For me, the most significant benefit is the opportunity to attend AAPL’s conferences. These events have proven to be the epicenter of private lending expertise and networking. For Kennedy Funding, it’s the opportunity to meet and engage with industry leaders, fostering connections that are both insightful and fortuitous for our funding endeavors. Moreover, AAPL’s conferences are renowned for their content. They are among the largest and most comprehensive private lending events in the nation, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights that are directly applicable to our work.

Becoming a member of the AAPL made sense as it is universally recognized as a leading force in networking within the private lending space. AAPL consistently brings together the brightest minds and latest advancements in our field—making it an indispensable resource for anyone looking to lead and excel in private lending. By being a part of this vibrant community, I’m able to keep up with the ever-changing pulse of the industry as well as actively contribute to its future growth.

The AAPL Conference stands out as a significant memory for me. The panel discussions were informative, offering unique perspectives that challenged and expanded my understanding of the private lending landscape. What particularly stands out to me were the connections I’ve forged at the event. The result has a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with each closed loan, knowing the direct impact it has on our clients and the industry.

I began my professional journey at Kennedy Funding at age 22. For me, it was a major draw to be part of a premier direct lender renowned for its status in the private lending industry. Over the last 20 years, my mission at Kennedy Funding has been to assist borrowers and brokers in achieving their aspirations and goals. One of the most appealing facets of this vocation is our global reach and local law expertise to help clients avoid the real estate red tape. It’s a role that goes beyond mere financial transactions, but aiding in our clients’ triumphs.

I’ve had the honor of being a part of the team that has closed over $4 billion in private loans for our clients. Our focus on land opportunities has granted us a unique competitive advantage— distinguishing us within the industry. We are known as one of the world’s largest land loan lenders. These noteworthy achievements reflect not just my individual growth but also the collective talent and commitment of the Kennedy Funding team. Getting a borrower to the closing table, and knowing we’ve helped them secure the funding they require, means ‘mission accomplished’, a very satisfying experience.

“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell provides valuable insights that can be applied to the field of private lending and business in general. Gladwell’s book dissects the factors that contribute to high levels of success, offering perspectives that are relevant to understanding success in today’s private lending world. One key insight from Gladwell’s work is the importance of seizing opportunities and the role of timing in achieving success. He argues that success is not just a result of random acts but arises from a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities. This concept is crucial in private lending, where timing and the ability to recognize and act upon opportunities can significantly impact the success of both lenders and borrowers.