Banking on Integrity

What does it mean to bring artists and community together in a space that isn’t a gallery?  Some walk halls for inspiration, others meet by chance, and sometimes an idea grows into something bigger than either person could have planned.  Today, Chu the Artist joins Hazem and Mack to talk about how art found a new home inside Integrity Bank, how a teacher shares confidence with stud...

Have you ever thought about how someone breaks the cycle of incarceration in a family?  The Prison Entrepreneurship Program has helped people behind bars learn how to launch a business and start a new life. Today, Hazem and Mack welcome PEP's Chief Development Officer Chris Valka for a conversation you don't want to miss.  Hear what happens when relationships formed in prison have a...

What do you do when you’re told you have six months to live? Dewey Stringer, a Houston entrepreneur and community leader, faced this question after decades building businesses in the oil industry and banking.  In this episode, Dewey shares how he fought back against a dire cancer diagnosis, pioneered new treatments at MD Anderson and Baylor, and turned his journey into hope for others....

How does a door-to-door salesman become one of Houston’s leading insurance entrepreneurs? Mark Rafail’s story begins with humble roots, hustle-driven parents, and a degree he thought would lead to basketball coaching. After setbacks in sales and oil and gas, Rafail launched his insurance agency and focused on serving local businesses with integrity. Today, his agency thrives on relatio...

How does a family’s quest for fresh tofu blossom into a thriving legacy in Texas? Carol and Gary Chiu’s Banyan Foods began with Carol’s determination to bring quality tofu to Houston after finding local options lacking. Through grit, innovation, and loyal community banking support, they grew into Texas’s largest tofu producer. Now, their family business continues adapting t...

Why does a driven attorney pivot from legal briefs to building Houston’s skyline? Mike Baker’s evolution from practicing law to becoming a prominent real estate developer exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit. Guided by a strong work ethic and a passion for continued learning, he has shaped communities and championed small business growth. His journey underscores Houston’s role as a...

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 in...

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...

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-busin...

What role does familiarity with local business dynamics play in successful community banking? In this episode of Banking on Integrity, hosts Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff discuss the fundamentals of community banking in Houston. They discuss the importance of partnering with small and medium-sized businesses, emphasizing the need for a strong relationship between banks and their clients. Integrity Ban...

How do Mack Neff and Hazem Ahmed describe their journey to establish a new Integrity Bank? As the founders of Integrity Bank, Hazem and Mack discuss their journey in establishing a new bank in Houston. They recount their history, beginning with their previous bank, sold by another bank. Following changes at this new establishment, they decided Houston needed another Integrity Bank. This episode hi...

Banking on Integrity , hosted by Mack Neff and Hazem Ahmed, dives into Houston's business landscape. As founders of Integrity Bank, Mack and Hazem explore stories from Houston's entrepreneurs. They focus on what drives individuals, how they recover from setbacks, and their contributions to the city's growth.  With 70 years of experience combined, they understand the challenges of starting a b...

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward. Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts ! See omnystudio.com/list...