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 Mack about safety, banking, and what it really takes to grow a business. His story weaves together family, education, faith, community, and what it means to keep giving back over a lifetime.

To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank.

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Key Takeaways

1. Gary shares his path from a working-class family in New Orleans to an accomplished career in oil and engineering. His journey highlights the transformational impact of mentors (like Dr. Carver) and the importance of education, curiosity, and seizing opportunities that may arise unexpectedly.

2. The conversation reveals the vast breadth and depth of the oil industry, underscoring its essential role in the global economy and daily life. Despite environmental and political challenges, the discussion makes clear that oil remains irreplaceable as an energy source for the foreseeable future.

3. Gary emphasizes that protecting human life is the oil industry’s highest priority, particularly in light of disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon spill. The transcript drives home the significant risks present in oil extraction and the vital need for rigorous safety standards and accountability.

4. Through his experience as a bank director and entrepreneur,
Gary stresses that strong banking relationships and financial literacy are crucial for small businesses, startups, and established companies alike. Banks play an indispensable role in guiding business owners to sound financial practices and sustainability.

5. Gary’s commitment to giving back—whether through his work with LSU, community involvement, or mentorship. The broader lesson is that a fulfilling career includes investing in the success and well-being of others, both professionally and personally.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Choosing Mechanical Engineering Path

03:52 Grad School Offer He Couldn't Refuse

09:12 From Bricklayer to Oil Career

11:50 Consultant Resolves High-Stakes Crises

13:41 BP Fallout and Deepwater Horizon

18:34 Oil Debate: Necessity vs. Transition

22:42 Banking: Crucial for Startups

24:10 Understanding Small Business Financing

29:14 Reflecting on LSU Achievements

30:08 Model of Integrity and F

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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 the Sunburst Cares program.

Learn more about Sunburst Truck Lines here.

To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank.

Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

1. Shaun Leone described how Sunburst Truck Lines began as a family business in 1988 with just one truck, founded by his father. The story highlights the humble beginnings, perseverance, and gradual scaling of the company through hard work and family involvement.

2. The conversation explored the vital role trucking plays in the economy, especially through intermodal shipping and the transportation of container goods in and out of key ports. Shaun emphasized how trucking keeps supply chains running—even more visible since COVID-19.

3. After the unexpected passing of Sunburst’s founder, Shaun and his family committed to carrying the business forward, establishing accountability, and transitioning from running the business emotionally to managing it strategically.

4. The episode dove into the realities of fluctuating fuel costs, the struggle to find qualified drivers due to strict insurance requirements, and the escalating challenges (and costs) around commercial insurance policies. Safety and regulatory compliance are central to business sustainability.

5. Shaun Leone shared Sunburst’s commitment to giving back through local charities and their own Sunburst Cares foundation. The company is rooted in supporting its community and practicing integrity, which also connects to the founding principles of Integrity Bank.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Growing Interest in Container Shipping

05:48 Growing Trucking Business Success

08:07 Board Member's Dedication Acknowledged

11:34 Finding Purpose in Business

14:17 Market Expansion for Stability

16:56 Houston's Unique Role in Trade

22:02 Safety, Insurance, and Cost Balance

23:56 Sunburst's Community Impact Highlights

26:04 Family, Fun, and Togetherness

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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 more about Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank.

Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Key Takeaways

1. John emphasizes the importance of determination and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges, such as dealing with learning differences (ADHD, dyslexia) and persevering through school and career obstacles. Success, he suggests, is less about natural aptitude and more about gritty persistence and creative problem-solving.

2. Maintaining engagement with passions, like water skiing for
John, contributes to happiness, physical health, and a youthful mindset. Staying active and continually embracing change are highlighted as keys to healthy aging and sustained vitality.

3. John’s real estate success is attributed not only to business acumen, but also to the foundation of strong, trust-based relationships—with family, tenants, investors, and banking partners. He illustrates that people and partnerships, not just strategy or market timing, drive sustainable business results.

4. This conversation stresses the importance of ethics and good stewardship, especially when handling investors’ money. Openness during hard times, such as the Covid-19 crisis, and prioritizing others’ interests (tenants, investors) builds lasting trust and reputation.

5. Values and work ethic are passed down through generations, with John working closely with his children in business. Diversity in skills and perspectives among family members strengthens the organization, and a focus on legacy and teamwork shapes both family and business success.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Determination Through Challenges

05:28 Staying Youthful Through Passion

09:18 16-Year-Old's Real Estate Dream

11:04 First Real Estate Experience

16:05 Navigating a $16 Million Deal

18:39 Responsible Investment and Returns

22:33 Building Success Through Integrity

24:03 Trust, Partnerships, and Success

29:21 Max's Trust-Fueled Venture

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