Cale Iorg’s path to banking reads like an unexpected plot twist, beginning on a sunny afternoon at an Alabama football game. Living in Atlanta at the time, Cale and his wife met a young man whose father owned a mortgage company. This serendipitous encounter led to a phone call that would change Cale's life forever. “My dad would like to talk to you. Is that okay?” the young man texted, setting the wheels in motion.
What followed was a conversation that highlighted Cale’s potential. The owner emphasized his desire to hire ex-athletes for their discipline, self-motivation, and competitiveness. Little did Cale know, these attributes would soon shape his career in ways he never imagined. Just months later, after dealing with recurring injuries in professional baseball, Cale called the owner back. That conversation landed him a job, where he thrived for over a decade, rising from a novice to a top performer in the mortgage industry.
After a move to Nashville, Cale initially joined another bank, but fate intervened. A former colleague at BankSouth reached out, wanting Cale to help launch their Nashville branch. “I had always known BankSouth for their competitive edge,” he said, recalling how they consistently outperformed his previous company. Intrigued, Cale explored the opportunity and couldn’t resist the call to join a brand that resonated with his values.
Cale’s baseball background profoundly influences his approach to banking. Growing up in a family of baseball players—his father played for the Toronto Blue Jays, and two uncles had stellar careers—Cale embraced the game’s tenets of teamwork and resilience. “I grew up in a baseball clubhouse; it was all I ever wanted to do,” he recalled. Even after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays and later the Detroit Tigers, injuries derailed his ambitions, prompting a pivot to the mortgage industry.
Now, as Cale settles into life in Mount Juliet, he reflects on his decision to move. “I jokingly refer to it as Pleasantville,” he laughs. The community spirit and familial connections drew him in, as his kids thrive playing with cousins nearby. “I believe in building relationships,” he said, emphasizing that his business thrives not on cold calls but on the trust and camaraderie he fosters within the community. Cale has been embraced warmly by locals, who frequently introduce him to new contacts, solidifying his place in the area.
When it comes to family, Cale’s joy as a dad shines through. With four children, he revels in their laughter and the small moments that make life rich. “I love seeing them smile,” he said, whether they’re enjoying the Wilson County Fair or simply taking a neighborhood walk. Cale and his wife, Kristin, have prioritized experiences over material gifts for their children, often sneaking away to the beach or the mountains to create lasting memories.
But Cale’s creativity doesn’t stop at banking and fatherhood. He has embarked on a passion project called Bill Buddy, designed to protect hat brims during travel—a nod to his own obsession with hats. “If I had Bill Buddy back in my baseball days, I would have saved so many hats!” he chuckles. Cale’s journey has been about more than just career shifts; it’s about bringing ideas to life and making travel easier for fellow hat enthusiasts.
As Cale navigates the home industry, he emphasizes its crucial role in the economy. “The home industry makes up over a third of the US economy,” he pointed out, highlighting the unique challenges posed by recent events like COVID-19. Cale remains optimistic about the future, predicting a return to stability in housing prices and a gradual decrease in interest rates. “I’m the guy you can call for an open, honest conversation,” he reassured, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building in his work.
Settling into Mount Juliet has been a delightful adventure for Cale and his family. They enjoy exploring Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene, reveling in live music, and cheering for local sports teams. With college football back, the Iorg household is alive with excitement—“Roll Tide!” rings out during game days. The picturesque Smoky Mountains beckon for fall adventures, and Cale is eager to discover more of Tennessee’s beauty with his family.
“I realize we need to do more stuff!” he laughed, inviting anyone with recommendations to reach out. As Cale Iorg charts his path in banking, it’s clear that his journey is marked not only by professional achievements but also by the love of family, community, and the spirit of adventure. The diamond may have led him to the mortgage industry, but it’s his commitment to building relationships that will define his legacy in Tennessee.
“I believe in building relationships.”
Cale and his wife, Kristin, have prioritized experiences over material gifts for their children, often sneaking away to the beach or the mountains to create lasting memories.