Sweatpants & Neckties

In this inspiring conversation, Gene and James open up about moments in their careers—and in life—when they felt out of place or questioned whether they belonged. From the early days of breaking into the business to other pivotal experiences, they share how persistence, resilience, and self-belief helped them push through the doubts and achieve success.

The Time is Now – Live from the Summit 2025 In this special episode, host James Durham sits down with renowned sales coach Matt Easton of Easton University for an energetic and insightful conversation recorded live at the Summit 2025: The Time is Now . They dive into the mindset, habits, and tactical strategies that top performers use to stand out in competitive markets. Matt shares powerful takea...

In this episode of Sweatpants and Neckties , Gene Thompson, CEO and James Durham Senior Vice President of InterLinc Mortgage, share why January and mid-year are two pivotal times for the company. He reflects on the annual rally in Houston, where the team comes together to celebrate accomplishments and set the tone for the year ahead. But as motivation fades, the need to refocus becomes essential —...

In this episode of Sweatpants and Neckties , hosts James Durham and Gene Thompson share stories and reflections from InterLinc Mortgage's recent producer rewards trip to Punta Cana. They dive into the purpose behind the trip, the power of company culture, the value of recharging, and the lasting personal and professional relationships built through shared experiences. From volleyball on the beach...

In this powerful episode of Sweatpants & Neckties , Gene and James dive deep into the mortgage industry—and the mindset it takes to succeed with integrity. They open up about the hard truth: doing things the right way doesn't always pay off immediately. From the frustrations of watching others cut corners to the challenge of staying committed to your values, this conversation is a reminder that hi...

In this episode, James and Gene discuss how top performers maintain motivation and discipline as the year winds down. They explore the habits that keep energy high, the importance of setting boundaries during the holiday season, and how self-discipline helps push through distractions. They also dive into the debate between company culture and strategic planning, exploring which has a bigger impact...

In this episode of Sweatpants and Neckties hosted, Gene Thompson and James Durham covers various topics including the hot summer weather, 4th of July plans, and the podcast "Locked In," hosted by Ian Bick, a former federal prisoner who shares stories of redemption. The hosts also discuss a recent event featuring Matt Easton from Easton University, who provided valuable sales insights. They delve i...

In this episode of "Sweatpants and Neckties," hosts James Durham and Gene Thompson discuss the unexpected arrest and subsequent release of golfer Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship in Louisville. Additionally, the hosts explore broader industry topics, such as credit risk, underwriting guidelines, and the discretion left to underwriters, emphasizing the importance of understanding these con...

In this episode of Sweatpants & Neckties, host James Durham sits down with InterLinc's keynote speaker from the Employee Rally, Aron Ralston, the incredible mountaineer who famously amputated his own arm to survive a fall within a canyon. Join the conversation as Aron recounts the five days of peril, the details leading up to his decision to amputate and the  determination that led to his escape....

This season's theme is "Taking Interest in Those Behind the Interest." We're thrilled to spotlight our beloved Branch Manager, Alex Shafirovich, and delve into the unique facets of his life. Hailing from Ukraine and Baltimore, Alex shares insights into his fascinating journey, bridging the gap between two countries and navigating the current overseas conflict.

Join us for another captivating episode of Sweatpants and Neckties , where we unravel the incredible stories behind individuals whose passions drive them to greatness. In this season, we're exploring the remarkable journeys of people who've transformed their interests into inspiring life narratives. As always, our host, James Durham, SVP of Production at InterLinc Mortgage, leads the way.   In tod...

Welcome to Sweatpants and Neckties , where we unravel the remarkable stories behind the passions that shape lives. In this season, we dive into the lives of exceptional individuals who've turned their interests into incredible journeys. Our host, James Durham from Interlinc Mortgage, returns with a captivating guest: Tony Williams, a former professional basketball player with a journey that's noth...

In this episode of Sweatpants & Neckties, your host James Durham dives into the powerful message of recognizing the value within people, drawing inspiration from a touching childhood story. The episode touches on the heartwarming tale of Koedi, a seven-year-old girl whose desire to help others was divinely ignited. Koedi talks about her experience with homeless individuals who are often overlooked...

Welcome to the highly anticipated Season 3 of Sweatpants and Neckties, hosted by James Durham of InterLinc Mortgage. In this episode, James introduces the new season and shares the exciting direction the show will take over the coming months. With an emphasis on both professional and personal experiences, Sweatpants and Neckties Season 3 promises to uncover the remarkable journeys of the exception...

In this episode of "Sweatpants & Neckties," we're joined by Gene Thompson, President and CEO of InterLinc Mortgage. Gene brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the mortgage banking industry and he shares his insights on what it takes to execute with intention, our last core value of SERVICE. In our last episode, Gene discusses how InterLinc is managing during these challenging economic tim...

Erik Wahl is a visionary whose unique presentations leverage his creative talent to become a visual metaphor to the core of his message: that creativity, innovation and the power to inspire as leaders lies within all of us. Erik's unique understanding of this vision traces back to his experience as an artist. After first working in the business world for eight years as a partner in a corporate fir...

Steven A. Robinson is the former executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc. During his thirty-four-year tenure, Steve was integrally involved in the company's steady then explosive growth from 184 stores and $100 million in annual sales in 1981 to more than 2,100 stores and more than $6.8 billion in annual sales in 2015. After beginning his Chick-fil-A career as the...

A message from James Durham, SVP of Production - InterLinc Mortgage, for the month of December.