KEN FRIEND
CEO & Senior Loan Officer

Over the last 20 years, Ken has built a solid reputation as a dedicated, trustworthy, industrious mortgage originator with an aptitude for managing complex financing scenarios.

It was his analytical mind and affinity for numbers that first attracted him to the finance industry. Prior to becoming a loan officer, Ken spent 15 years at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Throughout that time, he earned a Vice President position and was trusted to manage over $200 million in assets (>$400 million today, adjusted for inflation). 

Then along came Kelly, his now wife and co-owner of Long Grove Mortgage. A rising star loan officer with a work ethic like he’d never seem, she inspired him to explore the mortgage lending business. He fell in love! He and Kelly made the decision to join forces behind Long Grove Mortgage, and never looked back. 

One of the things his clients love about working with Ken is his in-depth market knowledge, which he leverages to craft strategic financing solutions contour to their unique circumstances.

His objective is to empower his clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions with confidence. To do this, he takes the time to thoroughly understand his client’s individual needs, concerns, and goals. He then presents options in a way that are digestible and easy to understand. 

Ken’s philosophy is to treat each and every client as if they were his family. While he specializes in jumbo loans, and has the expertise to execute multi-million dollar deals, he values and respects every client equally. Whether guiding a first time home buyer to secure down payment assistance, or expanding a luxury investment portfolio, every client receives the same care and respect. 

It’s his commitment to exceptional, individualized service that has enabled him to build a business of almost entirely repeat and referral clients. The best compliment is when he receives a referral from a parent, which happens quite often. Ken is the father of seven children, and appreciates the trust such a referral reflects. 

When Ken is not working hard for his clients, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and rooting for the Huskers. He’s always good for a dad joke, and quotes Mel Brookes movies more often than necessary. It's endearing.

KELLY FRIEND
President

Kelly Friend, President of Long Grove Mortgage, has spent 35 years building a business on a bedrock of trust. Professional integrity and dedication to her clients have always set Kelly apart, and enabled her to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable industry.

Her career began in 1988 when a friend suggested she explore the mortgage business. She was a waitress at the time, relying on tips to support four children, and was inspired by the limitless growth potential such an opportunity promised. And so she traded in her apron for a pantsuit, clipped on a pager, and jumped in with both feet!

Within 2 years, Kelly had become a top producing Loan Officer, regularly claiming Producer of the Year recognition as she graduated to larger and more reputable firms. She attributes her rapid rise to one simple fact: she’s passionate about helping families achieve financial stability.

When presented with the opportunity to acquire Long Grove Mortgage, she saw a chance to take this passion to the next level. She joined forces with Ken Friend, a fellow Loan Officer who also happened to be her husband. Their shared values and complimentary skills made for a perfect partnership.

Under Kelly and Ken’s shared leadership, Long Grove Mortgage has helped hundreds of families secure homes, and saved her clients millions of dollars through refinancing. Their business continues to grow thanks to consistent client and partner referrals.

For Kelly, it’s all about the personal connection with her clients, and she has made this a core value of Long Grove Mortgage in turn. She holds her team to the highest standards of service, treating clients like people, not transactions, and ensuring they are informed and supported every step of the way.

When she’s not running her business, she loves spending quality time with her family at her home in Long Grove, where she proudly holds the designation of “cool grandma”. ​