We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We started out on a small scale replicating small props every now and then. The first prop we ever made was a ditto machine (a very early copy machine), that we made out of a toaster oven. After that, we picked up a few odd projects here and there. Eventually, we realized we were onto something, since most of our props were foam replicas of antiques that were hard to find and even more expensive to buy, and we kicked off our business officially in late 2019.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Challenges are around every corner of this line of work. I get lots of questions like ‘Can you make this?’ or ‘How hard would this be for you to make?”. Of course, the answer is always ‘Ya, I can do that.’. And then it’s back to the shop to figure it all out. There is never a challenge I won’t take on. Like everything in life, you have to practice. I have a shelf in my shop of all the things that didn’t come out as I wanted. We find ways that don’t work so well but it’s never a failure. Every project is a lesson to learn and I love that part of it. The biggest joy I get is when I drop off a project and they say “You made that out of foam?!”. To take a plain piece of foam and create a horse or a piece of armor or even something simple as a cup, that’s magic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it’s a week-long trip there is plenty to do in Houston. A must here is breakfast at Chiloso’s Taco House. Their breakfast tacos are the bomb. There is also lots of theater all over town and if you’re a friend of mine, you are gonna see some shows. From Stageworks theater way up near Tomball, to as far south as Cast Theatrical in Rosenberg, there is plenty to see. Hopefully, Creative Movement Practices is running a show at The Match. Their shows are always top-notch. Also have to make sure to visit Houston’s Oldest all-volunteer community theater, Theatre Suburbia. The produce some lesser-known plays that are always a good time.  Nights can’t be complete without cocktails at some of my favorite watering holes. Classy places downtowns like La Carafe and Warrens are great when you feel like doing the town right but sometimes you just want a fun dive bar like Dark Horse and Cecil’s. And if my friends are from another state, no trip to Texas is complete without a late-nite run to Whataburger. Best burgers in the universe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Creative Movement Practices has been one of our biggest supports and has inspired us to reach farther with every one of their shows. They are on their way up to being one of the city’s premier theater companies. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdcustomprops/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdcustomprops

Image Credits
Tricia Yurcak Sam Martinez

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.