Press Archives - Assurance Financial

Home Loans with Heart
Matthew Hunter at Assurance Financial Brings Boutique Service and Big Company Strength to Aiken

Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Rebecca Judy
Originally published in Aiken City Lifestyle

Matthew Hunter’s path to becoming Aiken’s most trusted mortgage professional was anything but predictable. His journey began far from the world of home loans, rooted instead in chemical equations and engineering plans. A 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Hunter earned degrees in chemical engineering and biochemistry before moving south to begin a career as an environmental engineer. He spent eight years working at the Savannah River Site, driven by the idealism that defines so many young engineers, a desire to make a difference and change the world.

But he soon learned that big systems are slow to change. “I had some ideas I really believed in,” he recalls, “but I kept running into walls.” Frustrated and searching for a new direction, Hunter found himself at a crossroads. Around that time, his wife, Kristi, had completed medical school in Charleston and received a residency in Augusta. The couple moved to North Augusta to begin a new chapter.

Kristi’s medical career was taking off, and Hunter, eager to spend time with their boys, decided to step away from engineering and take on the role of stay-at-home dad with their move to Eatonton GA. The plan sounded simple enough until reality set in. “That lasted about six months,” he says with a laugh. “Kristi came home one evening after a long shift, and the house was a disaster. The boys and I had a great day, but there was no dinner on the table and no groceries in the fridge. She looked at me and said, “You have got to get a job.’”

As fate would have it, his mother had started Hunter Mortgage Inc. in Aiken and happened to need help at the office. It seemed like a temporary arrangement at the time, but that decision would launch a career that’s now spanned over 25 years. He spent his time learning all the ropes of the industry and how to treat his clients with dignity and respect.

The early 2000s brought a refinancing boom, and the office was busier than ever. Hunter began splitting his time between Georgia and Aiken, commuting several days a week to lend a hand. A few days turned into a full week, and before long, the Hunter family moved back to Aiken permanently. “It wasn’t a path I planned,” he admits, “but looking back, it was exactly where we were supposed to end up.”

At Hunter Mortgage, Hunter discovered that the skills he had honed as an engineer, precision, problem-solving and attention to detail, translated perfectly into the mortgage world. But what truly drew him in wasn’t the numbers or the paperwork; it was the people. He realized he loved helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives. “I’ve always seen this job as a vocation, not just an occupation,” he says.

For Hunter, the most rewarding moments come when first-time homebuyers walk into their new homes. He takes pride in making the process less intimidating. “I love working with people who’ve never bought a house before,” he explains. “You can see the anxiety at the start, but when they sign those papers and get their keys, that joy is contagious. It’s fulfilling every single time.”

Eventually, the family business began to wind down. His parents, Al and Beverlie, who had both poured their lives into Hunter Mortgage, were ready to slow down. His father, an accountant who had spent his career at Westinghouse before joining the family firm, handled payroll and reporting while his mother led the way and set the standard for taking care of all of her clients. “They were dedicated to the end, but it was time for them to be able to step back and enjoy all of their hard work.” What followed was a change in direction for the business.

That change came through an unexpected connection. One of Kristi’s patients mentioned that her husband worked for Assurance Financial in Columbia. A conversation turned into an introduction, and soon Hunter connected with the company’s leadership team. The more he learned, the more he felt it was the right move. “It just happened organically,” he says. “Assurance had the resources and infrastructure to handle all the back-office work so I could focus on what I love most, helping people.”

Assurance Financial, a company that was boutique-built and enterprise-backed, offered exactly what Hunter had been looking for. The firm operates with the personal, concierge-style service of a boutique lender where every client feels known and supported but with the strength, technology and resources of a large financial institution. “It’s truly the best of both worlds,” Hunter explains. “We can deliver that small-town level of care and attention that Aiken deserves while having the backing of a big corporate company that gives our clients confidence and security.”

Hunter leads his office with the same warmth and integrity that has defined his entire career. At his side is Kayla, an exceptional assistant who keeps the office running seamlessly “Kayla’s amazing,” Hunter says. “She keeps everything on track and makes sure our clients always feel supported.”

Of course, no visit to Hunter’s office at Assurance Financial would be complete without greeting his two loyal golden retrievers, Loki and Bowie. The friendly pair are beloved by clients, often lounging by the door or wagging their tails to welcome visitors. “They’re part of the family,” Hunter says. “People will drop by just to say hi to them.”

Matthew’s story is one of perseverance and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. From environmental engineer to trusted mortgage professional, his journey reflects a belief that the best careers aren’t always planned; they’re built on passion, relationships and faith.

Meet Ava: How Assurance Financial is Using AI to Enhance the Mortgage Experience

January 7, 2026

Our clients may have received a call from Ava from Assurance Financial and wondered, who is this and why is she reaching out to me? Well, Ava is the newly introduced automated intelligence assistant designed to support, not replace, our Loan Originators (LOs) by ensuring clients are aware of when rates drop and help is available. The implementation of Ava creates a more streamlined experience for clients, reducing delays while preserving the boutique, relationship-driven service Assurance Financial is known for.

The conversation around AI in mortgage lending often comes with skepticism, which is why we’ve been intentional about how Ava fits into our client experience. We partnered with Total Expert, a platform purpose-built for mortgage lenders, to ensure Ava integrates seamlessly into our existing workflows while meeting the highest standards for compliance and client communication. As rates change, we want our clients to be aware and get those new rates locked in. Ava reaches out to the client on behalf of our LOs to set up a meeting and begin streamlining the application process. Clients still receive that meaningful touchpoint of being able to speak to their LO. Not only does this process occur seamlessly, but it allows our clients who are going through the mortgage loan steps to benefit from increased time savings. LOs can focus on complex needs and personal guidance for each individual client, while allowing Ava to handle the minutiae of scheduling and setting up calls. It has truly become a game-changer for Originators.

It’s important to note that our compliance department worked hand in hand with Total Expert to ensure that we are compliant with U.S. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulations. Because TCPA requirements vary by state, our compliance team worked closely with Total Expert to ensure every interaction meets regulatory standards, protecting both our clients and our team.

At Assurance Financial we look forward to continuing to see measurable results for our clients through the use of Ava. Her assistance allows our Branch Managers and LOs to continue to deliver the boutique feel Assurance is known for nationwide. The safe, efficient, and responsible usage of an AI assistant, like Ava, will ultimately lead to an even better experience for our clients.

About Assurance Financial

Founded in 2001, Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With licensed loan officers across the country, Assurance offers a wide range of loan products to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. The company is guided by a commitment to exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a culture of giving back to the communities it serves.

Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
859-539-5953

Assurance Financial Announces 2026 President’s Club Honorees

Baton Rouge, LA | January 7, 2026

Assurance Financial proudly announces its 2026 President’s Club members, recognizing an elite group of Loan Officers whose exceptional performance and production set the standard for excellence across the company.

The President’s Club was created by Assurance Financial’s leadership team to honor the hard work, consistency, and outstanding results of top-producing Loan Officers who lead by example and drive success company-wide. This prestigious recognition celebrates achievement in both production and professionalism.

Members of the 2026 President’s Club automatically qualify for a luxury vacation for two, along with additional rewards and recognition throughout the year, in appreciation of their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence.

The 2026 President’s Club recipients include:

Rud Yeates — #1 Producer Overall, Birmingham, AL
Lauren Tylock — Lafayette, LA
Matthew Hunter — Aiken, SC
Barbara Gaston — Florence, AL
Bart Swan — #1 Producer in Volume, Niceville, FL
Willie Tucker — Huntsville, AL
PJ Tavernit — Baton Rouge, LA
Joey Brodtman — West Monroe, LA
Stephen Magyar — Shreveport, LA
Shelley Bentley — Lafayette, LA
Geoff Smith — Roswell, GA
Damian Cook — Atlanta, GA
Ransom Kelly — Homewood, AL
Kim Ghanem — Austin, TX
Keri Butler — Huntsville, AL

“These individuals exemplify what the President’s Club represents—dedication, leadership, and a relentless commitment to delivering results for their clients and communities,” said Kenny Hodges, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and celebrate the impact they continue to make across our organization.”

The 2026 President’s Club reflects Assurance Financial’s ongoing commitment to rewarding excellence and fostering a culture where top performers are recognized, supported, and celebrated.

About Assurance Financial

Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
859-539-5953

A Shared Mission of Hope: Assurance Financial’s Partnership with St. Jude Continues to Grow, Surpassing $100,000 Raised in 2024

Baton Rouge, LA | October 9, 2025

What began in 2018 as a simple desire to make a difference has grown into one of Assurance Financial’s proudest and most impactful partnerships. For seven years, the company has stood alongside St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping fund research, treatment, and hope for children and families facing the unimaginable.

Since joining St. Jude as a corporate partner, Assurance Financial has raised more than $690,000 to support the hospital’s mission to advance cures and prevention for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This year, the company’s collective effort to give back reached new heights, with an additional $100,000 raised through employee initiatives, community events, and a shared passion for the cause.

For Assurance Financial, the partnership is personal. It is about people coming together, loan officers, corporate staff, partners, and clients, to stand for something beyond business. It is about ensuring that families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, because, as Assurance often says, all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

That purpose was felt deeply this fall at the Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social, held at Court to Table in Baton Rouge. The event was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community, compassion, and hope. Employees and partners filled the courts for a day of friendly competition, while local supporters joined in the fun through a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and games designed to keep the energy high and the donations flowing.

By the end of the day, more than $50,000 had been raised, tripling the amount from the previous year and setting a new record for the event. The Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social has quickly become a cornerstone of Assurance Financial’s annual fundraising, with plans already underway to make it an even larger tradition in the years to come.

“We’re thrilled to see the incredible turnout and the generosity of everyone who contributed to this cause,” said Kenny Hodges, CEO of Assurance Financial. “At Assurance, we believe our company’s success goes hand in hand with giving back. Supporting St. Jude means helping children and families in their greatest time of need, and we are honored to play a role in ensuring no family has to face this journey alone.”

“The Pickleball Event was more than just a day of fun,” added Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial. “It was a reflection of our culture at Assurance. Our team, our partners, and our community came together for something bigger than ourselves. The funds raised will help provide critical care and support for families while advancing medical research that has the power to save lives. That’s something we can all be proud of.”

Katie Cummings, Senior Account Manager, Territory, ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, shared, “We’re incredibly grateful to Assurance Financial for being a true champion for St. Jude. Their continued partnership and commitment to hosting unique and fun events like the Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social are making a real impact, raising awareness and vital funds for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. Their leadership is inspiring others in the communities they serve, and we’re honored to celebrate the difference they’re making.”

Beyond the event, Assurance Financial’s “Apps for Kids” campaign continues to be one of its most impactful initiatives. Each September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the company donates $50 to St. Jude for every loan application completed. It is a simple act with powerful results. Hundreds of families have benefited, and every loan represents more than a financial transaction; it is a contribution toward saving lives.

Since 2018, Assurance Financial’s employees, clients, and partners have united under one shared belief: that every child deserves the chance to go home. What started as a partnership has evolved into a defining part of the company’s culture, a reflection of what is possible when compassion meets commitment.

Assurance Financial Names Scott Alexander as Chief Operating Officer

BATON ROUGE, LA | September 3, 2025

Assurance Financial promotes Scott Alexander to COO, bringing 30+ years of lending expertise to lead operations, growth, and client-focused service.

EINPresswire.com/ — Assurance Financial, a leading full-service residential mortgage lender, announces the promotion of Scott Alexander to Chief Operating Officer (COO). With more than three decades of experience in the lending industry, Alexander will oversee operations, compliance, and risk management while driving strategic growth across Assurance Financial’s expanding national footprint.

For the past 13 years, Alexander has been a key leader at Assurance Financial, most recently serving as Chief Risk Officer. In this role, he guided the company’s compliance and risk management framework, ensuring regulatory strength while balancing growth opportunities. His ability to combine operational expertise with a deep understanding of sales uniquely positions him to lead the organization’s next chapter as COO.

“Scott’s expertise and leadership have shaped Assurance Financial’s success. As COO, he’ll strengthen our operations and help us deliver unmatched service and innovation.” — Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO

During his tenure, Alexander has held leadership roles in both operations and sales. He helped establish the Operations Division and has served as Underwriting Manager, Director of Operations, and Sales Manager at the Baton Rouge branch. He also played a key role in helping the company obtain its FHA and VA underwriting authority and continues to hold both certifications. His broad experience enables him to understand challenges from multiple perspectives, making him a leader who connects strategy with execution.

“Scott has been instrumental in shaping Assurance Financial’s success over the past decade,” said Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO of Assurance Financial. “What sets Scott apart is not only his deep expertise in lending and operations but also his ability to lead with clarity and integrity. He understands the heartbeat of our organization — from the branch level to the corporate office — and brings a perspective that connects people, processes, and strategy. As COO, Scott will build upon our strong operational framework, helping us deliver the innovation, service, and reliability our clients, partners, and employees expect.”

Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial, added:

“Scott’s leadership has been a driving force behind many of our achievements. His operational expertise, combined with his strong character and dedication to our team, make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under his guidance, Assurance Financial will continue to thrive while staying true to our mission of putting people first.”

Alexander is also active in the mortgage industry, holding membership in the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association, the Greater New Orleans Lenders Association, and the Greater Baton Rouge Lending Association. Through these affiliations, he advocates for responsible lending practices and stays ahead of industry trends that influence both consumers and lenders.Colleagues describe Alexander as a steady leader who balances operational excellence with a people-first mindset.

“Our industry is about people,” Alexander said. “From the families we serve to the professionals who make up our teams, success is built on trust, transparency, and commitment. I am honored to step into this new role and to continue building on the strong foundation of Assurance Financial.”

Outside of work, Alexander values time with his family and community. He believes in maintaining balance between professional responsibilities and personal values, a principle that shapes his leadership style. The appointment of Alexander as COO reflects Assurance Financial’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team with seasoned professionals who bring both expertise and heart to their roles. With a growing national presence and a reputation for trusted home loan solutions, the company looks to Alexander to guide operations during a time of rapid change and opportunity in the mortgage industry.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Assurance Financial serves borrowers in more than 45 states. Known for its boutique-style service backed by enterprise-level resources, the company combines technology with personalized lending experiences. With Alexander stepping into the COO role, Assurance Financial reinforces its mission of helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership with confidence and care.

About Assurance Financial
Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, licensed in over 45 states. The company provides a wide range of home loan solutions, from conventional mortgages to FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, supported by innovative technology and a people-first approach.

Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com

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Assurance Financial Welcomes Mac Cregger as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth

BATON ROUGE, LA, | August 27, 2025

Assurance Financial is proud to announce the addition of Mac Cregger as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth. With more than two decades of leadership experience in the mortgage industry, Cregger is widely recognized for his ability to drive purposeful growth, inspire teams, and strengthen organizational cultures that deliver long-term success.

“His leadership will be instrumental in guiding our next phase of growth, while also reinforcing our commitment to a culture where people come first.”
— Steve Ward, President & COO at Assurance Financial

Over the course of his 20-year career, Cregger has earned a reputation for cultivating high-performance teams that operate with both accountability and heart. His leadership philosophy blends operational discipline with a people-first approach, ensuring that organizations not only achieve growth but do so in a way that is sustainable and rooted in shared values. He is known for guiding teams through times of change, bringing clarity to complex challenges, and unlocking opportunities for expansion through a balanced focus on innovation, culture, and client impact.

“Mac’s track record of cultivating strong teams and delivering results makes him the perfect fit for Assurance Financial as we continue to expand,” said Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO of Assurance Financial. “His ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence will play a critical role in strengthening our foundation for growth while staying true to the culture and values that define who we are as a company.”

As Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth, Cregger will focus on developing and executing Assurance Financial’s expansion strategies—including deepening relationships with existing partners, identifying new market opportunities, and supporting loan originators and branch managers across the company. His leadership will help Assurance Financial build on its reputation as a trusted, boutique-style lender with the backing of enterprise-level tools, resources, and support.

Steve Ward, President & COO of Assurance Financial, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mac to Assurance Financial. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding our next phase of growth, while also reinforcing our commitment to a culture where people come first. We are confident that his influence will extend beyond our business metrics, impacting the way our teams collaborate, innovate, and serve our clients.”

Beyond his professional expertise, Cregger is deeply committed to his family and community. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Allison, for 25 years, and together they are the proud parents of three children—McKinley, Lillie, and Etta. A devoted family man, he often credits his wife and children as his greatest source of inspiration and motivation.

Cregger’s commitment to service extends beyond the workplace. He is actively involved in his church, serves on multiple community boards, and dedicates time to leadership and mentorship initiatives. Outside of his professional and community commitments, he enjoys playing golf, exploring leadership development opportunities, and cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs.

The addition of Cregger marks an exciting moment in Assurance Financial’s history as the company continues to scale its operations and strengthen its reputation within the mortgage industry. His arrival underscores the company’s focus on strategic, sustainable growth—prioritizing relationships, community impact, and client experience alongside business expansion.

With Cregger on board, Assurance Financial is positioned to not only enhance its operational strategies but also further differentiate itself in an industry that is increasingly competitive and fast-moving. His leadership will support the company’s mission of delivering personalized mortgage solutions while upholding a culture where integrity, service, and people come first.

About Assurance Financial

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Assurance Financial is an independent, full-service residential mortgage lender licensed in 40+ states. The company has built its reputation on providing a boutique-style lending experience supported by enterprise-level technology, resources, and expertise. Assurance Financial offers a wide range of mortgage products and is committed to helping families and individuals achieve the dream of homeownership with personalized service, integrity, and care.

For more information, visit www.assurancemortgage.com.