The MikedUp Show Warehouse Lines & Relationships ft. Chris Avery
Warehouse lines aren't just financing—they’re a foundation.
In this compelling episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Chris Avery, Vice President and Relationship Manager at First Horizon Bank, to unpack the crucial intersection of warehouse lines of credit and strategic industry relationships in today’s mortgage banking environment.
Chris brings over 30 years of sales and leadership expertise to the conversation—along with a deep understanding of what it means to build and sustain high-performing teams, partnerships, and lending operations. Whether you're a seasoned independent mortgage banker or a rising loan officer dreaming of launching your own shop, Chris delivers practical, transparent advice on how to position your company for long-term success.
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Why a warehouse line is your lifeline—not just a line of credit
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The “fishing line” philosophy for networking and relationship-building
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How to get noticed when you walk into a room or industry event
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The difference between transactional and relational lending partnerships
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Why great lenders think like leaders—and how leadership shows up in every meeting
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The value of legacy in a fast-changing industry: what 161 years of First Horizon experience means for clients
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How to navigate today’s competitive landscape of “walled gardens” from Rocket, Zillow, UWM, and more
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Tips for originators wanting to start an IMB—what it takes and how to find the right partners
Chris doesn’t just talk about lines of credit—he talks about lineage, legacy, and the long game. With humor, humility, and insight, he shares stories that will leave you thinking differently about how you negotiate, network, and grow your career.
Whether you’re building your team or evaluating your capital stack, this episode will have something to teach you about how relationships fuel resilience in mortgage lending.
Tune in now and learn why relationships and warehouse lines may just be the most important lines you'll draw in your business.
Sponsor Links
Brought to you by our partners:
Mortgage Connect – www.mortgageconnectlp.com
Aidium CRM – www.thinkaidium.com