Category: Press
Assurance Financial Launches Assurance Cares to Expand Its Commitment to Communities Nationwide
New nonprofit builds on the company’s long-standing culture of giving back and supporting causes that matter to employees, clients and communities across the country
Baton Rouge, LA | August 18, 2026 | EINNews.com
Assurance Financial, a nationwide mortgage lender, today announced the launch of Assurance Cares, a nonprofit organization created to build upon the company’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy and expand its impact in communities across the country.
For Assurance Financial, giving back is not a new initiative – it has long been an important part of the company’s culture. From companywide fundraising campaigns to branch-led events supporting local organizations, Assurance employees have a history of rallying around causes that make a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work.
Assurance Cares provides an opportunity to bring those efforts together under one mission, creating an even stronger foundation for the company, its employees and its branches to serve communities nationwide.
“I hope assurance cares is just a continuation of what we’ve been doing for the last 25 years” said Kenny Hodges, CEO & Co-Founder of Assurance Financial. “We’ve donated our time talent and treasure from all our branches and markets we operate in… and I hope that’s a continuation of what Assurance Cares becomes, but on a bigger scale.”
One of Assurance Financial’s longest-standing philanthropic relationships is with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Throughout the partnership, Assurance has contributed nearly $800,000 in support of St. Jude and its mission.
That support takes many forms. Each September, Assurance Financial holds its companywide Apps for Kids campaign, donating $50 to St. Jude for every mortgage application received during the month. Employees and branches also participate in annual St. Jude Walk/Run events, while the company’s annual Serve for St. Jude pickleball event brings employees, partners and community members together to raise additional funds for the organization.
But the spirit of giving at Assurance reaches far beyond any single organization or cause.
Across the country, Assurance Financial branches and employees have built relationships with organizations addressing needs ranging from veteran services and pediatric healthcare to domestic violence prevention, family support and access to basic necessities.
In South Carolina, Assurance employees have supported Fisher House, which provides support and accommodations to military and veteran families, as well as the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The company’s Columbia team has also supported the Cola Rosé Shower, a community initiative that has collected more than 100,000 feminine hygiene products for Sistercare and The Period Project, including enough donations to help supply Sistercare for approximately eight months.
In Aiken, South Carolina, employees have supported The Overflow Foundation, an organization focused on investing in and strengthening its local community.
In Louisiana, Assurance employees have supported organizations including Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital through an annual toy drive and Maddie’s Footprints, which provides support to families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. Assurance’s Lafayette team participates in an annual 5K benefiting the organization.
Employees have also rallied behind the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in fundraising and walk events supporting the organization’s work.
These efforts represent only a portion of the charitable work happening throughout Assurance Financial.
At the heart of Assurance Cares is a belief that meaningful community involvement happens both collectively and locally. While companywide initiatives allow Assurance employees across the country to unite behind shared causes, local branches are also encouraged to identify and support organizations that are meaningful within their own communities.
“For 25 years this group of kind, generous employees have been giving,” shared Steve Ward, who serves as President of Assurance Financial and the Assurance Cares organization. “This is truly just a reflection of our individuals at Assurance Financial. I think this says less about the company and more about all of our kind, generous people.”
The launch of Assurance Cares creates a platform to continue growing that culture of service – bringing employees, partners and communities together while expanding the reach and impact of the charitable work already taking place throughout the organization.
Whether it is helping families facing childhood illness, supporting veterans, providing resources to women in need, assisting families during times of loss or rallying behind a local organization important to an Assurance branch, the mission is the same: to strengthen the communities Assurance Financial is proud to call home.
“Giving back” has long been more than a phrase at Assurance Financial. Through Assurance Cares, the company is building on that legacy and creating new opportunities to make a difference – one community at a time.
About Assurance Cares
Assurance Cares is the nonprofit organization of Assurance Financial, created to support charitable organizations and community initiatives across the country. Building on Assurance Financial’s long history of philanthropy, Assurance Cares brings together companywide initiatives, employee involvement and local community partnerships with a shared goal of making a meaningful difference in the communities Assurance serves.
About Assurance Financial
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender committed to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals. The company offers a wide range of home financing solutions, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, construction and renovation loans, supported by innovative technology and personalized service.
At Assurance Financial, relationships come first. The company combines the resources and capabilities of a national mortgage lender with the personal service and local expertise of its loan officers and branches across the country. That people-first philosophy extends beyond mortgage lending through a strong culture of giving back and investing in the communities Assurance serves.
Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
859.539.5953
Assurance Financial Ranked No. 85 Among Louisiana’s Top 100 Private Companies
BATON ROUGE, LA, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2026 | EINPresswire.com
Assurance Financial, a leading full-service residential mortgage lender, is proud to announce that it has been named No. 85 for Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies in Louisiana for 2025.
The Top 100 Private Companies ranking recognizes the largest privately held businesses based on annual revenue. Compiled by Business Report, the list is developed through extensive research that includes company outreach, industry databases, public records and trusted business sources to verify or estimate each company’s most recent fiscal-year revenue. The rankings reflect a comprehensive evaluation process designed to identify Louisiana’s leading private companies and provide a reliable snapshot of the state’s business landscape.
“Being recognized among Louisiana’s Top 100 Private Companies is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication, hard work and integrity of our entire team,” said Kenny Hodges, president and chief executive officer of Assurance Financial. “For more than two decades, we’ve remained committed to helping families achieve homeownership while building a company rooted in strong relationships, exceptional service and sustainable growth. This recognition reflects the trust our customers, business partners and communities place in us every day, and we’re grateful to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.”
The recognition further reinforces Assurance Financial’s position as one of Louisiana’s leading private companies and reflects the organization’s continued growth, financial strength and commitment to serving customers with excellence. As the company continues to expand its reach, Assurance Financial remains dedicated to helping more families achieve homeownership while creating a lasting impact in the communities it serves.
About Assurance Financial
Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve homeownership through personalized lending solutions and exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company serves communities across the United States through a network of experienced mortgage professionals committed to delivering a seamless and supportive home financing experience.
Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
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Matthew Hunter of Aiken, South Carolina, has been named among Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction in 2025
Aiken, SC, June 24, 2026
Assurance Financial is proud to announce that Matthew Hunter, branch manager of its Aiken, South Carolina, office, has been named to Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction in 2025.
Hunter earned the recognition among more than 50,000 mortgage loan officers representing hundreds of companies nationwide on the Experience.com platform.
Licensed through the National Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, Hunter serves homebuyers in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. Whether assisting first-time homebuyers, guiding clients through a refinance or helping families finance the construction of a new home, Hunter is committed to helping borrowers at every stage of life achieve their homeownership goals.
This marks Hunter’s second consecutive year being named to Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction, having also earned the recognition in 2024. In 2023, he was recognized as a Top 1% Performer in Customer Satisfaction, underscoring his longstanding commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience.
“It was truly a no-hassle experience. Matt and his staff were very helpful in making sure it was stress free and were always able to answer all my questions in a timely manner,” said Shiela D. of Aiken, South Carolina. “Would definitely recommend and would certainly use again if the need arises.”
“At Assurance Financial, we want to go the extra mile for every one of our clients. That’s the whole idea of being Boutique Built,” said Hunter. “We believe everyone deserves a concierge-level transaction and strive to provide a five-star experience every time.”
Assurance Financial is grateful for Hunter’s commitment to serving customers with excellence. Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of who we are as an organization, and we are proud of Matthew’s dedication and grateful for the trust our customers place in us every day.
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
Bart Swan Named Among Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction in 2025
NICEVILLE, FL, June 24, 2026
Assurance Financial is proud to announce that Bart Swan, Branch Manager of its Niceville, Florida, office, has been named to Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction in 2025.
Swan earned the recognition among more than 50,000 mortgage loan officers representing hundreds of companies nationwide on the Experience.com platform.
Specializing in VA home loans, Swan serves military veterans and active-duty service members throughout Northwest Florida. He takes an educational, straightforward approach to lending and believes homebuyers make better decisions when they fully understand their options. His focus on transparency and proactive communication helps clients avoid common obstacles that can delay or derail the mortgage process.
“Working with Bart was an excellent experience from start to finish,” said Jill L. of Crestview, Florida. “Communication was clear, consistent and timely throughout the entire process. Both my client and I always knew exactly where we stood, which made the transaction smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Bart to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable loan officer.
Licensed in Florida and Alabama, Swan is known for his responsiveness, steady problem-solving approach and ability to navigate complex transactions with multiple moving parts. His goal is to help homebuyers make informed mortgage decisions and achieve homeownership with as little stress as possible.
“I’m honored to be recognized as one of Experience.com’s Top 100 Loan Officers in Customer Satisfaction for 2025,” said Swan. “The mortgage process can feel overwhelming, and I’ve always believed my job is to make it simpler by communicating clearly, educating clients, and being available when they need answers. This recognition belongs as much to my clients and referral partners as it does to me. I’m thankful for the trust they’ve placed in me and humbled that so many took the time to share their experiences.”
“Bart’s recognition reflects the exceptional care and service he provides to every client,” said Kenny Hodges, CEO of Assurance Financial. “Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of who we do, and we are grateful for Bart’s dedication and for the trust our customers place in us every day.”
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
Assurance Financial Awarded #1 Mortgage Company, Large Division, for 2025 Top Performers in Customer Satisfaction Awards
BATON ROUGE, LA, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2026
Assurance Financial is proud to announce that it has been named the No. 1 Top Mortgage Company in the Large Division in Experience.com’s prestigious 2025 Top Performers in Customer Satisfaction Awards.
The annual Top Performers Awards recognize mortgage companies and professionals across the country that consistently deliver exceptional borrower experiences. Unlike many industry awards, Experience.com’s rankings are based on verified customer feedback and performance data collected throughout the mortgage process. Companies and individuals are evaluated using a proprietary methodology that considers customer satisfaction ratings, survey completion rates, review volume and overall borrower engagement.
The Large Division category recognizes mortgage companies that distribute between 2,000 and 7,500 customer surveys annually. Among the top-performing organizations in this division, the average customer satisfaction rating was 4.93 out of 5.00, with an average survey response rate of 51.81% and 2,844 completed customer surveys. Within this highly competitive field, Assurance Financial earned the highest overall ranking, securing the No. 1 position nationwide.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the customers we have the privilege of serving,” said Kenny Hodges, president and chief executive officer of Assurance Financial. “Every day, our team works to provide a mortgage experience built on trust, communication and personalized service. To be recognized as the No. 1 mortgage company in customer satisfaction among so many outstanding organizations is both humbling and rewarding. This achievement belongs to our employees, who consistently go above and beyond for our customers, and to the families who place their trust in us during one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.”
Experience.com’s Top Performers Awards are widely regarded as one of the mortgage industry’s most respected customer experience recognitions because winners are selected based on real-world performance data rather than nominations or panel judging. To qualify, companies and loan officers must meet rigorous benchmarks that include closing a significant volume of mortgage loans, maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction ratings and generating a substantial number of verified customer reviews.
For Assurance Financial, the award reflects a long-standing commitment to putting customers first at every stage of the home financing journey. From first-time homebuyers to experienced homeowners refinancing or purchasing investment properties, the company strives to deliver a transparent, responsive and supportive experience that helps borrowers feel confident throughout the lending process.
In addition to the companywide recognition, several Assurance Financial loan officers were honored for their individual commitment to customer service excellence.
Among more than 50,000 loan officers representing hundreds of mortgage companies nationwide on the Experience.com platform, Bart Swan of Niceville, Florida, and Matthew Hunter of Aiken, South Carolina, were named to Experience.com’s Top 100 Mortgage Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction in 2025. Assurance Financial also proudly recognizes the following loan officers as Top Performers in Customer Satisfaction for 2025:
• Barbara Gaston – Florence, Alabama
• Damian Cook – Atlanta, Georgia
• Joey Brodtman – West Monroe, Louisiana
• Lauren Tylock – Lafayette, Louisiana
• Micah Garrett – Troy, Alabama
• PJ Tavernit – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Ransom Kelly – Homewood, Alabama
• Rutherford Yeates – Birmingham, Alabama
• Willie Tucker – Huntsville and Florence, Alabama
“To have so many of our loan officers recognized on a national stage is incredibly rewarding,” Hodges added. “These professionals embody our commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Their dedication to serving families, building lasting relationships and guiding borrowers through the mortgage process is at the heart of who we are as an organization. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the trust our customers place in us every day.”
The recognition further reinforces Assurance Financial’s reputation as a customer-focused lender and highlights the company’s continued investment in creating exceptional experiences for homebuyers across the Southeast and beyond. As the mortgage industry continues to evolve, Assurance Financial remains committed to combining innovative lending solutions with personalized service to help more families achieve the dream of homeownership.
About Assurance Financial
Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve homeownership through personalized lending solutions and exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company serves communities across the United States through a network of experienced mortgage professionals committed to delivering a seamless and supportive home financing experience.
Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing, Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
Assurance Financial is proud to share that Director of Marketing, Jessica Thames, was recently featured on the Content Amplified Podcast, where she joined host Benjamin Ard to discuss how personalized customer journeys are transforming modern marketing.
In an industry where consumers are constantly inundated with emails, texts, and notifications, Thames addressed one of today’s biggest challenges: how to cut through the noise and create meaningful connections. Her answer isn’t simply producing more content—it’s delivering smarter, more timely communication.
Drawing from both her early beginnings and her current leadership role, Thames shared how her approach to marketing has evolved into a strategy rooted in relevance, timing, and human connection. At Assurance Financial, her team leverages technology, AI, and CRM data to build highly personalized customer journeys—often numbering in the thousands—based on real-life milestones such as marriage, growing families, or changes in financial circumstances.
The goal is simple but powerful: create scalable marketing that still feels personal.
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all messaging, Thames emphasized the importance of delivering the right message at the right moment. These journeys are designed not only to automate communication, but also to prompt meaningful human interaction. When key life events occur, loan originators are encouraged to connect directly with clients, ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—the relationship.
“Relevance cuts through noise,” Thames shared during the episode. “When a message is timely and meaningful, it doesn’t feel like marketing—it feels like service.”
Her insights highlight Assurance Financial’s commitment to innovation while staying grounded in its people-first philosophy. By blending advanced marketing strategies with genuine human connection, Thames and her team continue to empower loan originators to better serve their clients and build lasting relationships.
This feature reflects Assurance Financial’s ongoing investment in forward-thinking marketing strategies that support both its team members and the communities they serve.