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, from condos to tiny homes.

Learn more about NAN Properties 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. Nancy Almodovar shared her journey of founding NAN Properties, starting at her kitchen table with a $10,000 investment from her husband. The key idea is that entrepreneurial success can be rooted in recognizing gaps in the market, believing in oneself, and leveraging both mentorship and family support. Strategic growth involves adaptability, differentiation, and creating a unique company culture.

2. The discussion covered the ever-changing landscape of Houston's residential real estate market, noting seasonal fluctuations, differences among neighborhoods, and segments such as luxury, first-time buyers, and commercial properties. The main takeaway is that market knowledge must be hyper-local and adaptable, with understanding that factors like interest rates and inventory cycles vary greatly by area.

3. Nancy emphasized the importance of her team—both the 200 realtors and 30 support staff—in building a successful business. Her focus on open-door policies, strong company culture ("Nan Fam"), and supporting local businesses highlights that sustainable success depends on collaboration, community orientation, and valuing employees.

4. Providing guidance for first-time homebuyers and relocating clients, Nancy stressed the significance of working with an experienced realtor, the role of education, and tailored relocation packages. The main takeaway is that client needs are diverse, and high-touch, personalized service is crucial, whether that means helping buyers weigh new construction versus resales or orienting newcomers to Houston life.

5. Nancy discussed the Nan Cares initiative and her philosophy of giving back to the community that supported her business. The big idea here is that true success is measured beyond transactions; it’s about making a positive difference, setting an example for future generations, and collaborating with other local businesses to amplify philanthropic impact.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship

06:03 Houston vs. Galveston Housing Inventory

08:35 Choosing the Right Realtor Matters

11:24 Homebuyers Struggle with Remodeling Vision

13:27 Design Vision and Financial Guts

18:44 Collaborative Impact for Philanthropy

20:00 Success, Humility, and Giving Back

24:55 Retirement-Ready Residential Living

27:05 Downsizing in Texas: Space Needs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, diving into hospitality with concepts like indoor pickleball courts, and making bold business moves in Houston’s thriving market.

It’s a story of resilience, relationships, and keeping life in balance with insights any entrepreneur can use.

Learn more about Maven Cafe 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. Juan Carlos De Aldecoa’s entrepreneurial path is strongly shaped by his family’s work ethic and immigrant roots. From a young age, he was encouraged to take on responsibility, work hard, and never quit—values that built his resilience and drive. The takeaway is that a strong foundation in values and hard work, passed down through family, is often a vital ingredient for entrepreneurial success.

2. Juan Carlos shares how Maven started as an idea and quickly scaled to multiple locations in the Houston area thanks to teamwork, strategic partnerships, and effective management systems. The key lesson is that rapid growth is possible when you assemble a good team, learn from your network, and set up scalable systems early on.

3. Repeatedly, Juan Carlos emphasizes the powerful role mentors and advisors have played in his trajectory, from learning industry specifics to gaining crucial business advice. He intentionally surrounds himself with people smarter than himself. The main idea: seeking out and learning from mentors is essential, especially when entering new industries or scaling businesses.

4. A core strategy Juan Carlos describes is entrepreneurship through acquisition—buying established, successful businesses whose founders are ready to retire (but have no successors), then rolling them up under one parent company. He’s now applying this method beyond automotive, targeting hospitality as well. The concept: smart acquisitions can accelerate growth and preserve valuable local businesses.

5. Throughout the conversation, all the speakers highlight Houston’s supportive, opportunity-rich environment for entrepreneurs. From access to networks and capital, to a willingness among locals to help newcomers, Houston is described as the perfect “incubator.” The message: location and community matter. A thriving, supportive local ecosystem can make a huge difference in entrepreneurial outcomes.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Coffee Shop Plans Altered

03:13 Journey to Hospitality Venture

07:37 Immigrant Family Influence

12:16 Chase Dreams, Not Dollars

14:04 Succession Opportunities in Aging Businesses

18:21 Mentors in Automotive and Hospitality

21:43 Houston: Ideal Business Incubator

24:17 Community Resilience During Hurricane Harvey

25:38 Family Goals and Business Innovation

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Houston is a place where anyone willing to work hard can still achieve the American dream

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. Business success is rooted in authentic relationships. Troy Maxwell emphasizes how personal, genuine connections—like those formed at Houston National Bank—create opportunities and foster long-term trust. Treating every interaction with respect, regardless of immediate monetary value, can lead to meaningful, lasting business partnerships.

2. Building something significant requires calculated risk and perseverance. Troy’s journey from picking up range balls to developing large tracts of land exemplifies Houston’s entrepreneurial environment, where grit, hard work, and being willing to "scuff" (work resourcefully and persevere) is key to achieving the American dream.

3. Houston offers unique opportunities for upward mobility and success regardless of background. The city's welcoming and business-friendly nature, diverse economy, and expansive growth make it a prime environment for anyone willing to work hard to pursue and achieve their ambitions.

4. Development success in Houston has been about vision, timing, and adaptability. Troy’s recounting of land assembly, partnership formation, and the city’s westward expansion illustrates how Houston’s open development landscape allows driven individuals to conceptualize, create, and scale projects from the ground up—even starting with minimal resources.

5. Mentorship and passing on hard-earned wisdom is integral to sustaining Houston’s entrepreneurial culture. Troy highlights how being mentored by experts and, in turn, advising the next generation—whether family or community—is about fostering passion, supporting others’ growth, and perpetuating a legacy of opportunity.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Golf Dreams to Business Reality

04:35 Cultivating Relationships Over Money

08:31 From Golf to Development Shift

11:10 From Engineering to Grayson Lakes

15:10 Meetings, Houston, and Resilient Entrepreneurs

18:38 Love for Houston's Growth

20:52 Greater Houston's Unmatched Appeal

23:12 Home-Based Restaurant Success Tips

27:50 Reflections on Urban Growth

30:24 Streamlined Home Building Challenges

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 chooses where and how to build.
• Why trust and relationships matter in home buying.
• How buyers can navigate affordability and financing options.

Connect with Amer on LinkedIn 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. The concept of the “American Dream” is deeply tied to homeownership, serving as a significant backdrop to people’s lives and milestones. However, the decision to purchase a home should be driven by personal life factors and readiness, rather than market timing or interest rates.

2. Davidson Homes and Integrity Bank both emphasize creating an exceptional customer experience by treating customers and employees like family. Genuine care, trust, and mission-driven work lead to a superior customer journey and internal culture, which distinguishes them from larger, less personal competitors.

3. Affordability remains a central challenge in today’s real estate market, exacerbated by higher interest rates and rising prices. The right time to buy depends on individual circumstances, and multiple financial assistance programs (grants, USDA/FHA loans) can help make homeownership attainable.

4. Technology, particularly AI tools like ChatGPT, is becoming an essential asset in saving time and boosting efficiency. It can handle routine analysis and reporting, which frees up professionals to focus on personal interactions and relationship building, rather than replacing the human element.

5. There is a shift back to more modestly sized homes and practical designs, driven by affordability concerns and changing lifestyles (e.g., less use of large kitchens and extra rooms). Home designs are adjusting to what people truly need, rather than focusing on excess or prestige.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Finding Passion and Alignment

04:57 Workplace Pride and Leadership

07:28 Revitalization and Affordability Challenges

10:51 Master Plan Community Expansion Strategy

14:25 People: Core of Business Success

19:36 AI: Enhancing Efficiency, Not Replacing Humans

21:16 Embracing Tech: Email's Endurance

23:33 Guiding New Homebuyers

27:54 Rethinking Home Size Expectations

30:28 Building Dreams, Fostering Connections

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 apply to any business hoping to find its place.

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. The episode centers on reflecting over Integrity Bank’s first nine months, emphasizing the importance of realistic, data-driven projections and strategic planning for growth. Thoughtful forecasting, based in industry knowledge rather than guesswork, helps keep expansion sustainable and expectations grounded.

2. Hazem and Mack highlight that Integrity Bank values deep, meaningful relationships with clients and shareholders over just increasing numbers. Building a community based on trust and personal touch gives the bank a strong foundation and helps differentiate it from transactional, commodity-driven competitors.

3. The discussion stresses the necessity of being nimble and ready to act when unexpected opportunities arise—such as expansion opportunities with office space or hiring unexpected talent. It’s about balancing careful planning with the ability to seize moments as they appear, supported by strong relationships.

4. Mack shares wisdom about the importance of directing energy toward things within your control—your actions, your team, and your service—rather than external factors like the wider economy or regulatory changes. This mindset is portrayed as essential for entrepreneurs and leaders facing uncertainty.

5. Hazem and Mack caution against pursuing growth for its own sake, noting that unsustainable or poorly planned expansion can destabilize an organization. They cite industry examples where unbalanced growth led to failure. The main lesson is that growth should always be monitored against multiple metrics to ensure sound, long-term health.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Integrity Bank's Proud Progress

03:57 Realistic Expectations in Community Banking

07:19 Bank Break-Even and Interest Strategy

13:22 Focus on Control and Motivation

16:04 Success Through Numbers and Trust

21:04 Neighbor's Space: Expansion Opportunity

22:51 Opportunistic Relationships in Business

25:22 Seize Opportunities, Adapt and Thrive

30:24 Measured Growth for SMB Success

31:48 Houston: Where Dreams Become Reality

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 students, and how creativity changes a career.

• Learn what happens when art goes beyond the studio
• Hear how young artists find their first audience
• See how a passion can become a calling

See Chu’s work 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. The episode explores how art and business—especially banking—can collaborate in meaningful ways. By incorporating local art into the bank’s physical space, Integrity Bank demonstrates its commitment to reflecting and supporting the community, challenging traditional notions of what belongs within banking environments.

2. Mentorship and guidance are crucial for developing both artistic and entrepreneurial talent. Chu emphasizes the importance of helping others “see better” and building their confidence, mirroring the bank's approach to supporting clients in realizing their aspirations, whether in art or business.

3. Encouragement from one’s mother and the opportunity to participate in a major art commission, can be pivotal in shaping a person's confidence and career path. Recognition and rewards serve as strong motivators for young talents and are essential in both art and business.

4. Versatility is highlighted as a defining trait for success. Chu discusses working in various media (painting, mosaic, installation art, etc.) and continually seeking new creative challenges. Ongoing practice, teaching, and learning from different materials or genres keeps an artist’s work evolving—an attitude equally valuable in any innovative or entrepreneurial pursuit.

5. Artists often face challenges balancing creativity with financial stability. Chu underscores the importance of blending artistic training with business skills like marketing, self-promotion, and entrepreneurship, especially in the modern era where greater access (e.g., social media) can empower artists to sustain themselves professionally.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Chance Meeting Sparks Artistic Collaboration

03:29 "Community Art in Corporate Spaces"

07:08 Early Passion Leads to Artistic Contract

12:38 Consistent Practice Through Teaching

15:51 Artistic Exploration Beyond Comfort Zones

19:38 "Empowering Aspirations Through Guidance"

20:37 Showcasing Emerging and Young Artists

25:30 Artists Need Business Training

28:27 "Guaranteed Enjoyment Promise"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 an impact long after release. 

You'll find out:

• What happens when volunteers and those incarcerated meet face to face
• Why character, family, and employment matter after someone comes home
• What it means to be part of breaking generational patterns

Learn more about PEP 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. The Prisoner Entrepreneurial Program (PEP) increases formerly incarcerated individuals’ chances of success by teaching them entrepreneurship and business skills. This is based on the reality that many struggle to find employment due to their records. By empowering them to start their own businesses, PEP not only gives them financial opportunities, but also helps break generational cycles of incarceration and poverty.

2. The real “secret sauce” of PEP’s success is the strong relationships formed between volunteers, mentors, and participants. Consistent support from volunteers before and after release helps form community bonds and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for reintegration. These relationships are transformational for both participants and volunteers.

3. Volunteering for PEP is not just about helping others; it profoundly affects the volunteers themselves. The program fosters empathy, gratitude, and self-reflection for those who serve, often leaving volunteers feeling that they gain even more from the experience than the participants.

4. PEP doesn’t just teach business—it restores dignity to people who have been judged and labeled by society. Celebrations like graduations, involving family reunification and public recognition, are key moments of transformation. Restoring dignity opens the door for meaningful societal reintegration.

5. With strong outcomes (like recidivism rates far below state and national averages), PEP is exploring ways to scale its model digitally and geographically. Despite technology, the program’s data proves that personal, in-person engagement is irreplaceable. As PEP seeks to expand, it aims to maintain its high standards by blending digital access with face-to-face mentorship.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship Training

03:58 Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration

07:52 "Life Caddies Support Reentry Success"

12:50 "Reevaluating Incarceration and Redemption"

14:12 Listening for Transformation in Incarceration

18:20 PEP's Digital Curriculum Expansion Plan

22:31 Join, Invest, Support PP Online

25:55 "Servant Leadership in Rehabilitation"

27:06 "Family's Role in Rehabilitation"

31:16 Touching Reunion at Graduation

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Learn more about Adopt-a-Scientist 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. Dewey Stringer’s journey reflects the importance of resilience, whether navigating the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry or confronting a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. His ability to adapt—pivoting business models and embracing new technologies, and later, embracing experimental medical treatments—shows that persistence coupled with openness to change is vital for long-term success and survival.

2. Dewey’s experience as an early beneficiary of immunotherapy highlights the transformative potential of cutting-edge medical research. His story underscores how scientific breakthroughs (like checkpoint inhibitors) can turn dire prognoses around, and stresses the importance of supporting research and clinical trials that advance healthcare.

3. Strong personal and professional relationships were central to Dewey’s survival and ability to help others. His story illustrates how community connections—whether with friends, fellow business owners, or medical professionals—create networks of support and knowledge-sharing that can save lives and foster collective progress.

4. A major message from Dewey’s experience is the necessity of paying attention to health symptoms and prioritizing regular physical checkups and specific medical screenings. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes for conditions like cancer; neglecting symptoms can have serious, even fatal, consequences.

5. Dewey transformed his personal battle into broader impact by helping hundreds of others navigate the cancer treatment process and by supporting medical research through philanthropy. His involvement, including founding the “Adopt a Scientist, Cure Cancer” initiative, shows how individuals can leverage their experiences and resources to drive positive change and advance life-saving research for the entire community.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Serendipitous Film Role Encounter

04:35 From Student to Oil Entrepreneur

08:03 "Confronting Cancer Amid Career Focus"

13:22 "Personal Triumph in Clinical Trial"

16:07 "Touring Labs During Cancer Battle"

18:10 Turning On T Cells Against Cancer

21:37 Early Detection: Crucial for Cancer Prevention

25:26 Podcast Highlights Community Banking Impact

28:53 Sincere Gratitude for Selfless Support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 relationships, community giving, and a team-first spirit.

Learn more about Rafail Insurance Agency here.

To learn more, go to itx.bank.

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

Key Takeaways

1. Both Mark Rafail and the hosts highlight that entrepreneurial paths are rarely straight lines. Mark’s journey—moving from telecom sales to insurance, facing debt, and getting laid off—illustrates that setbacks and failures are part of the process. The most crucial lesson: resilience and persistence in the face of adversity build the drive you need to succeed long-term.

2. The episode delves into the importance of community involvement, exemplified by the creation of the Houston Egyptian Festival. Working together with local organizations, leveraging personal cultural backgrounds, and uniting communities fosters a sense of belonging and supports broader social causes. Even when ventures don’t always go as planned, the relationships and lessons endure.

3. Success in business hinges on having the right team with complementary skills. Mark discusses the value of checks and balances, long-term employee retention, and outsourcing when needed. The core insight: building a loyal, committed team—where everyone’s strengths are utilized—creates lasting stability and high-quality service.

4. Mark Rafail’s choice to put his own name on his agency underscores the belief that trust and accountability are central to his business. Personalized branding, cultivating relationships, and providing education rather than simply competing on price are key. The takeaway is that long-term success depends on reputation, relationships, and a consultative approach rather than transactional thinking.

5. Involvement in nonprofit work, such as Soaring Kids, is framed as both a way to fulfill personal passions and to give back to those in need. Supporting causes outside your main business not only enriches the community but also brings deeper personal satisfaction and perspective—a reminder that business and purpose can go hand-in-hand.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Unexpected Path to Career Growth

03:56 Career Pivot: From Oil to Insurance

07:38 Egyptian Festival Memories & Insights

10:11 Embracing Failure and Maturity

15:32 Soaring Kids: Inclusive Youth Sports

18:12 Building a Strong Team

21:54 Commercial Real Estate Insurance Partnerships

23:47 Insurance Coverage Beyond Requirements

26:20 Targeting Houston's Middle Market Entrepreneurs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 to new markets while honoring its roots.

Learn more about Banyan Foods here.

To learn more, go to itx.bank.

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

Key Takeaways

1. The story of Carol Chiu and her family highlights the challenges and aspirations of immigrant entrepreneurs. From leaving Taiwan, initially landing in New Jersey, relocating to Houston for a better climate and opportunity, and overcoming the lack of an established Asian community, their journey underlines the resilience and adaptability needed to build a business from the ground up in a new country.

2. Banyan Foods’ growth from humble beginnings in Houston’s Chinatown to becoming the largest tofu producer in Texas showcases how focusing on product quality, understanding local market needs, and responding to customer feedback can create sustainable business growth—even while remaining locally rooted.

3. The role of local, community-focused bankers like Charles Neff was pivotal for Banyan Foods. Access to capital and belief from a community bank made all the difference when larger banks weren’t interested, demonstrating how personal, trusting relationships can be essential for small business success, especially for minority and immigrant entrepreneurs.

4. Running a family business is both rewarding and challenging. Gary Chiu discussed the complexities of navigating personal dynamics, boundaries, and conflict within a business context, but emphasized that with effort and understanding, these relationships can mature and lead to a supportive, successful work environment.

5. The discussion around product innovation—such as tofu tamales—and the changing perception of tofu in mainstream American markets (from niche Asian markets to being featured on Sesame Street), shows the importance of adapting to consumer trends and cultural integration. It also illustrates that innovation often springs from customer engagement and willingness to experiment beyond traditional boundaries.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Texas Tofu Giant: Banyan Foods

03:22 Mom's Doubt on Tamale Success

08:29 Homemade Tofu Inspiration

12:34 Tofu Sales and Machinery Deal

15:16 Family Business: Myths and Challenges

18:54 Tofu's Evolving Role in America

22:30 Customer-Inspired Tofu Tamales

25:15 Embracing Texas's Economic Diversity

26:22 Tribute to Community and Kindness

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.