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.

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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

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