Banking on Integrity

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 focusing on people...

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...

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 t...

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 buil...

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&rsqu...

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...

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&...

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...

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 fiel...

Bank acquisitions are reshaping Houston’s financial landscape, leaving fewer community banks and more large institutions. This episode explores: Trends driving consolidation The real impact on local business owners and customers Practical steps to take if your bank changes hands To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank . Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on Apple Podcasts , Spotify...

Explore a legacy of faith, family, and perseverance with AW Mechanical’s founders. Dwain Person shares his journey to building a family-driven company trusted by educational and medical clients across Houston. Founded in 1971, A/W Mechanical is rooted in direct sales and a values-first management style Focus on hiring people who care, including family members, and promoting talent from withi...

Building a bank from the ground up takes vision, grit, and the right team. Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff share Integrity Bank’s first-year milestones—challenges overcome, goals surpassed, and local businesses empowered. The episode spotlights how strong relationships and a dedicated staff have defined Integrity Bank’s story, serving Houston’s business community one customer at...

Andrea Martinez of AMA Marketing sits down with Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff to share her journey from studying advertising to shaping standout brand collaborations across Houston. She breaks down how to uncover a company’s core ethos, engage diverse communities, and spark creativity through cross‑industry partnerships. The conversation tackles social media shifts, shrinking attention spans, an...

The Doyle family of Texan Title has spent three decades growing their business across Texas—without losing their family-first touch. Patrick Doyle, CEO, reflects on a legacy of acquisitions and steady values. Shannon Osborne, president of Southland Title, leads with trust, transparency, and heart. Andrew Doyle dives into the world of commercial deals and what it takes to keep clients coming...

From her kitchen table to a 200‑agent powerhouse, Nancy Almodovar reveals how she built NAN Properties into one of Houston’s top brokerages. She talks market trends, the move‑in‑ready craze, and helping everyone from first‑time buyers to international relocations. Plus, why her Nan Cares initiative proves real success is about more than sales—and what’s next for Houston housing,...

Entrepreneur Juan Carlos De Aldecoa joins Hazem and Mack at Maven Coffee inside Houston’s Thompson Hotel for a conversation about grit, growth, and going big. From immigrant roots to breaking into the automotive world with zero experience, and later co-founding Maven Coffee, Juan Carlos shares how work ethic, mentorship, and smart risks fueled his success. Hear how he’s growing Maven,...

What does it take to see opportunity in a city that others are leaving behind? Troy Maxwell came to Houston when office buildings were still boarded up and found a way to build something new.  He talks about: The value of relationships and how one introduction at a bank changed his career path How risk-taking and perseverance led him from picking up range balls to real estate development Why...

What goes into building homes for people who are chasing the American Dream? What does it mean to put purpose over profit in the Houston housing market?  Amer Syed, Vice President of Sales at Davidson Homes , talks about customer experience, building a strong team, and how he’s using technology to help buyers find the right home at the right time. You’ll hear: How Davidson Homes c...

Starting a new bank from scratch means building trust one relationship at a time. In nine months, we faced many questions: How do you measure growth when everything is still new? How do you plan for the future when there are so many unknowns? How do you keep going, even when there are setbacks? Today, we’re reflecting on what it takes to grow a community bank in Houston and the lessons that...

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...