Our May Member Spotlight shines on Blair Pierce, our Business Operations Manager at AAPL!

What have you found to be most beneficial from AAPL membership?

What I enjoy most about the American Association of Private Lenders is its ability to stay at the forefront of the private lending industry. This is largely driven by the depth, experience, and engagement of its members, who consistently bring real-world insight and perspective to the conversation. I especially value the opportunity to connect with members who are not only knowledgeable, but also genuinely eager to participate, collaborate, and share best practices. In addition, AAPL delivers a level of education that is truly unmatched, offering practical, industry-specific training and resources that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

What is your favorite AAPL memory?

I have many great memories with the American Association of Private Lenders, particularly from our annual conferences and team travel experiences. The annual conference in Las Vegas has been especially memorable, and working alongside my colleagues has led to many moments that I will not soon forget. From unexpected travel challenges to unique dining and venue experiences in cities across the country, these shared experiences have helped strengthen our team and create lasting professional relationships. Together, they reflect the camaraderie and culture that make working with AAPL both rewarding and enjoyable.

What brought you into the private lending industry?

I was introduced to the private lending industry by my boss, Linda Hyde. We first met in a casual moment while grabbing coffee, an interaction that ultimately led to a long-standing professional relationship. At the time, I was working with Think Realty, while Linda was with AAPL. When our parent company later downsized and both organizations were sold, Linda chose to keep me on the team, a decision for which I remain grateful. I spent eight years with Think Realty, and more recently, Linda facilitated my transition to AAPL following Think Realty’s sale. It’s been a full-circle moment, and I like to think it’s proof that she still believes I’m a good fit for the team, perhaps because I’m still “nice.”

Advice you’d give your younger self?

I would remind my younger self that success is often shaped less by what you know and more by the relationships you build along the way. Investing time in genuine connections, earning trust, and maintaining a strong professional network will open more doors than any single skill or credential. I’d also stress the importance of keeping things in perspective, many of the things that feel overwhelming in the moment rarely matter in the long run. Focus on doing good work, treating people well, and staying adaptable. The rest tends to fall into place.

Career advice for industry newbies?

My advice to those new to the industry is, first and foremost, to join the American Association of Private Lenders as early as possible. Take full advantage of the education and training opportunities available, and make it a priority to stay informed on industry trends and best practices. Equally important is building relationships with other members. Some of the most valuable learning comes from engaging with peers, sharing experiences, and learning directly from those who are actively working in the industry.

Accomplishment you’re particularly proud of? 

An accomplishment I’m proud of is my versatility in the workplace. I make a conscious effort to learn every aspect of the company and understand how each department operates, which allows me to collaborate more effectively, adapt quickly, and contribute wherever I’m needed.

Your “one big goal” for the year?

As I join a new organization, my goal this year is to develop a strong understanding of all aspects of AAPL so I can confidently take on responsibilities and contribute effectively.

Your personal motto/words you live by?

A motto I live by comes from the late Avicii and is something I even have displayed in my home. It’s a well-known lyric from his song “The Nights”: “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember.” The message is a powerful reminder to be intentional with time, to value meaningful experiences, and to create moments that leave a lasting impact. Inspired by advice from his father, the lyric resonates as a call to live a life that is both purposeful and memorable.

Favorite “down time” activity?

My favorite way to unwind is spending time with friends over Mexican food and margaritas, a tradition we’ve kept every Monday for years as a reminder that Mondays don’t have to be dull. I also enjoy time with my family at our lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks, where I like boating, swimming, and riding UTVs. In addition, I’m an avid pinball enthusiast; my parents even surprised me with a pinball machine last Christmas.

The “one weird fact about you” that you always share during team building exercises?

A few lesser-known facts about me include that I work as a video DJ on the weekends as a side hustle. I was also a mascot in both high school and college, and I previously taught hip-hop dance classes.

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