Trent Reed

Angel Oak Home Loans, a mortgage firm based in Atlanta, plans to open a Wilmington office in January.

Regional Vice President Trent Reed will launch the office at 1119-A Miliitary Cutoff Road at The Forum with a team of 20 mortgage professionals, according to a news release. Reed has 17 years of multi-state sales management experience.

The initial Wilmington team for Angel Oak Home Loans consists of 11 loan originators, eight operations staff members, including underwriters and loan closers, and Mariah Chamberlin, marketing specialist.  

"The Wilmington Office will be the regional operations center for future growth in the Carolinas," the release said.

Chamberlin and Reed were previously with OnQ Financial in Wilmington and already have connections in the area.

"It just made sense to start Wilmington as our hub as we expand in North Carolina and South Carolina," Chamberlin said Friday.

The company has locations throughout the United States. In North Carolina, Angel Oak Home Loans is also currently operating in Charlotte, according to the company's website.

The mortgage firm isn't the only new tenant for The Forum. AR Workshop, a boutique DIY workshop business that offers hands-on classes to create custom home decor, was recently opened by Lisa and Ed Ferguson in the center at 1121-M Military Cutoff Road.