About
Built in Charlotte.
For Charlotte.
My name's Brian Mangum. I live here in Charlotte, and I've spent the last few years building software that helps small businesses make more money.
Here's how Ascend Systems started:
I was sitting in a dentist's office in Matthews — not as a patient, just waiting on a friend — and I watched the front desk phone ring 4 times while I was there. The receptionist was busy checking someone out. Another call came in while she was on the phone. Voicemail. Voicemail. Voicemail.
I started paying attention. Everywhere I went — the plumber's shop on Independence, the HVAC company on 74, the attorney's office in Mint Hill — same thing. Phones ringing, nobody answering.
I looked up the numbers. 62% of calls to small businesses go unanswered. And 85% of people who reach voicemail never call back. They just call the next business that picks up.
I thought: what if I could build something that answers every call, sounds like a real person, and actually books the appointment? Not a voicemail system. Not a call center in the Philippines. An AI assistant that knows your business as well as your best employee — and never takes a day off.
That's Ascend Systems.
Why This Exists
I'm not a venture-funded Silicon Valley startup trying to "disrupt" your industry. I'm a local guy who builds practical software for real businesses.
Ascend Systems is a product of Lighthouse 27 LLC, my Charlotte-based software company. I build tools that solve real problems — not trendy, not complicated, just stuff that works and makes you more money.
I sell Ascend Systems the old-fashioned way — in person, at Chamber meetings, door-to-door. I'll shake your hand, set up your AI assistant on the spot, and give you my personal cell number. If something's wrong, you call me.
You're not getting a support ticket queue. You're getting a local business owner who answers his own phone. (Ironic, right?)
Values
What I Believe
Your time is worth more than answering phones.
You started your business to do the work, not to be a receptionist.
Technology should be invisible.
If you have to think about it, it's too complicated.
If it doesn't pay for itself, it's not worth it.
Ascend Systems should make you more money than it costs in the first month.
Local matters.
I live here. I shop at your businesses. When you grow, my community grows.
Locally owned
Charlotte, NC
Real person support
Brian's cell, not a ticket queue
No contracts
Month-to-month, cancel anytime
Money-back guarantee
30 days, full refund
Put a Face to the Name
Book a 10-minute demo. See what your customers will hear. No pressure, no commitment.
Book Your Free DemoOr call Brian directly: (704) 555-0123