If you told Cathy Gapen when she was growing up that she would later work in sales, she wouldn’t have believed you. Her set-in-his-ways Southern father had always given her a bad impression of salespeople.
But then, Cathy learned that sales is about connecting with the customer and helping them reach their goals.
It started when her friend, Doug Rohm, asked her to work as a receptionist at his business, Hometown Mortgage. Within four months, she was promoted to executive assistant.
“I enjoyed learning about the business, and I loved my job,” she said. “One day, Doug asked me to consider becoming a loan officer. Without hesitating, I let him know I was not a salesperson.”
However, God had a different plan, she said. God would not allow her to stop thinking about the opportunity.
“Three months after Doug initially spoke to me about becoming a loan officer, as I was praying, I overheard a conversation about customer service. I immediately knew that was it! I am not a salesperson, but I can and will provide great customer service. To this day, customer service is my top priority,” she said.
Cathy is now the branch manager at InterLinc Mortgage Services. She guides her clients through each step of the home buying process by drawing on her years of business expertise and knowledge, combined with passion and service.
“Whether you’re refinancing or considering buying a new home, my goal is to make the mortgage process as simple and stress-free as possible,” she said. “I listen to your needs and find a financing solution customized to your budget and life.”
Cathy said she worked extremely hard at the beginning of her career so that someday she could build a team that would be an extension of herself. Within three years of being a loan officer, her team began to form.
“What I didn’t realize was that my team would become like family,” she said. “I am extremely grateful for our Team Manager, Machelle Tyler, and our Loan Specialist, Rachel Campbell.”
Cathy has overcome challenges along the way, too. She describes herself as a people person, but after a while, she finally realized that not everyone will like her, and that’s okay.
Another challenge in the beginning of her career was the limitless amount of studying and learning it took to become an expert in her field. “I wanted to learn as much as I could about the industry, and I quickly found the mortgage business was quite extensive,” she said.
Cathy said her clients and potential clients should always feel comfortable reaching out to her with questions.
“You’ll never feel rushed into a decision because I will take the time to go over every option available to you and help you choose the one that you feel is best for you,” she said.
And if you have a motivated personality like Cathy, she encourages that you reach out to her about your career options in this industry.
“This career is so rewarding,” she said. “If you enjoy helping people and have a can-do attitude, please call me to see if this career is right for you!”
- cathygapen.com
- 205-305-0093
- cgapen@lincloan.com
