material goals to focusing on family, sustainability, and meaningful growth. The conversation takes a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the practice of law and professional services as a whole. Alex offers a candid look at the challenges of integrating AI into a law firm, from client expectations and operational changes to the importance of maintaining human judgment and accountability. He explains why AI is not about replacing people, but about transforming workflows, increasing efficiency, and allowing professionals to spend more time building real human relationships with clients. Packed with insights on leadership, scaling a business, navigating uncertainty, and preparing for the future, this episode is a valuable listen for business owners, executives, and professionals across every industry. Connect: Website: https://www.almazanlaw.com/ [https://www.almazanlaw.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-almazan-8b681115/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-almazan-8b681115/]

Episode 78: Christopher Carter, Chairman & CEO, Approyo

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Carter, founder of Approyo, to discuss how businesses can simplify and modernize their SAP infrastructure while avoiding the costly headaches that come with managing enterprise technology. Chris shares how Approyo helps organizations both migrate into SAP environments and upgrade existing systems through SAP’s “Rise” and “Grow” programs, offering cloud infrastructure, licensing, support, and long-term strategy. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that his company’s mission goes beyond software — it’s about giving CTOs and business leaders peace of mind by ensuring their systems run smoothly around the clock. Chris also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from launching Approyo in 2011 after reconnecting with SAP leadership, to navigating the challenges of COVID and rebuilding during what he describes as the largest SAP upgrade cycle in history. The episode explores the realities of competing with major consulting firms, the importance of delivering enterprise-level expertise without enterprise-level pricing, and the ongoing challenge of generating quality lead funnels in today’s constantly changing digital landscape. Along the way, listeners get a glimpse into Chris’s nonstop travel schedule, relationship-driven networking style, and his belief that business success still comes down to genuine human connection — whether over a cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon. Connect: Website: https://approyo.com/ [https://approyo.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159/]

Episode 77: Luis A. Rodriguez, President & CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In this episode of the Think Small podcast, we sit down with Luis Rodriguez, President and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC). As the first Hispanic business organization established in the U.S. back in 1929, the SAHCC has a storied history of creating a dedicated space for Hispanic entrepreneurs when they were excluded from other business circles. Rodriguez shares insights into the chamber's nearly 100-year legacy and its current role in supporting small to medium-sized businesses in a city where the Hispanic population makes up two-thirds of the community. The conversation dives into the vibrant economic landscape of San Antonio, highlighting the significant impact of local traditions like Fiesta San Antonio and upcoming national milestones like the U.S. 250th anniversary. Rodriguez outlines how the chamber provides value through three main pillars: aggressive advocacy at all levels of government, specialized programming like the Avansar business scaling cohort, and robust networking platforms. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the SAHCC continues to foster growth, navigate post-pandemic challenges, and drive the success of the small business backbone in "Military City USA". Connect: Website: https://www.sahcc.org/ [https://www.sahcc.org/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-a-rodriguez-7452b58/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-a-rodriguez-7452b58/]

Episode 76: Bill Sincavage, Founder & Owner, Sinc Law Firm

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Bill Sincavage, founder and principal attorney of Sync Law, shares the story behind building a fast-growing real estate and business law practice from the ground up. After spending 15 years at a Boston-area law firm, Bill took a leap of faith and launched his own practice with little more than experience, determination, and a vision for a modern client-focused firm. He reflects on the challenges of starting from zero, building credibility in a competitive legal market, and growing Sync Law from a shared office space into a multi-state operation serving clients across New England and beyond. Bill also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and scaling a professional services business while maintaining a hands-on approach with clients. He explains how Sync Law expanded into estate planning, corporate law, and commercial transactions, and why differentiation, responsiveness, and relationship-building have been central to the firm’s success. Drawing from his own experience overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt, Bill shares practical insights on embracing change, building long-term client trust, and creating sustainable growth in a highly competitive industry. Connect: Website: https://sinclaw.com/ [https://sinclaw.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-g-sincavage-99619639/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-g-sincavage-99619639/]

Episode 75: Rochelle Friedman-Walk, Managing Partner, Tampa office for Aegis Law

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Rochelle Walk, Managing Partner of the Tampa office at Aegis Law [https://aegislaw.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com], shares her remarkable career journey from corporate attorney to entrepreneur and strategic legal advisor. In this episode, she reflects on her early years in mergers and acquisitions, her transition into executive leadership roles at companies like Sherwin-Williams, and how she helped build and restructure major consumer products and manufacturing businesses. Rochelle also discusses launching her own firm in Tampa and becoming an early legal architect in the growing world of Amazon third-party seller acquisitions and e-commerce transactions. The conversation explores how Aegis Law [https://aegislaw.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] has evolved into a nationwide transactional practice built around experienced attorneys with deep business expertise. Rochelle offers practical insights on succession planning, leadership, and the future of AI in the legal industry, explaining why technology should enhance — not replace — thoughtful legal strategy. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate law, restructuring, branding, and entrepreneurship, she shares valuable lessons for business owners navigating rapid change, scaling operations, and building long-term success. Connect: Website: https://aegislaw.com/ [https://aegislaw.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellewalk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellewalk/]