Banking on Integrity

Entrepreneur Markus Nassar joins Hazem and Mack to share his journey from a multicultural upbringing and international travel business to building a multi unit Jimmy John’s empire in Texas. From Jordan and Germany to Boston and Dubai, Markus traces his path through a family travel company that expanded across several countries before he sold it after 9/11 due to extreme volatility. He explains why he turned to franchising, ho...

President and CEO of the Greater Houston YMCA, Stephen Ives, joins Hazem and Mack to explore how the Y strengthens community far beyond treadmills and weight rooms. From youth sports and senior programs to refugee resettlement and anti human trafficking work, Stephen shares how 175 locations across Greater Houston are building belonging, connection, and opportunity. He explains why only a fraction of adults will ever join a gym and...

How did Jimmy Baba's early experiences in his family's business influence his entrepreneurial journey?

In this episode, hosts Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff chat with Jimmy Baba, board member and entrepreneur. Jimmy shares his journey from working in his father's liquor stores to opening a deli chain in Houston. He reflects on the people skills learned during his youth and how these experiences shaped his perspective in business. 

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What inspires someone to prioritize community engagement and education advocacy?

Eric Calderon, a board member of Integrity Bank, shares his journey, emphasizing education's role in creating opportunities. Raised by a police officer and a school teacher, he reflects on a family that valued community roots. After completing engineering at Texas A&M, he pursued an entrepreneurial path post-business school. His philanthropic focus...

What are the challenges of maintaining company culture during rapid growth?

Caroline Dwairy, a Houston native and board member of Integrity Bank, shares her story on Banking on Integrity. Raised in Houston, Caroline pursued medicine before transitioning to the business world. She joined her family's oil and gas company, witnessing its expansion from 60 to 300 employees. 

Navigating growth involved maintaining company culture a...

More than fifty years in one industry changes more than résumés.

Gary Wooley remembers growing up in post‑World War II New Orleans, finding his way into the oil fields, and unexpectedly discovering a love for teaching at LSU before moving into high‑stakes consulting and board service at Integrity Bank. Along the way, he’s faced the hard realities of risk, regulation, and politics, and he talks with Hazem and Mac...

Trucks connect cities. Families fuel the connection.

Shaun Leone shares how Sunburst Truck Lines grew from a single truck in 1988 into a company woven into Houston’s ports and railroads. He explains how strict regulations and insurance hurdles shape drivers’ daily reality, even as revenue grows 10–15% in most years. The Leone family now carries that success into the community by supporting local charities through ...

John Able joins Hazem and Mack to share his journey from a struggling student to a world-ranked competitive water skier, accomplished lawyer, and successful real estate investor. He discusses the lessons learned along the way, from early real estate calculations to building lasting partnerships with investors and tenants, and how persistence, adaptability, and family values have shaped both his career and life philosophy.

To learn ...

Banking on Integrity closes season one with Hazem and Mack reflecting on eight months of conversations with Houston entrepreneurs, the mission of community banking, and what integrity really looks like in business and relationships. They share lessons from their guests, celebrate their growing team and customer trust, and look ahead to season two in 2026.

Have a guest idea for season two? Contact us here.

To learn more about I...

Juan Bustamante and Ralph Fady, business students at the University of Houston, join the podcast to share how they are reshaping the campus experience.

Through leadership in real estate and private equity clubs, they build community, promote professional growth, and connect peers with Houston industry leaders. By taking part in internships and campus organizations, they prepare for impactful careers and help foster connections and ...

Feras Moussa joins the podcast to talk about how he went from his first four-plex on Westheimer to co-founding Disrupt Equity, managing thousands of units. 

He credits the company's commitment to education, strong operations, and building high-performing teams for their success. Alongside real estate, he now helps investors diversify into small business acquisitions, always f...

Rock Dawson, senior advisor at DRDA, joins Hazem and Mack to share how he leverages decades of business and manufacturing experience to help Houston’s small and medium-sized companies achieve sustainability and growth.

Guided by the city’s resilient spirit, he emphasizes intentional planning, building strong relationships, and adapting to new technology. He aims to serve as the trusted board of directors that many busin...

Scott Clanton’s story at MG Architects is rooted in nearly a century of adaptation, long-term relationships, and creative problem-solving. Over decades, he watched bank design transform from teller lines and vaults to open, collaborative spaces shaped by technological advances. His commitment to serving clients, learning on the job, and refining his craft keeps both his firm and himself at the forefront.

Connect with MG Archi...

Rejection often ignites new entrepreneurial paths.

After submitting more than 455 job applications and facing endless rejection, Freddy Cruz founded Speke Podcasting, a purpose-driven podcast production company based in Houston. Landing his first client provided the confidence to pursue this journey. With support from his wife and a deep passion for authentic storytelling, Freddy continues to build success and inspire others, one p...

Integrity often shines brightest in times of crisis.

Chung Wu’s story unfolds from his immigrant roots and restaurant struggles to surviving the Enron debacle as a principled financial advisor. Guided by honesty, transparency, and putting his clients first, Wu built CWIG Investments into a successful hedge fund. His unwavering commitment to ethical practice defines his legacy in Houston’s business community.

Connect wit...

Dan Parsons, leader of the Better Business Bureau in Houston and South Texas, shares the story of an organization founded by business owners committed to truth in advertising and voluntary accountability. Hazem and Mack highlight why trust is vital to Houston’s economy and how self-regulation benefits both businesses and consumers. The episode offers practical advice for protecting yourself when making significant purchases, ...

Robert Wagnon, founder of Republic State Mortgage, joins Hazem and Mack to share how his journey started with a need for money and evolved through mentorship and strong community connections. By focusing on long-term relationships instead of quick transactions, Robert built a billion-dollar company rooted in expertise, problem-solving, and integrity. His story shows that truly caring about others’ success leads to lasting imp...

Jennifer Salazar, executive director of the Houston Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, joins Hazem and Mack to discuss her fight against fraud and cyber threats targeting both seniors and youth across Texas. Through innovative programs in schools, housing complexes, and community outreach, Jennifer empowers people to recognize scams and protect their assets. Her dedication is fueled by a deep belief in prevention and pass...

Dr. Katherine Pulse, a Houston chiropractor, joins the show to share how she built her practice and the support she found through community banking. She speaks openly about personal hardships, her father’s influence, and her ongoing education in acupuncture, neurology, and nutrition.

Once met with skepticism, chiropractic care has gained wider acceptance, shaping both her career and the field itself. That growth took an even ...