Alpha & Omega Work Family Proves People Are Good

Tamra Trigg’s inspiring story is one of faith, resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges and tragedies in her life ­— including an ongoing battle with breast cancer — she has emerged stronger in her faith in God and in the goodness of people.

From being 10th of 14 children in a large family to navigating the trials of illness and loss, Tamra’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance while also finding strength in humbly accepting the help of others. Her experience at Alpha & Omega Equipment Sales and Rental not only brought her back into the workforce but also connected her with a supportive family who is helping her through really tough times.

Tamra’s advocacy for genetic testing for those with a family history of cancer emphasizes the importance of early detection. “I would hate for a good tragedy to go to waste,” she laughs.

Being number 10 of 14 children, Tamra has always been driven to achieve success through hard work and relying on self-performance. But that suddenly changed May 22, 2024, when Tamra’s world shattered after learning she has an aggressive form of breast cancer.

She had just moved back to her home state of Texas from South Carolina, where she had moved to be closer to her son and grandchildren. That move was cut short following drastic life changes that required her to find full-time employment. 

Tamra called her friend, Jackie Johnson, whom she had worked with during her years in the oil and gas industry. Jackie had since moved on to found his own company, Alpha & Omega Equipment. Jackie asked her to join his newly expanded branch in Hickory Creek.

Tamra also knew the Dallas manager, Jimmy Baggett, who had been a client of hers years ago and she quickly connected with the rest of the Alpha & Omega crew including CFO Mike Flowers and Director of Industrial and Material Handling, Jeremy Haden.

“I just knew this was home,” says Tamra describing her arrival at Alpha & Omega in April of this year.

Tamra dove into her new work environment, learning the service lingo and all about the heavy equipment products; but, she did so with an unaccustomed feeling of fatigue that she just couldn’t shake. 

She chalked it up to hormonal imbalance and the recent tragedies she was navigating after the loss of two sisters, her father and brother both being diagnosed with cancer and the sudden deaths of five nieces and nephews.

“I went to my doctor and wanted him to give me hormone therapy. He refused to prescribe me anything until I had a mammogram. I used to be regular with my mammograms but, at 64 years old, I didn’t feel like it was as important and I had missed a couple years,” she admits.

The mammogram came back abnormal, but Tamra said she wasn’t overly concerned, knowing that sometimes this happens and turns out to be nothing.

However, she says she had a sinking feeling when the doctor called with the new test results. “I just knew it would be bad so I didn’t pick up the phone. I wasn’t ready to hear it.”

The doctor revealed an aggressive form of breast cancer had invaded her body and immediate action was needed. Tamra became engulfed with doctor appointments and a slew of testing. Genetic testing revealed she has a hereditary Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Gene (ATM), placing her at a greater risk for developing different forms of cancer. 

Overwhelmed by the diagnosis, Tamra didn’t know how to share it with her male employers. 

“I was embarrassed because it’s breast cancer and they’re men. I had just started working there, and I felt uncomfortable.” 

However, chemotherapy soon sickened her to the point where she could no longer hide it. The day she walked in to tell Jimmy and Jeremy her news, one look at their faces stopped her cold.

“Jimmy was pale, and they both looked like they were in shock,” she recounts.

Mike had just had a heart attack in the office, and Jimmy saved his life by performing CPR until paramedics arrived to take him to the hospital where he underwent life-saving heart surgery.

“This company is full of miracles. I see God in them every day,” Tamra says.

When she finally confided in Jimmy, his response was filled with compassion.“I got you. You don’t have to worry about a thing,” she recalls him saying.

Alpha & Omega rallied around Tamra, covering for her while she went to doctor appointments or when she was too sick from chemo to field sales calls.

“They have been my Angels on Earth every step of the way and they have proven to me they meant it when they said, “We got you.” It has changed my heart and my own outlook on life. I want to give more Grace because you never know what someone is going through,” she smiles.

Jeremy says Alpha & Omega’s support of Tamra rings true to what the company is all about.

“We have a family atmosphere here that has not been lost even as the company continues to grow,” he says. 

Jeremy discovered a personal connection with Tamra through their shared faith in Christ and from his own experience supporting his mother who is now on hospice care as she battles a similar breast cancer diagnosis.

“Tamra has a light that fills the room. We have bonded by sharing our faith and our belief in using work as a ministry. She’s a great sales person and people like her,” Jeremy states.

Mike agrees. “Tamra is the epitome of skin-deep beauty going way beyond. She is always willing to go over and above.”

Tamra has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and has explored holistic therapy in efforts to thwart the advancing cancer. Despite the challenges, Tamra remains steadfast in her faith and is preparing for a double mastectomy. 

Founded on Christian-based principles, Alpha & Omega’s unwavering support reflects the company’s mission statement.

“Whatever we gotta do to get the customer taken care of, we do it. It’s always about the customer first and meeting their needs,” Jimmy says.

The company’s ultimate goal extends beyond financial gains, says Mike. “More than anything, we want to develop leaders– from the shop, to sales, to management. If we develop leaders, we will see this company grow even bigger,” he predicts.

Alpha & Omega Equipment carries a large selection of new and pre-owned inventory for construction, excavation and demolition services for both commercial and residential projects. The company currently has branches in Hickory Creek, Van Vleck, Channelview and San Antonio, providing services throughout the Odessa, Lubbock, Dallas and Houston areas.