Gilbert Guzman’s journey to owning Pope Photo Records wasn’t a simple one. Initially working for a competitor, he had a passion for the industry but lacked the financing to make a purchase when the business went up for sale. A conversation with a friend, who had the capital to invest, changed the trajectory of his career. Together, they worked out an agreement where his friend would finance the purchase, and Gilbert would operate the business with the option to buy it at a later date.
"Starting out in a competitive industry, Gilbert faced the challenge of gaining trust from a market already dominated by established businesses. The key to success, he says, was proving that he could deliver on the promises made to clients."
Competing and Earning Trust
Starting out in a competitive industry, Gilbert faced the challenge of gaining trust from a market already dominated by established businesses. The key to success, he says, was proving that he could deliver on the promises made to clients. "As we became better known, the people we had been contacting realized that our efforts were making us part of the economy of Amarillo and the surrounding area."
The hard work paid off. Over time, Pope Photo Records built a reputation for reliability and dedication to quality, which helped attract more customers and build lasting relationships.
A Commitment to Local Hiring and Community Involvement
One of the company’s foundational principles is its commitment to the local community. “All of our hiring has been local, we looked at how they could help us and did not discriminate for any reason,” Gilbert shares. This approach not only provided job opportunities for locals but also created a supportive, family-like environment at Pope Photo Records.
Gilbert is also deeply involved in the Amarillo community, contributing his time and resources to various local organizations. He has been an active member of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Amarillo Hi-Plains Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he served a six-year term on the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, which allowed him to contribute to the growth of the city.
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Expanding the Business
Despite the challenges of a highly competitive market, Pope Photo Records has continued to expand. Recently, the company began working with Personalized Promotional Products, a new venture that’s proving to be competitive but rewarding. Gilbert’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of competition has been key to the company’s ongoing success.
Staying True to Values
Through all of the ups and downs, one thing remains constant for Gilbert: his passion for the work he does and the people he serves. "I just enjoy what I do," he says. “Taking care of the customers that we have served over the last five years, I also consider them to be friends.”
Gilbert’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: find something you love to do and commit to it for the long haul. Building a business takes hard work, dedication, and the willingness to learn and grow, but the payoff is worth it when you’re serving a community and customers you care about.
