About Us
Collective Background
In 2016 the Consulting and Business Development Center at the UW Foster School of Business partnered with global financial services firm JPMorgan Chase to launch Ascend. Ascend is growing businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans in 11 cities across the US using 3m model of Management education, Money through loans and investments, and Market access through contracts with anchor institutions such as universities and hospitals, government agencies and large corporations.
Five alumni of the Ascend program at UW Foster School of Business created Ascend Development Group (ADG) in pursuit of real estate development opportunities. Each member of ADG has an existing business in construction, representing a women or minority owned firm. ADG members employ their individual experiences and businesses to collectively deliver real estate development projects. ADG leverages Ascend 3m model in seeking capital through loans and Investments for its projects.
Meet the Team
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Hanif is owner of TransTech Consulting, providing construction management services to local agencies on major capital infrastructure projects. With 25 years’ experience in managing mega-million design-build projects, Hanif has an outstanding track record for delivering construction projects on budget and schedule. A University of Washin
Hanif is owner of TransTech Consulting, providing construction management services to local agencies on major capital infrastructure projects. With 25 years’ experience in managing mega-million design-build projects, Hanif has an outstanding track record for delivering construction projects on budget and schedule. A University of Washington alum, Hanif has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and M.S in Construction Management, along with several professional certifications.
Hanif likes traveling with family, golfing with friends, and coaching soccer to his two 11-year-old twin boys. Since the inception of his firm in 2018, TransTech Consulting donates 10% of their profits to the underprivileged in the community.
David Johnson
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Dave is the owner of Custom Concrete Contracting, Inc., a concrete construction company that has provided professional concrete services in primarily Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties for 25 years. With 30 years of concrete construction experience, Dave has worn many hats including laborer, finisher, craftsman, estimator, and projec
Dave is the owner of Custom Concrete Contracting, Inc., a concrete construction company that has provided professional concrete services in primarily Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties for 25 years. With 30 years of concrete construction experience, Dave has worn many hats including laborer, finisher, craftsman, estimator, and project manager. He is an ACI Certified Concrete Flatwork Finisher & Technician and NRMCA Certified Pervious Concrete Craftsman.
Dave likes reading books that help him grow both personally and professionally. He and his wife prioritize helping others in achieving their goals. Dave somehow roped both of his kids into working for him and cherishes every conflict- and fun-filled minute with his daughter in the office and his son in the field. He further enjoys traveling or paddle boarding with his family.
Antonio Cornejo
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Abigail Ballantine
Tony is the owner of T’s Pro Painting, Inc, which serves residential builders in the Puget Sound Region. With a background in technology and project management, he found a niche working with the largest and most respected homebuilders in the nation, proving his ability to maximize workflow and achieve fast project completions, delivering
Tony is the owner of T’s Pro Painting, Inc, which serves residential builders in the Puget Sound Region. With a background in technology and project management, he found a niche working with the largest and most respected homebuilders in the nation, proving his ability to maximize workflow and achieve fast project completions, delivering excellence every step of the way. T’s Pro Painting was created in 2016 and grew to multimillion-dollar revenues before its second anniversary.
Tony enjoys staying active daily while spending most of his time with his kids and family.
Abigail Ballantine
Hanif Khan, PMP, CCP, DBIA™
Abigail Ballantine
Abby is the majority shareholder and CEO of LAMB Contracting, a concrete construction company servicing commercial, federal, and state projects. Having a military background, organizing, adapting, and leading teams is second nature. With that, she has over 5 years construction experience, 9 years administrative and leadership experience a
Abby is the majority shareholder and CEO of LAMB Contracting, a concrete construction company servicing commercial, federal, and state projects. Having a military background, organizing, adapting, and leading teams is second nature. With that, she has over 5 years construction experience, 9 years administrative and leadership experience and a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Washington.