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InterLinc Mortgage is proud to announce that industry veteran Gary Royal has joined the company as Southeast Regional Sales Manager. With nearly four decades of mortgage lending experience, Royal brings a proven track record of leadership, growth, and team development across multiple markets.

In his new role, Royal will lead InterLinc’s expansion across the Southeast, focusing on recruiting new branches and top loan originators, cultivating strong community relationships, and continuing to drive retail production success.

Royal most recently served as SVP of Sales and Production with Mortgage Investors Group, where he spent over six years helping grow the company’s retail lending footprint. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions with Franklin American Mortgage Company and Bank of America, where he consistently developed high-performing teams and expanded regional market share.

“Joining InterLinc feels like the perfect next chapter in my career,” said Gary Royal. “What drew me here is the company’s commitment to culture, community, and empowering loan originators with the tools they need to thrive. I’m excited to build something special in the Southeast, and I welcome conversations with talented professionals who want to grow with us.”

InterLinc CEO Gene Thompson shared his enthusiasm for Royal’s addition to the team.

“Gary is not only a respected leader in the mortgage industry, but he also shares our vision for growth through people-first leadership,” said Thompson. “His experience and reputation make him an ideal fit to help us strengthen our presence across the Southeast. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.”

Royal is based in Cumming, Georgia, and is already laying the groundwork for expansion in key markets across the region.

InterLinc Mortgage is thrilled to announce the return of Jerry Smith to the team. Smith will resume his role as a Producing Branch Manager, bringing with him the expertise and steadfast dedication that fueled his tremendous success during his previous eight-year tenure.

“I am beyond excited to welcome back not only one of the best mortgage professionals I have known in my career but also one of my best friends,” said James Durham, senior vice president of InterLinc Mortgage. “From playing high school baseball together to having him stand as a groomsman at my wedding 20 years ago, it has been my pleasure to watch him grow in his career. His presence has consistently made everyone around him better. I am truly honored to have Jerry impacting the future of InterLinc.”

Smith originally joined InterLinc in 2015 and played a crucial role in production. He consistently ranked as a top monthly producer and excelled with his clients, achieving the highest customer satisfaction.

“I am so excited to rejoin the InterLinc family,” said Smith. “The warm welcome I’ve received from familiar faces makes it feel like I never left. In my opinion, the culture of this company is unmatched and will continue to attract mortgage professionals who are committed to success. We are so excited for the future and can’t wait to serve our customers and trusted real estate partners.”

Smith serves a diverse range of clients and specializes in various loan programs, with a notable reputation serving veterans and builders. He will be based in Columbus, Georgia, and will cater to the West Georgia and East Alabama markets.

InterLinc has always prioritized attracting and retaining top talent, and the return of Jerry Smith underscores its commitment to building a world-class team. The company is confident that he will make a significant impact as they continue to innovate and expand their services.

For more information about InterLinc Mortgage, visit www.interlincmortgage.com.

Stepping into a new era of innovation and growth, InterLinc Mortgage is making waves announcing Gene Thompson as majority owner of the company.

Transitioning into this position after serving various roles during his impressive 16 years tenure, Gene’s unwavering commitment to honoring InterLinc’s core values makes him the perfect leader to pave a new path forward. Looking ahead, he’s focused on preserving the company’s reputation and advancing its position in the market as a top choice for both homebuyers and referral partners alike.

“InterLinc holds a special place in my heart; it’s where I’ve poured my passion and dedication throughout the majority of my career,” said Gene Thompson, President & CEO.

When asked about the timing of his acquisition, he responded, “I have learned to invest in people, not markets. Our foundation is rock-solid, rooted in a profound commitment to our cherished customers and incredible staff. I can’t wait to build upon this foundation as we forge ahead.”

InterLinc is doubling down on its mission to provide top-notch service and a wide range of solutions to meet clients’ needs. Through the integration of cutting-edge technology and enhancement of systems, the mortgage process is being revolutionized propelling the company to unprecedented heights.

“Gene is the ideal leader to steer the company; there’s simply no one else I’d trust with this role,” said James Durham, Senior Vice President at InterLinc. “Gene’s clear vision, strong leadership, and deep industry know-how make him the perfect person to lead us forward. With Gene leading the charge, we’re sure InterLinc will reach new heights.”

It’s safe to say that while other mortgage companies are having to shut their doors, InterLinc is expanding and welcoming new opportunities for growth and innovation. By investing in great leadership, nurturing top talent, and pursuing a bold vision, InterLinc has proven you can thrive even in the most difficult of times.

InterLinc Mortgage is excited to welcome Erin Dee to the organization as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a proven track record of leadership in the mortgage industry, Erin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Widely-known for her contribution to the mortgage industry, Erin holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer with TMBA, the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, and has made guest appearances on multiple podcasts, including The Mortgage Collaborative, Lykken on Lending and The Connect with TSAHC.

Before joining InterLinc, Erin served as Chief Operating Officer at LoanPeople, Chief Strategy Officer at Thrive Mortgage and Chief Operating Officer at Infinity Mortgage Holdings, managing multiple organizational departments and boosting success. In her new role, Erin will leverage her extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills to drive operational excellence, streamline processes, and enhance customer experiences.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erin Dee to the InterLinc Mortgage team,” said James Durham, Senior Vice President at InterLinc. “Her proven track record of driving operational excellence and her deep understanding of the mortgage industry make her the ideal candidate to lead our operations. We are confident that Erin’s leadership will play a key role in driving our continued success and growth!”

Erin Dee expressed her excitement about joining InterLinc Mortgage, stating, “I am honored to join the InterLinc family and contribute to its continued success. I am eager to work alongside the talented team to drive efficiency in operations and deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

InterLinc Mortgage, a Houston based full-service mortgage lender, has been awarded the Houston Chronicle’s list of Top Workplaces for 2023 for the fourth year in a row. Based solely on employee feedback, the survey is gathered through a third-party technology partner, Energage LLC. Employees are measured on 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including: alignment, execution, and connection.,

“Knowing that our employees, not profits, made this award possible makes it a true honor,” says Gene Thompson, InterLinc CEO and President. “Our business success would not be possible without our associates that execute with intention each and every day. The past two years have been tough, but I wouldn’t have wanted to traverse them with any other team. InterLinc employees are resilient, and this award speaks to that. We’ve continued to experience business success because of the commitment to personal growth that our employees and company hold.”

InterLinc has made an impact across Houston, the surrounding areas and beyond over the past few years, making 2023 no exception. Other recent accolades include Houston Business Journal Fast 100 award for upward revenue growth, Best Mortgage Company to Work For by National Mortgage News and recognition for being one of the fast-growing companies in the southwest by Inc. Regionals. Additionally, the company has opened new branches in The Woodlands, Kingwood, Cypress and Northwest Houston.

“The values of our company ring true to me and each employee that calls this company home,” says Senior Vice President James Durham. “When hiring, we truly consider it a two-way street. Our culture hasn’t been built by making flippant decisions. We aim to grow with like-minded individuals who want to take their career to the next level with us. Being named a Top Workplace by the Chronicle is an award that each of us here at InterLinc can point to and be proud of having a part in making happen.”

The boutique culture of InterLinc can be attributed to the hands-on leadership of both Thompson and Durham. By placing a strategic focus on relationships and culture, the company has attracted new talent during a changing market. Production volume for loan originators have proven the strategy, as the lender recently placed #1 on the Scotsman Guide amongst independent mortgage banking competitors for highest production in volume and units per Loan Originator.

“One of the details that really caught our attention was that this is a big company with a very friendly, family environment,” says Branch Manager, Arturo Aguilar. Aguilar and his branch in Kingwood, Texas brought their talents to InterLinc in 2023 after being impressed by the support and opportunities that InterLinc could provide them.

As InterLinc looks toward 2024 and beyond, their commitment to providing a “service without exception” experience for their borrowers, partners, and employees remains. Individuals interested in a confidential conversation about taking their career to the next level at a Top Workplace like InterLinc can send an email to kthompson@lincloan.com.

Each year, the Scotsman Guide exclusively distributes a list of all lenders, banks, wholesalers, and credit unions with submitted production numbers. Ranked from highest to lowest, the list is a barometer of companies that are leading in the market. InterLinc Mortgage proudly secures the top position for highest production and units per Loan Originator, amongst its independent mortgage banking competitors.

By prioritizing comprehensive support and implementing new technology advancements, InterLinc empowers its loan originators to handle more volume than their counterparts at larger corporations. While industry giants boasting 3,000 loan originators average a mere $11 million, InterLinc’s originators achieved an approximate average of $32 million. While the mid-size lender has less loan originators than the average mortgage lender, quality outweighs quantity, as InterLinc loan originators produce more in units and volume than the national average, according to the Scotsman Guide.

“We have the engine in place to run the RPMS’s that will work for any large producer’s volume,” said James Durham, Senior Vice President of Production. “When I am speaking with candidates that want to join the company, I always tell them, “What matters most in life is who you surround yourself with. Do they elevate your game or suppress your game?” The decision that all loan originators must make is whether they want to play on the regular season team or the All-Star team. We are built for the All-Stars.”

Amidst an environment where negativity plagues the industry, InterLinc is proud to provide a culture of growth for high-quality loan originators, solely focusing on their success. Prioritizing loan originator success and optimal service allows InterLinc to present a suite of tools, technology and program offerings that fuels expansion and overall production.

“At InterLinc, we take pride in not just hiring for the sake of hiring,” said Lance Hilcher, Vice President and Director of Business Development. “We meticulously handpick loan originators of exceptional caliber, individuals who exemplify our core values, possess a willingness to understand our processes, and possess the grit required to thrive in this fiercely competitive market. In addition, they have to be people we want to spend time with. That is so important.”

As InterLinc’s Loan Originators continue to set new industry benchmarks in volume and units, the company has seen intentional growth in branch acquisitions and additions. Since January of 2023, InterLinc has successfully welcomed over 40 talented associates into its home, encompassing loan originators, support staff and corporate personnel. However, the pursuit of excellence does not end there, as InterLinc eagerly anticipates the imminent addition of numerous branches in the months ahead.

“Our esteemed group of loan originators comprises not only exceptional sales professionals but also individuals of the highest caliber,” said Gene Thompson, CEO and President. “Each one of them merits this recognition, as it exemplifies their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and yielding unparalleled results for our customers and partners.”

If you identify as a high caliber loan originator, you’re motivated to play with like-minded All Stars, or if your organization’s focus is not on you and your growth, reach out to Kaleb Thompson at kthompson@lincloan.com or (281) 210-5650 to see if you meet our standards.

InterLinc Mortgage, a national full-service mortgage banking company, ranked among leading financial institutions received four prestigious accolades from Inc. 5000, National Mortgage News, Houston Business Journal and Scotsman Guide. Along with these back-to-back wins, the company is opening new branches and has expanded its presence in The Woodlands, Texas. As other mid-market mortgage lenders experience stagnancy, InterLinc is proud to have closed its 2022 books with a very respectful positive profit compared to the industry, attributing their profitable year and successful employee growth to remaining hyper-focused on customer satisfaction and sound branch models.

“With over 27 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I am eager to join forces with a large and well-structured organization,” said Gerry Diaz, Branch Manager of The Woodlands, Texas. “InterLinc’s personalized approach, dedication to teamwork, and contribution of modern tools and support, is the combination needed to expand.”

By placing its boutique personalized company culture at the forefront and continuing expansion into new regions, the organization earned a well-deserved place on the Inc. 5000 Southwest Regionals list as one of the fastest-growing private companies based in the southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) for the fifth time. InterLinc was also listed as one of National Mortgage News’ Best Mortgage Companies to Work For, an industry-specific award recognizing supportive employers that provide transparency and access to modern technology and resources.

“We are proud to offer a strong platform to our new branches, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed,” said James Durham, Senior Vice President of Production. “Our personalized approach, coaching resources, transparent communication and best-in-class technology are the combination needed for expansion. Our commitment to providing a sound branch model has allowed our branches to succeed in a competitive market.”

While InterLinc achieved sustainable employee growth, its increase in revenue also garnered the organization two more impressive awards. The company earned a local spot on Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 list, due to its fast revenue growth over the past two years. Not stopping there, 14 InterLinc originators also received a national rank on Scotsman Guide’s Top Originators list for outstanding purchase production.

“Each of these recognitions demonstrates our commitment to providing exceptional service and results for our customers, partners, and employees,” said Gene Thompson, CEO and President. “Overall, the hard work and dedication of our originators and support teams, serve as a testament to our company’s ability to grow and adapt in such a rapidly changing and competitive market.”

As consumers continue to struggle with rising interest rates and home prices, labor shortages, and supply chain issues, it is not an easy time to be a mortgage lender. This is not the case for the Houston-based lender as InterLinc credits its success to maintaining a commitment to purchase business during the pandemic when most lenders focused solely on refinance business. During the height of the pandemic and refinance boom, the mid-market lender still held a stronghold of 93% in purchase business; this strategy offers stability during markets with high-interest rates where service and speed reign supreme.

“While other lenders placed most of their focus on refinance business, we placed ours on purchase business, allowing us to withstand the current effects of the turbulent market,” said Thompson. “By supporting our customers, partners, and employees with transparency and modern financial technology, our 97% satisfaction rating continues to speak for itself.”

Under the leadership of CEO and President, Gene Thompson, InterLinc has quickly grown its operations and is licensed in 29 states with over 30 branch locations and a team of 400 employees nationwide. The road ahead looks bright for continued operational success as the company continues leading with its people-first mentality.