The MikedUp Show

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

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Paul Diamond, a leader who represents resilience, integrity, and staying power in mortgage banking. With more than three decades in the mortgage industry, Paul has built a reputation for leading with values before volume, standing firm during market cycles, and building a people-first culture that still drives results today. As President and CEO of Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation (DRMC) and Immediate Past President of the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, Paul’s leadership has helped shape both his company and industry policy conversations nationwide. Paul takes us behind the curtain of mortgage leadership—what it really means to build a company designed to last, how to grow during disruptive market cycles, and why culture is the true competitive advantage. He speaks on durability in leadership, the importance of being rooted in purpose, and what lenders must do today to stay relevant tomorrow. His message is simple but powerful: people, process, execution—that’s where the real value in this business lives. We explore: His early commitment to industry advocacy and his leadership path with IMBA Why long-term relationships are still the foundation of lending success The generational talent gap in mortgage and how to attract young professionals Lessons learned from market shifts and regulatory changes like Dodd-Frank The future of mortgage lending and how to thrive as the cycle changes again Why common sense lending and customer-first execution will never go out of style Building a national mortgage company without losing local culture Paul’s philosophy on business is clear: “There’s little proprietary value in mortgage banking. The value is in people and how they serve customers.” This episode is a must-listen for loan officers, branch managers, IMBs, bank executives, and anyone building a career in lending. It’s not motivational fluff—it’s a blueprint for leadership that lasts. ✅ Episode Sponsors Polly – Modern mortgage pricing and capital markets technology for lenders who want smarter, faster secondary execution. Trusted by leading IMBs and banks. Website: https://polly.io Floify – The industry’s most trusted mortgage point-of-sale platform, delivering speed, security, and borrower satisfaction from application through closing. Website: https://floify.com Truework – Simplifying income and employment verification for lenders through accurate, fast, and secure data solutions. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield – The #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform in mortgage lending—protecting lenders and borrowers from fraud during closings. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikeDrop, we welcome Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage and head of the mortgage division at Plains Commerce Bank, for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build trust in lending—beyond rates, margins, and spreadsheets. Chris is a visionary leader who has built a legacy in wholesale and community banking by focusing not just on volume, but on relationships, coaching, and solving real problems for originators. Under his leadership, Windsor Mortgage originates over $5.6 billion annually, commanding over 25% market share in Sioux Falls, all while remaining deeply committed to education, innovation, and partnership.  As both an executive and a mentor, Chris leads coaching programs like Coaching with Chris, through which he works with CEOs and loan officers nationwide to refine performance, scale with consistency, and weather changing market dynamics. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Chris’s journey from mortgage broker to building a national wholesale platform aligned with community banking How Windsor differentiates itself against giants (like Rocket, UWM) through intensive coach support, originator-first strategies, and partner relationships  Why trust is currency in lending—and how Chris believes lenders earn that trust through problem-solving, transparency, and backing brokers with tools, not demands Tactical innovations in tech, process, and underwriting that reduce friction and make lending more human, not less How Windsor’s warehouse lending, executive banking suite, and differentiated coaching give originators a competitive edge The power of asking — for help, for clarity, for opportunity — and how that mindset shaped many of Chris’s biggest wins Chris’s approach shows that lending isn’t just about what you offer—it’s how you partner, how you support, and how you help people believe again. Whether you’re an originator, loan officer, or bank leader, this episode will challenge how you measure success in mortgage. Sponsors & What They Do Mortgage Connect — A full-lifecycle mortgage services provider, handling closing, title, valuation, and risk mitigation to make lending smoother. Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium — A modern CRM and pipeline management system built specifically for mortgage teams to convert more leads with less friction. Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify — A digital point-of-sale and document platform that simplifies borrower interactions, speeds closing, and reduces back-and-forth. Visit: https://www.floify.com TrueWork — Provides fast, secure income and employment verification to support lender decisioning and speed approvals. Visit: https://www.truework.com FundingShield — Offers anti-fraud tools, identity verification, and secure transaction protection to safeguard lenders and borrowers. Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Lisa Lang, Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Bank Home Loans, to explore how creative technology and sustainable innovation are shaping the future of the mortgage industry. Lisa brings a wealth of experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record of leadership to this conversation — making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the evolving housing and lending landscape. With decades of experience across every facet of the mortgage business, Lisa has dedicated her career to building systems that foster both growth and resilience. As a lifelong resident of the DMV area and a graduate of George Mason University, she understands firsthand how communities thrive when financial institutions are committed to progress and innovation. Today, Lisa leads Capital Bank Home Loans with a vision that blends technology, service, and social responsibility to deliver meaningful change. Lisa shares her perspective on what it takes to lead a modern home loans division, from developing forward-thinking products to implementing technology that meets borrowers where they are. She also emphasizes the human side of mortgage lending — empowering teams, building trust with clients, and ensuring every decision reflects the long-term health of the community. Beyond her professional expertise, Lisa is deeply involved in breast cancer advocacy, bringing the same passion she applies in the mortgage space to causes that touch people’s lives directly. This balance of career leadership and personal dedication gives Lisa a unique lens on sustainability — not just in business processes, but in creating lasting impact for families and neighborhoods. This episode explores: The role of creative technology in driving efficiency and accessibility in mortgage lending Sustainable innovation strategies that keep communities strong and businesses thriving How leaders can align corporate goals with social responsibility Why the future of housing depends on trust, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions Lisa’s journey from local beginnings to national leadership in mortgage banking Join us as we discuss how to build a future-ready mortgage ecosystem that empowers both lenders and borrowers. Whether you’re a mortgage professional, housing advocate, or simply curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Sponsors This episode is made possible by our incredible sponsors who are helping transform the mortgage industry: Mortgage Connect – Leading provider of end-to-end mortgage solutions designed to streamline the lending process. Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A powerful CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals to manage relationships and drive growth. Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – Simplifying the mortgage process with innovative point-of-sale technology that improves borrower experience and lender efficiency. Visit: https://www.floify.com TrueWork – Providing secure, instant income and employment verification to make lending decisions faster and more reliable. Visit: https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Protecting lenders and consumers from wire fraud and closing risks with advanced verification tools. Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode, we dive deep into how homebuying has changed — and where it’s headed — with Dan Richards, President of Flyhomes Mortgage. Dan’s story is one of bridging tech, finance, and real estate to create more accessible paths to homeownership, especially in a market that’s constantly shifting. Dan joined Flyhomes in October 2022, bringing with him a rich background from SoFi (where he led the Home Loans unit and played a role in acquiring Wyndham Capital Mortgage), Homie, and many years at Academy Mortgage Corporation where he rose through roles in technology, growth, and strategic partnership. Before that, he worked with major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Nokia — all of which inform his view of what happens when you blend real estate, customer experience, and innovation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Dan’s view of how homebuying has evolved since the early 2000s — from heavy reliance on brokers to more lender-led, tech-enabled models. How regulation, credit expansion, and consumer expectations have shaped risks and tools in mortgage lending. The role of products like “Buy Before You Sell” and Cash Offers in helping buyers avoid common pitfalls, like selling too early or losing leverage in bidding wars. How Flyhomes is retooling its business (including selling or narrowing some product lines) to focus more sharply on mortgage services and less on home search tech in order to better serve both buyers and agents. GeekWire+2flyhomes.com+2 Dan’s leadership lessons: how to grow with integrity, stay nimble, and make decisions that put customers first even when the market demands speed. This conversation isn’t just about how to buy a home. It’s about reshaping expectations, unlocking tools that work for more people, and creating a homebuying journey that feels doable — not daunting — for today’s buyer. Whether you’re a loan originator, real estate agent, or someone thinking of buying your first home, there’s something here for you. We’re grateful for the support of sponsors who help us bring you insights like this: Mortgage Connect – Offers comprehensive mortgage solutions across the full loan lifecycle: title, closing, valuation, and risk mitigation, helping lenders improve the borrower experience. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A modern CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals, helping teams manage leads, pipelines, and client relationships smarter. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – A digital point-of-sale and mortgage processing platform that streamlines documents, communication, and workflow between borrower, originator, and agents. Visit https://www.floify.com TrueWork – Fast, secure employment and income verification tools for lenders to improve loan decisioning speed with trusted data. Visit https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Fraud prevention and transaction safety solutions (like verifying wire transfers, preventing identity fraud) to protect lenders and borrowers. Visit https://www.fundingshield.com

In this powerful episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mosi Gatling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding, to explore the future of homeownership in America and how the industry can take meaningful steps to close the homeownership gap. Mosi brings over two decades of mortgage industry expertise and has built an impressive career as a dynamic speaker, coach, and leader. She’s been consistently recognized among the top 1% of mortgage originators by Scotsman Guide, with a proven track record of helping families achieve their dreams of owning a home. Her passion lies in creating accessible, affordable, and sustainable homeownership opportunities, especially for underrepresented communities. As the driving force behind initiatives like New American Funding's Black Impact program and the Housing Advocate Certification training, Mosi has been on a mission to empower both industry professionals and prospective homebuyers. These programs equip loan officers and real estate agents with the tools, knowledge, and cultural competency they need to effectively serve minority homebuyers, particularly in the Black community. In this conversation, Mosi shares insights into how lenders, agents, and policymakers can work together to remove barriers and ensure that homeownership becomes a reality for more families across the nation. She also opens up about her personal journey, her passion for education, and why she believes in empowering the next generation of homeowners. Key topics we explore in this episode include: Strategies for increasing sustainable homeownership. The importance of financial literacy and education in building wealth. How loan officers and real estate agents can serve diverse communities more effectively. Breaking down systemic barriers to create real, lasting impact. Why now is the time to act boldly for the future of housing. Mosi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she was honored with the Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award and received her second consecutive HousingWire Women of Influence Award. She also serves on the board of FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources for the next generation of homeowners. This episode is a must-listen for mortgage professionals, real estate leaders, and anyone passionate about expanding homeownership opportunities in America. Mosi’s leadership and vision are inspiring a movement where every family has the chance to achieve stability and wealth through owning a home. We couldn’t bring you this show without the support of our incredible sponsors: Mortgage Connect – A leading provider of innovative mortgage solutions and closing services that streamline the home buying process. Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – The ultimate CRM for modern mortgage professionals, designed to help teams connect with clients and close more loans efficiently. Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – A trusted point-of-sale solution that helps lenders deliver a seamless digital mortgage experience to their borrowers. Visit: https://www.floify.com TrueWork – Simplifying employment and income verification for lenders to speed up approvals and reduce friction in the loan process. Visit: https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Providing fraud prevention and compliance solutions to safeguard wire transfers and protect lenders and borrowers. Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

This week’s episode takes us through a deep, eye-opening conversation with Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG). Kevin reflects on a career rooted in adapting, learning, and leading through nearly two decades of seismic shifts in the mortgage industry—from regional markets to nationwide lending cycles. Kevin’s journey begins in 2001, when he helped expand First Magnus Financial throughout Texas and Florida. As both a launchpad and learning ground, these regional markets taught him the power of regulation, local demand dynamics, and credit evolution—especially as the Community Reinvestment Act influenced lending, independent mortgage bankers rose to prominence, and credit standards expanded. He then walks us through the factors behind the global financial crisis—risky lending, shifting consumer behavior, big bank practices, and failing oversight—and how those lessons reshaped how lenders should act responsibly. Kevin brings this full circle with the story of North Star Lending, where he served as COO from 2007–2010, rebuilding trust and standards through lean operations and smarter lending after the crash. Today, Kevin runs the loan process at PRMG with precision—focusing on customer satisfaction and quality control across the board. His experience and leadership offer rare clarity on how to lead lending not just with volume, but with integrity and foresight. Topics Covered: The 2000s real estate boom through regional lenses: Texas vs. Florida How lenders balanced community mandates, market expansion, and credit risks The origins and impact of the 2008 crisis—then and now Building a post-crisis lending business centered around culture, efficiency, and service Kevin’s vision for PRMG’s future—balanced, customer-first growth with resilient processes This episode is essential for originators, executives, and anyone wondering how mortgage leadership evolves in the wake of disruption. Kevin’s story is a reminder that leading lending is equal parts strategy, experience, and responsibility. About Our Sponsors Mortgage Connect – A full-service mortgage solutions partner delivering end-to-end support across closing, title, valuation, and loss mitigation. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – Modern CRM and lead management tools built specifically to help mortgage professionals streamline pipelines and grow business. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – A leading mortgage point-of-sale platform making it easier for lenders, borrowers, and agents to manage digital loan applications from start to finish. Visit https://www.floify.com Truework – Employment and income verification solutions built for fast, secure lender access to trusted borrower data. Visit https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Advanced risk detection and borrower identity verification tools tailored for mortgage and commercial lending. Visit https://www.fundingshield.com

What does it really take to make homeownership possible for millions of Americans—especially Gen Z, first-time buyers, and families often overlooked by the traditional system? This week, we’re joined by two of the industry’s most passionate voices: Dave Savage and Kristin Messerli, co-founders of FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit on a mission to deliver financial education and empower five million young adults with the tools to become homeowners. About Dave Savage Dave is a legend in mortgage education, known for founding Mortgage Coach and now serving as Chief Innovation Officer at TrustEngine. Over the course of his career, Dave has: Conducted over 1,000 interviews with top industry leaders Built the Mortgage Coach YouTube channel into a leading training platform for loan officers Championed financial literacy as a core mission, believing loan officers are on the frontlines of helping families make smarter financial decisions Co-founded FirstHome IQ to tackle the financial literacy gap for Gen Z and first-time buyers His mantra is simple: Technology won’t replace loan officers—but loan officers who master technology will replace those who don’t. About Kristin Messerli Kristin’s journey began in social work, where she specialized in serving immigrant and unhoused communities. From there, she launched Cultural Outreach, a groundbreaking multicultural marketing agency, later acquired by NAMMBA. Today, as co-founder of FirstHome IQ, she’s using her voice to bridge the trust gap many consumers feel when it comes to money and financial institutions. Kristin brings her TRUST Framework and personal experience with financial anxiety into her work, creating tools and strategies that resonate with modern consumers. She believes in radical acceptance, authentic education, and turning complex financial decisions into approachable, confidence-building steps. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The real state of financial literacy among Gen Z and first-time homebuyers Why 5 million young adults are at the center of Dave & Kristin’s vision How FirstHome IQ is rewriting the playbook on financial education The role of technology, storytelling, and trust in shaping tomorrow’s mortgage industry Why relationships—not just rates—will define the future of lending The personal stories and leadership philosophies that drive Dave and Kristin This episode is part education, part inspiration, and all about the mission: building a generation of confident, informed homeowners. About Our Sponsors Mortgage Connect delivers a full suite of innovative mortgage services designed to help lenders and servicers exceed borrower expectations. Learn more at https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium helps mortgage professionals manage leads and relationships with a powerful CRM built for the modern loan officer. Learn more at https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify streamlines the loan process with intuitive digital tools for borrowers, lenders, and Realtors—making the mortgage journey faster and easier. Learn more at https://www.floify.com

This episode welcomes an industry original—Khash Saghafi, founder and CEO of Liberty Home Mortgage—to unpack why, even after 25 years in lending, he still believes “It is always a great day.” Khash isn’t just known for his longevity—he’s built a reputation as the problem solver for homebuyers, whether they have perfect credit or have been turned away elsewhere. His direct-lender model specializes in conventional, VA, FHA, and USDA purchase loans across 45 states, plus rehab, debt consolidation, and options for hard-to-document borrowers.Liberty's core values reflect Khash’s leadership philosophy: Empowering People First. The company fosters a workplace built on open communication, adaptability, initiative, collaboration, and work–life balance—all designed to keep innovation alive while prioritizing well-being.Khash’s reach extends beyond transactions. With over 800 videos and a loyal YouTube following, he’s created a home-buying headquarters that educates and inspires a broad audience—making the market smarter, one video at a time. In this episode, we cover: Why mornings still matter, even in a career that has spanned decades. What does “It is always a great day” mean to someone who’s built from the ground up? How Liberty handles the toughest cases. Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, debt consolidation—Khash’s team makes the near-impossible happen. Culture over everything. Liberty’s values aren’t just words—they guide decision-making, innovation, and trust across the organization. Why Khash built his brand on education. He shares how his YouTube channel became an authentic outreach tool—not just for leads, but for clarity, learning, and connection. Advice for emerging leaders. From navigating tough deals to building a culture of empowerment, Khash lays out actionable insights for anyone building or scaling in mortgage. Whether you’re a borrower, originator, or industry leader, this episode gives you practical wisdom from someone who’s still excited to get started each day—NO matter how long he’s been doing it. About Our Sponsors Mortgage Connect delivers a full suite of mortgage services built on innovation and customer focus. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium powers mortgage professionals with smart CRM solutions that simplify lead management and drive more business. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify streamlines the loan process end-to-end with digital tools that boost efficiency for Realtors, borrowers, and lenders. Visit https://www.floify.com  

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, we step into the shoes of Mariana Martinez, a student-athlete turned mortgage industry insider, whose career journey began as an intern at Easy Mortgage App and evolved into a pivotal role managing operations for the Mike’d Up Show. Born in Mexico and thriving at Texas Christian University, Mariana didn’t follow the typical corporate ladder — she leapt into the deep end of a bootstrap tech startup and learned to swim fast. From navigating the uncertainty of her first internship to balancing athletics, academics, and professional responsibilities, Mariana shares the real, unfiltered experiences of a Gen Z professional entering an industry often associated with older generations. She opens up about the cultural adjustments, mindset shifts, and personal growth moments that shaped her journey — from overcoming a devastating athletic injury to learning how to thrive under the leadership of driven, unconventional mentors. Listeners will hear Mariana’s perspective on: Taking risks early — saying “yes” before you’re ready and growing into the role. The pros and cons of working in a fast-moving, high-expectation startup vs. a traditional internship. Lessons from athletics that translate to mortgage teams — teamwork, resilience, and handling change. Communicating with industry titans as a young professional without letting the titles intimidate you. What Gen Z looks for in mortgage companies — and how leaders can make their organizations attractive to the next wave of high performers. Leveraging internships as a launchpad for confidence, career clarity, and even graduate school. This episode is more than a career story — it’s a guide for leaders who want to connect with young talent, for students wondering how to break into competitive industries, and for anyone who believes fresh perspectives are the fuel for innovation. Sponsors Mortgage Connect – A national mortgage services provider offering a full suite of solutions for the mortgage, finance, and real estate industries. Learn more: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A next-generation CRM platform built for mortgage professionals, designed to streamline workflows, nurture leads, and close more loans. Learn more: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – The leading point-of-sale solution that simplifies the mortgage process for lenders, borrowers, and real estate agents through secure document management and automated workflows. Learn more: https://www.floify.com