In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Gene Thompson, a mortgage leader whose story is built on loyalty, grit, and an unwavering belief in serving people—without exception. After 16 years of dedication to InterLinc Mortgage, Gene is now the majority owner of the company, stepping into a new era of leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and long-term impact. But this isn’t a corporate takeover story—it’s a leadership journey. Gene started at InterLinc in 2007 during one of the toughest markets in history. Rather than run from the storm, he leaned in. He built relationships. He built teams. He built trust. He quickly rose through the ranks—from sales leader to President in 2010, and then President & CEO in 2021. And now, as owner, he’s doubling down on the mission that built InterLinc’s reputation: do business the right way and take care of people first—always. This episode is packed with insight for loan officers, branch managers, IMB executives, team leaders, and anyone who believes service is a strategy—not a slogan. ✅ In this conversation we cover: Gene’s path from loan officer to CEO and now majority owner Lessons learned from building in a down market Why investing in people—not markets—is the smartest strategy Culture as a business model: Service Without Exception How InterLinc is expanding while others are shrinking Why leadership must be personal—not performative The future of tech and human connection in lending How discipline, faith, and consistency shaped Gene’s success The mindset required to thrive when the market is tough What legacy really looks like in modern lending Gene brings a grounded, no-fluff philosophy to leadership. He shows that you don’t need slogans to win—you need standards. He reminds us that mortgages aren’t just transactions—they’re life decisions that deserve care, clarity, and commitment. If you’re tired of buzzwords and want to hear real talk from a leader who walks his values daily, this episode is for you. Episode Sponsors  Polly Powering modern mortgage capital markets. Polly delivers flexible, fast, and intelligent pricing and pipeline management solutions built for today’s lenders. Website: https://polly.io Floify The secure, customizable mortgage point-of-sale platform that gives lenders speed, transparency, and borrower satisfaction. Website: https://floify.com Truework Fast, secure income and employment verification for mortgage lenders—reducing friction and speeding up approvals. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The industry’s #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform—protecting lenders and borrowers at closing. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com