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.

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank.

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

Key Takeaways

• Community banks play a vital role in Houston by knowing their customers personally, tailoring solutions, and keeping deposits working locally.

• Success is defined individually, but integrity, hard work, and moral character matter more than credit scores or balance sheets.

• Strong banking relationships focus on listening to owners’ goals, offering advice and introductions, not just loans and accounts.

• Houston’s consolidation of community banks is a concern, driving Mack’s goal to advocate for more de novo community banks nationwide.

• Season one guests modeled investing in others’ success, which Hazem and Mack see as the heart of banking and the purpose of the podcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 practical skills among commuter students.

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. Engaging in specialized student organizations—such as real estate, private equity, and industry-focused clubs—provides students with fundamental career skills, exposure to industry professionals, and a pathway to discover and pursue their interests beyond traditional classroom experiences. Both Juan Bustamante and Rauf Fadi attribute much of their career direction and network to their club involvement.

2. The university has evolved significantly, investing heavily in infrastructure and campus life to shed its “commuter school” reputation, strengthen the student community, and attract more students to stay on campus.

3. The campus and surrounding areas are in constant development, including new housing and retail initiatives, but challenges remain, such as low supply of student housing and retail vacancies during academic breaks. As Juan Bustamante and Rauf Fadi observe, these trends present both obstacles and opportunities for students interested in real estate and urban development.

4. AI is both a concern and a tool for current students. While some worry about job security, forward-thinking students like Juan Bustamante and Rauf Fadi see AI as a way to boost personal efficiency and stand out professionally, embracing technology to enhance their analytical and operational capabilities.

5. Building relationships, seeking internships, and leveraging professional connections are essential for long-term success. Both guests emphasize that being proactive about making connections on and off campus plays a pivotal role in shaping their career trajectory and helps them envision owning their own funds or portfolios in development and real estate in a decade.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and community.

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. Multifamily real estate investment requires not just finding deals and capital but successfully managing and operating properties, with execution being the main differentiator according to Feras Moussa.

2. Educating investors and being transparent builds trust and leads to better decisions, as demonstrated by Feras Moussa and his team’s focus on sharing knowledge and data.

3. Navigating the multifamily market’s challenges, like rising costs and shifting interest rates, takes active management, clear communication, and adaptability to change.

4. Diversifying beyond real estate through business acquisitions offers new opportunities, with Feras Moussa’s Equity Launchpad showing how education and creative deal-making help navigate this less structured space.

5. Building strong teams and networks allows entrepreneurs to scale and succeed across ventures, with partnerships and relationships being crucial to long-term growth.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Apartment Size and Townhome Trends

03:30 "Vision Excites, Execution Challenges"

09:31 Organizing a Consistent Meetup Framework

10:18 "Fair Deal Access for Investors"

13:24 "Balancing Risk in Property Deals"

17:26 "Net Operating Income Explained"

21:16 Diversifying Investments: Real Estate vs. Business

23:26 Educating Sellers on Business Exits

27:43 "Investor-Focused Cash Flow Strategy"

29:28 "Entrepreneur's Dilemma: Leadership Shift"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 business owners might not realize they need, offering practical guidance for lasting success.

Learn more about DRDA 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!

Key Takeaways

1. Sustainability in business: Plan intentionally for the future and establish exit strategies from the start.

2. Adoption and impact of technology: Use technology deliberately and cost-effectively, focusing on quick wins and automation while maintaining strong human relationships.

3. Houston’s entrepreneurial culture: Benefit from a diverse, energetic, and community-driven environment that fosters innovation and resilience.

4. Importance of business relationships and networks: Build strong connections for client acquisition, growth, and problem-solving; organizations act as connectors to advance business.

5. Financial preparedness and exit planning: Keep accurate records from day one to stay adaptable and prepared for transition or sale.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Client Relationships and Shared Values

05:50 Business Success: Strategy and Teamwork

09:17 AI's Impact on Jobs

13:08 Houston's Growth and Resilience

17:04 Houston: Growth, Commerce, Opportunities

18:29 Consolidation's Impact on Small Businesses

21:47 Houston: A Connected Community

25:01 Small Business Financial Strategies

28:08 Start With a Clear Goal

31:21 Entrepreneurship Insights & Collaboration

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Architects 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!

Key Takeaways

1. Bank buildings have shifted from highly secure, transaction-focused spaces (with teller lines, large vaults, and safe deposit boxes) to more open, customer-centric environments using teller pods and fewer physical security features. This change mirrors technological advances, decreased reliance on cash handling, and new approaches to customer interaction.

2. MG Architects has built its business on performing quality work that earns referrals, rather than heavy marketing. Strong relationships and consistently exceeding client expectations are vital for repeat business and organic growth, especially in a specialized field like bank design.

3. Both the banking and architectural industries require continual adaptation. Branch consolidation, changing client needs, and shifts in what physical structures are necessary mean firms must be flexible, learning new skills and adjusting services to remain relevant and successful.

4. Scott Clanton’s journey from employee to co-owner highlights the importance of entrepreneurship and ongoing professional development within established firms. Empowering and mentoring the next generation is essential to a company’s longevity and adaptability.

5. The permitting and approval stages for new builds and renovations can be unpredictable and frustrating, often outside the architect’s control. Building strong relationships with permit runners and city officials—as well as keeping clients informed—are key strategies for navigating these obstacles and maintaining project timelines.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 MG Architects' 90-Year Legacy

05:39 Integrity Bank Journey Summary

06:35 Architectural Expertise in Banking

10:17 Architectural Trust and Specialization

15:22 Decline of Cash in Banks

19:20 Branch Closures Explained

22:18 Bank Consolidation Reshaping Landscape

25:34 Learning Architecture and Business Basics

26:34 Designing for Client's Vision

31:33 Building Relationships with Integrity

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.