Ascend Financial Group is a boutique mortgage company excelling in exceptional customer experience, conservative financial values, innovative mortgage technology, and enduring client relationships.
Our mission is to serve our customers with honesty, integrity, and excellence. Our goal is to provide home loans to our clients, delivering the finest service, lowest interest rates, and lowest closing costs available today. We offer a wide variety of loan products to fit the specific needs of our clients.
Our lending philosophy focuses on determining the most cost-efficient and responsible path toward home ownership and total financial wealth.
Meet Our Team
Greg Schoonover
President • Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #246499
Greg brings over 20 years of experience in mortgage lending. Prior to his commitment to real estate financing, he was a licensed financial planner. This knowledge of sound financial principles leads him in all lending decisions.
He is also an accomplished classical musician. He has performed with the Charleston Symphony, Hilton Head Orchestra, Savannah Symphony, and Spoleto Festival Orchestra. He is the former Executive Director of the North Charleston POPS! He continues to perform with the orchestra, and in many of Charleston's historic churches and venues.
Chris Blough
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #1714232
Chris brings an exceptional client-focused determination. She achieves unparalleled success for every one of her clients. Consistently she exceeds expectations for her home buyers and refinance customers. Truly she goes above and beyond to ensure the perfect closing.
Rod McManus
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #224071
Rod is a licensed mortgage consultant and prior owner of his own independent brokerage company. He has helped many achieve home ownership over his years in the industry. He also works with youth as a school educator, mentor, and coach.
Mike Kinard
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #232604
Mike is well experienced in mortgage lending, including specialty loan products for borrowers outside of conventional lending. He is well established in the greater Charleston community. He is also an active licensed real estate broker and owner of Ashley Cooper Realty.
Jared Jackson
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #2763373
Jared Jackson brings more than a decade of real estate experience and the perspective gained from helping clients through more than 120 transactions. As a Realtor, Broker-in-Charge and Mortgage Broker, he understands the homebuying process from both side of the closing table. Based in North Charleston, Jared specializes in helping first-time buyers, military families, self-employed borrowers and others find financing that fits their unique circumstances. His approach is simple: listen, educate and make the path to homeownership feel a little less overwhelming.