Today we’d like to introduce you to Mohammed Kamara.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Though, I’m a filmmaker by profession and my trade name is Talking Drum Productions (TDP), I got into the passport and visa business coincidentally. I had an office across the hall from a lady who managed a passport courier company for many years. So, one day, she decided to move her business to her home. But she left no change of address for her patrons to follow. They kept coming and asking for her. All I could tell them was, “I don’t know…” At the time, I had written a script for a movie and I needed resource to bring my movie to fruition. Then it occurred to me, maybe I should consider this passport business. So, I called the Houston Passport Agency to find out what I needed to do to be considered. They told me to go downtown and fill an application. Two weeks later, following a detailed background check, the Passport Agency called and said that I could start whenever I’m ready. I named it as subsidiary, TDP Passports.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Prior to founding TDP Passports, I used to toil weekend chores to support my film business. Since the inception of the passport business, in 2006, I no longer go out to find part-time jobs. But it hasn’t been a total smooth journey either. The passport business can be very lucrative with the proper publicity, and I’ve seen a few others companies grow to become self-sufficient. My biggest problem is, I have very little marketing budget to promote the business. Publicity comes from recurring customers and referrers. There have been times when resource dried up and bills became overdue. For example, in 2014, I had to relocate when the owner of my previous office building sold it to developer, and that brought me pretty close to bankruptcy. However, I’d like to change that. Hopefully, this Voyage Houston interview will assist in garnering much needed publicity to expand not only the passport enterprise but to also help further my film career.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TDP Passports – what should we know?
We assist the traveling public with their passport and visa needs. Obtaining a new US Passport or processing a visa application through authorities can take up to weeks or even months. It involves original documents: proof of citizenship, birth certificate, proof of identity and a pending trip. It’s also time consuming: appointments must be made, interviews and waiting in long lines, or listening to tedious automated telephone messages are all part of the application development…
TDP PASSPORTS SIMPLIFIES THE PROCESS. We prepare the application and submit it to the appropriate authorities on the customer’s behalf and follow through until the passport or visa is issued; sometimes in as quickly as 24 hours. We work with the Houston Passport Agency and Foreign Consulates based in Houston and around the United States. We serve small business owners, Corporate CEOs, church groups that travel on religious trips, college and university travel sporting events, the self-employed, as well as individuals.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In any kind of business or endeavor, I think, honesty is very important. We treat customers the way would like to be treated. Everything, including prices is said up front and there are no surprises. WE ARE EFFICIENT, WE WORK FAST, AND WE ARE AFFORDABLE. For the most part, we can get you a passport no matter what your budget might be.
Pricing:
- 1 – 2 Business days turnaround: $200.00
- 3 – 5 Business days turnaround: $150.00
- 6 – 12 Business days turnaround: $100.00
- 13- 18 Business days turnaround: $75.00
Our fees do not include government fees. Information about government fees can be obtained online, via: www.travel.state.gov, or call us for details.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1934 W Gray Street,
Suite 335
Houston, TX 77019 - Website: www.tdppassports.com
- Phone: 281-610-7957
- Email: tdp@tdppassports.com
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