Tenants First, Profits Follow: A Real Estate Lawyer’s Playbook for Industrial Success
Tue Feb 03 2026
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 forJohn, 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.
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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 forJohn, 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.