Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.

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

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.
Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-integrity/id1809270239">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6hUwt34fVZynVGwtnt2aos">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/banking-on-integrity/playlists/podcast">your podcasts</a>!

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.

Banking on Integrity

Banking on Integrity is your inside look at Houston's thriving entrepreneurial scene. Hosted by Integrity Bank's Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff, this podcast features inspiring interviews with local business owners, offering valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to succeed in business.

Banking on Integrity is your inside look at Houston's thriving entrepreneurial scene. Hosted by Integrity Bank's Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff, this podcast features inspiring interviews with local business owners, offering valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to succeed in business.

Banking on Integrity: Trailer

President and CEO of the Greater Houston YMCA, Stephen Ives, joins Hazem and Mack to explore how the Y strengthens community far beyond treadmills and weight rooms. From youth sports and senior programs to refugee resettlement and anti human trafficking work, Stephen shares how 175 locations across Greater Houston are building belonging, connection, and opportunity. He explains why only a fraction of adults will ever join a gym and how the Y’s family centered model and social services fill that gap. Stephen also discusses navigating Hurricane Harvey recovery, COVID closures, major portfolio restructuring, and federal funding swings while keeping mission at the center. He reflects on data from the Kinder Institute showing just how disconnected 18 to 29 year olds feel and why belonging is more predictive of life satisfaction than income or education. The conversation closes with Stephen’s personal journey from lifeguard to CEO, his love for Houston, and how a bike ride from Canada to Mexico shaped his vocation.​

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Houston, go 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 YMCA’s core impact is building relationships and a sense of belonging, not simply operating gyms and pools.​

2. Only about a quarter of adults ever walk into any gym, so the Y’s family based programming and social services reach people far beyond traditional fitness users.​

3. Data from the Kinder Institute shows 18 to 29 year olds are the most lonely and disconnected group in Greater Houston and that connection and belonging correlate more strongly with life satisfaction than income or education.​

4. The Greater Houston YMCA has navigated Harvey recovery, COVID shutdowns, real estate consolidation, and sharp swings in federal refugee resettlement funding while refocusing on sustainable, mission aligned work.​

5. Stephen’s career grew from part time lifeguarding to leading a 100 million plus association, illustrating how the Y develops leaders, workforce skills, and community minded careers.​

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Hazem and Mack introduce Banking on Integrity and welcome Greater Houston YMCA CEO Stephen Ives.​
01:00 Stephen explains his role overseeing programs across roughly 175 locations and 10,000 square miles in the Houston metro.​
01:40 The hosts ask what the YMCA should mean to the average Houstonian and Stephen shares that people never mention equipment, they talk about friendships and community.​
03:10 Mack asks about usage patterns at the downtown Y and Stephen describes morning and afternoon peaks plus daytime programming for seniors and youth.​
03:40 Hazem recalls coaching youth sports and his father’s Silver Sneakers experience as Stephen explains the Y’s focus on community and not just the gym.​
05:33 Stephen outlines the Y’s social work roots, from mentoring and health equity to housing, refugee resettlement, immigrant support, and anti trafficking services.​
07:32 Mack asks about Ys across Texas and immigrant integration as Stephen details how a few thousand new Americans annually engage in formal Y programs.​
09:12 Stephen shares new research with the Kinder Institute on loneliness, belonging, and how connection strongly predicts life satisfaction and self efficacy.​
11:23 Stephen reflects on how Houston uniquely welcomes newcomers and empowers fresh ideas compared with other large coastal cities.​
13:18 Mack connects that openness to Integrity Bank’s mission as Stephen defines integrity as consistency between words and actions in community.​
14:35 Hazem asks how Stephen first entered the Y and Stephen describes starting as a lifeguard in Portland, Maine before discovering YMCA career paths.​
16:56 Stephen walks through arriving in Houston post Harvey, reopening flooded branches, then rapidly pivoting through COVID closures and a real estate reset.​
19:28 He explains growing and later sharply reducing federal refugee and immigration contracts as elections and funding priorities shifted.​
21:40 Hazem asks about funding mix as Stephen breaks down the association’s heavy reliance on fee for service revenue like memberships and after school care.​
23:06 Mack is surprised by the size of the childcare business as Stephen emphasizes trust, safety, school partnerships, and educational enrichment for thousands of kids daily.​
24:38 Hazem invites listeners to give back and Stephen describes supporting the Y through traditional giving, joining, or impact oriented membership models.​
26:14 Mack asks who should consider a Y career and Stephen frames the organization as a hospitality and workforce development training ground for young workers.​
27:05 Hazem turns to Stephen’s personal life as he talks about his marriage, two daughters in Boston and LA, and one daughter working in the Y system.​
27:31 Stephen shares the story of biking from Canada to Mexico and how that adventure preceded his first lifeguarding role at the Y.​

President and CEO of the <a href="https://ymcahouston.org/join?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23401737965&amp;gbraid=0AAAABCaR3Ub2M-uYWqbrSimyi-DSycw0g&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp5rZMFoYgrNXw-SO8p5eX9Eeif_mpxBAsEuQTk75a4kmXi-xm9mIYBoC-oMQAvD_BwE">Greater Houston YMCA</a>, Stephen Ives, joins Hazem and Mack to explore how the Y strengthens community far beyond treadmills and weight rooms. From youth sports and senior programs to refugee resettlement and anti human trafficking work, Stephen shares how 175 locations across Greater Houston are building belonging, connection, and opportunity. He explains why only a fraction of adults will ever join a gym and how the Y&rsquo;s family centered model and social services fill that gap. Stephen also discusses navigating Hurricane Harvey recovery, COVID closures, major portfolio restructuring, and federal funding swings while keeping mission at the center. He reflects on data from the Kinder Institute showing just how disconnected 18 to 29 year olds feel and why belonging is more predictive of life satisfaction than income or education. The conversation closes with Stephen&rsquo;s personal journey from lifeguard to CEO, his love for Houston, and how a bike ride from Canada to Mexico shaped his vocation.​
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Houston, go <a href="https://ymcahouston.org/join?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23401737965&amp;gbraid=0AAAABCaR3Ub2M-uYWqbrSimyi-DSycw0g&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp5rZMFoYgrNXw-SO8p5eX9Eeif_mpxBAsEuQTk75a4kmXi-xm9mIYBoC-oMQAvD_BwE">here</a>.
To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to <a href="https://www.itx.bank">itx.bank</a>.
Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-integrity/id1809270239">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6hUwt34fVZynVGwtnt2aos">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/banking-on-integrity/playlists/podcast">your podcasts</a>!
Key Takeaways
1. The YMCA&rsquo;s core impact is building relationships and a sense of belonging, not simply operating gyms and pools.​
2. Only about a quarter of adults ever walk into any gym, so the Y&rsquo;s family based programming and social services reach people far beyond traditional fitness users.​
3. Data from the Kinder Institute shows 18 to 29 year olds are the most lonely and disconnected group in Greater Houston and that connection and belonging correlate more strongly with life satisfaction than income or education.​
4. The Greater Houston YMCA has navigated Harvey recovery, COVID shutdowns, real estate consolidation, and sharp swings in federal refugee resettlement funding while refocusing on sustainable, mission aligned work.​
5. Stephen&rsquo;s career grew from part time lifeguarding to leading a 100 million plus association, illustrating how the Y develops leaders, workforce skills, and community minded careers.​
Timestamped Overview 00:00 Hazem and Mack introduce Banking on Integrity and welcome Greater Houston YMCA CEO Stephen Ives.​ 01:00 Stephen explains his role overseeing programs across roughly 175 locations and 10,000 square miles in the Houston metro.​ 01:40 The hosts ask what the YMCA should mean to the average Houstonian and Stephen shares that people never mention equipment, they talk about friendships and community.​ 03:10 Mack asks about usage patterns at the downtown Y and Stephen describes morning and afternoon peaks plus daytime programming for seniors and youth.​ 03:40 Hazem recalls coaching youth sports and his father&rsquo;s Silver Sneakers experience as Stephen explains the Y&rsquo;s focus on community and not just the gym.​ 05:33 Stephen outlines the Y&rsquo;s social work roots, from mentoring and health equity to housing, refugee resettlement, immigrant support, and anti trafficking services.​ 07:32 Mack asks about Ys across Texas and immigrant integration as Stephen details how a few thousand new Americans annually engage in formal Y programs.​ 09:12 Stephen shares new research with the Kinder Institute on loneliness, belonging, and how connection strongly predicts life satisfaction and self efficacy.​ 11:23 Stephen reflects on how Houston uniquely welcomes newcomers and empowers fresh ideas compared with other large coastal cities.​ 13:18 Mack connects that openness to Integrity Bank&rsquo;s mission as Stephen defines integrity as consistency between words and actions in community.​ 14:35 Hazem asks how Stephen first entered the Y and Stephen describes starting as a lifeguard in Portland, Maine before discovering YMCA career paths.​ 16:56 Stephen walks through arriving in Houston post Harvey, reopening flooded branches, then rapidly pivoting through COVID closures and a real estate reset.​ 19:28 He explains growing and later sharply reducing federal refugee and immigration contracts as elections and funding priorities shifted.​ 21:40 Hazem asks about funding mix as Stephen breaks down the association&rsquo;s heavy reliance on fee for service revenue like memberships and after school care.​ 23:06 Mack is surprised by the size of the childcare business as Stephen emphasizes trust, safety, school partnerships, and educational enrichment for thousands of kids daily.​ 24:38 Hazem invites listeners to give back and Stephen describes supporting the Y through traditional giving, joining, or impact oriented membership models.​ 26:14 Mack asks who should consider a Y career and Stephen frames the organization as a hospitality and workforce development training ground for young workers.​ 27:05 Hazem turns to Stephen&rsquo;s personal life as he talks about his marriage, two daughters in Boston and LA, and one daughter working in the Y system.​ 27:31 Stephen shares the story of biking from Canada to Mexico and how that adventure preceded his first lifeguarding role at the Y.​

Building Community and Belonging Through the YMCA

How did Jimmy Baba's early experiences in his family's business influence his entrepreneurial journey?

In this episode, hosts Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff chat with Jimmy Baba, board member and entrepreneur. Jimmy shares his journey from working in his father's liquor stores to opening a deli chain in Houston. He reflects on the people skills learned during his youth and how these experiences shaped his perspective in business. 

Discussing the growth of his deli business and its eventual sale, Jimmy highlights the challenges of running multiple locations. He also shares insights into the real estate investments he pursued after exiting the deli industry. 

Directors Ahmed and Neff explore Baba's banking relationships, learning about the distinctions between large institutions and community banks. As Integrity Bank board members, they examine how personal relationships shape business success. 

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. Jimmy Baba's entrepreneurial journey highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and timing in business success. His transition from a family liquor store to running a successful deli chain shows a pragmatic approach to seizing growth opportunities.

2. Relationships are crucial in business, both with mentors and in banking. Jimmy's success was heavily influenced by his mentors and the relationships he built with community bankers, emphasizing that strong relationships can provide valuable support and guidance.

3. The episode illustrates the advantages of community banks over larger banks. Community banks offer personalized service and deep relationships, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs who need tailored financial support and guidance.

4. Real estate investing carries risks and rewards, often hinging on factors like location and timing. Starting small and leveraging strategic insights can lead to successful long-term investments, as observed in Jimmy's experience with property development.

5. Houston's diverse and rapidly growing market presents vast opportunities for businesses. The cultural diversity and economic resilience of the city make it a promising environment for both new ventures and established businesses looking to expand.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From Liquor Store to Deli Owner

05:19 Business Resilience Through Economic Cycles

09:08 Early Growth Challenges and Support

10:56 Pasadena Real Estate Luck

14:56 Ditching Big Banks for Local Options

19:30 Banking: Business and Advisory Role

20:46 Integrity Bank's People-Driven Success

24:22 Houston's Bright Future, Traffic Challenges

27:19 Team's Collective Expertise Shines

How did Jimmy Baba's early experiences in his family's business influence his entrepreneurial journey?
In this episode, hosts Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff chat with Jimmy Baba, board member and entrepreneur. Jimmy shares his journey from working in his father's liquor stores to opening a deli chain in Houston. He reflects on the people skills learned during his youth and how these experiences shaped his perspective in business.&nbsp;
Discussing the growth of his deli business and its eventual sale, Jimmy highlights the challenges of running multiple locations. He also shares insights into the real estate investments he pursued after exiting the deli industry.&nbsp;
Directors Ahmed and Neff explore Baba's banking relationships, learning about the distinctions between large institutions and community banks. As Integrity Bank board members, they examine how personal relationships shape business success.&nbsp;
To learn more, go to <a href="https://www.itx.bank">itx.bank</a>.
Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-integrity/id1809270239">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6hUwt34fVZynVGwtnt2aos">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/banking-on-integrity/playlists/podcast">your podcasts</a>!
Key Takeaways
1. Jimmy Baba's entrepreneurial journey highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and timing in business success. His transition from a family liquor store to running a successful deli chain shows a pragmatic approach to seizing growth opportunities.
2. Relationships are crucial in business, both with mentors and in banking. Jimmy's success was heavily influenced by his mentors and the relationships he built with community bankers, emphasizing that strong relationships can provide valuable support and guidance.
3. The episode illustrates the advantages of community banks over larger banks. Community banks offer personalized service and deep relationships, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs who need tailored financial support and guidance.
4. Real estate investing carries risks and rewards, often hinging on factors like location and timing. Starting small and leveraging strategic insights can lead to successful long-term investments, as observed in Jimmy's experience with property development.
5. Houston's diverse and rapidly growing market presents vast opportunities for businesses. The cultural diversity and economic resilience of the city make it a promising environment for both new ventures and established businesses looking to expand.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 From Liquor Store to Deli Owner
05:19 Business Resilience Through Economic Cycles
09:08 Early Growth Challenges and Support
10:56 Pasadena Real Estate Luck
14:56 Ditching Big Banks for Local Options
19:30 Banking: Business and Advisory Role
20:46 Integrity Bank's People-Driven Success
24:22 Houston's Bright Future, Traffic Challenges
27:19 Team's Collective Expertise Shines

Navigating Business Cycles in Houston

What inspires someone to prioritize community engagement and education advocacy?

Eric Calderon, a board member of Integrity Bank, shares his journey, emphasizing education's role in creating opportunities. Raised by a police officer and a school teacher, he reflects on a family that valued community roots. After completing engineering at Texas A&M, he pursued an entrepreneurial path post-business school. His philanthropic focus includes aiding first-generation students and serving on boards like YES Prep, highlighting the transformative power of education. 

Eric and Integrity Bank's founders, Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff, explore Integrity Bank's impact in Houston. They discuss the bank's role in fostering prosperity through small businesses. 

Integrity Bank's mission emphasizes genuine engagement and support for local entrepreneurs, reinforcing the significance of preserving Houston's integrity and growth. 

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 podcast focuses on the importance of community banks in supporting local entrepreneurs. Eric's story emphasizes the role these banks play in providing personal connections and tailored financial solutions that big banks might not offer.

2. Eric highlights how education opened many doors for him, creating opportunities he couldn't have imagined. He feels a strong obligation to give back, particularly in helping first-generation students navigate educational paths that could lead to their success.

3. Eric discusses his involvement in various philanthropic activities, particularly in education. He stresses the importance of not waiting to make an impact and his belief in helping others by sharing his experiences and insights to guide them.

4. Eric’s relationship with Hazem and Mack showcases how professional connections can evolve from brief encounters to meaningful partnerships. This emphasizes the significance of networking and maintaining relationships that can lead to mutual success.

5. The name "Integrity Bank" was chosen deliberately to reflect the values of honesty and dedication in business dealings.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Unexpected Engineering Journey

05:59 Empowering Through Business Education

09:52 Take the Shot

12:29 Embracing Failure in Conversations

15:58 Authentic Investment Connection Experience

18:30 Harvard Talk: Community Banking Insights

23:07 Banking Insights: Investor Trust and Diversity

25:59 Motivation: Surrounding with Good People

29:55 Integrity in Business Values

What inspires someone to prioritize community engagement and education advocacy?
Eric Calderon, a board member of Integrity Bank, shares his journey, emphasizing education's role in creating opportunities. Raised by a police officer and a school teacher, he reflects on a family that valued community roots. After completing engineering at Texas A&amp;M, he pursued an entrepreneurial path post-business school. His philanthropic focus includes aiding first-generation students and serving on boards like YES Prep, highlighting the transformative power of education.&nbsp;
Eric and Integrity Bank's founders, Hazem Ahmed and Mack Neff, explore Integrity Bank's impact in Houston. They discuss the bank's role in fostering prosperity through small businesses.&nbsp;
Integrity Bank's mission emphasizes genuine engagement and support for local entrepreneurs, reinforcing the significance of preserving Houston's integrity and growth.&nbsp;
To learn more, go to <a href="https://www.itx.bank">itx.bank</a>.
Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-integrity/id1809270239">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6hUwt34fVZynVGwtnt2aos">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/banking-on-integrity/playlists/podcast">your podcasts</a>!
Key Takeaways
1. The podcast focuses on the importance of community banks in supporting local entrepreneurs. Eric's story emphasizes the role these banks play in providing personal connections and tailored financial solutions that big banks might not offer.
2. Eric highlights how education opened many doors for him, creating opportunities he couldn't have imagined. He feels a strong obligation to give back, particularly in helping first-generation students navigate educational paths that could lead to their success.
3. Eric discusses his involvement in various philanthropic activities, particularly in education. He stresses the importance of not waiting to make an impact and his belief in helping others by sharing his experiences and insights to guide them.
4. Eric&rsquo;s relationship with Hazem and Mack showcases how professional connections can evolve from brief encounters to meaningful partnerships. This emphasizes the significance of networking and maintaining relationships that can lead to mutual success.
5. The name "Integrity Bank" was chosen deliberately to reflect the values of honesty and dedication in business dealings.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Unexpected Engineering Journey
05:59 Empowering Through Business Education
09:52 Take the Shot
12:29 Embracing Failure in Conversations
15:58 Authentic Investment Connection Experience
18:30 Harvard Talk: Community Banking Insights
23:07 Banking Insights: Investor Trust and Diversity
25:59 Motivation: Surrounding with Good People
29:55 Integrity in Business Values

Banking on Integrity: Trailer

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