Fun Fact #1: Vermont, the 14th state admitted to the union in 1790, gets its name from "montagne verte" (French for green mountain) after the state's gorgeous Green Mountains. Fun Fact #2: We learned this because Jacob Therrien, a business development specialist at Bridge Loan Network, grew up around Vermont's mountains. Those origins gave him [...]
Visit aaplonline.com/education-advisory-committee for more information about our Education Committee. What’s next? Those two syllables are enough to give any in-the-know lender heartburn: Futureproofing is a dichotomy between an eye-rolling salvo and the secret dream for private lenders everywhere. We balance on a line between the demand of the housing market and the ability of traditional [...]
Helping clients build wealth and staying ahead of industry change motivate the Forino brothers. It’s said that opposites attract. In the case of Lou and Raffaele Forino, their completely different business backgrounds have benefited them as they’ve built Gauntlet Funding. The brothers were born and raised in Queens, New York. They chose careers in different [...]
Visit aaplonline.com/ethics for more on our Code of Ethics Mike Hanna, Managing Partner, Investmark Mortgage, LLC “Bait and switch” lending and truth in advertising are the top ethical challenges in the marketplace today. There are more lenders now than there were just a few years ago, and the lending environment has become hypercompetitive in some [...]
Traveling and living internationally helped Michael Mikhail “find himself”—and gave him the mindset to discover his calling. For some entrepreneurs, the ultimate goal is creating a company that can run just as successfully without them as with them. Michael Mikhail, founder and CEO of Stratton Equities, sees his business completely differently. “I’m never absent. I [...]
Kansas City, Missouri - April 15, 2020 – The American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever online designation course, Certified Fund Manager. AAPL designation courses prior to the launch have only been available as in-person courses alongside the association’s Annual Conference and select partner events. “Bringing CFM [...]
During a workout cool-down (we're not quite sure Loren knows what that actually means), what started as an attempt to "see how fast [he] could go" on the indoor rowing machine led Loren Howard, founder and president of Prime Plus Mortgages to break the 20-year world record for indoor rowing (well, three world records, but [...]
LONG BEACH, Calif., March 31, 2020 - Applied Business Software (“ABS”), is excited to announce record growth in the Services Department for the fiscal year 2019. In the 2019 fiscal year, ABS experienced a 38% growth in their newest service: printing, stamping and mailing of 1098 and 1099 tax forms. ABS is the only software [...]
Redondo Beach, CA, February 25, 2020 – Civic Financial Services is committed to supporting our nation’s injured veterans through Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the nonprofit’s free programs and services. Additionally, the private money lender has launched its own Military Discount Program in support of active duty, veteran and retired military personnel. President of CIVIC, [...]
Private Lender Network to provide platform for private lending offices nationwide to scale AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 12, 2020 – Noble Capital Group, an alternative investment financial firm focused on private lending and private equity, announced today the rollout of its nationwide lending initiative, the Private Lender Network (PLN), to finance real estate investment projects and [...]
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VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS & SESSION BREAKS // Early-risers will appreciate plentiful coffee and a selection of pastries, protein, and more – along with the opportunity to talk shop in a quieter atmosphere. Session breaks feature an energetic environment with a variety of snacking options.
AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY // For those who hate to say goodnight, each year a few sponsors plan a little something extra to wrap up your day … or help segue from all-business to all-fun. We’ll mark the party as official and provide information about how to attend.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more!
Nominations are open until August 30, 2025, with voting from September 9-30, 2025. We’ll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2025 nomination and voting process here.
Grand Prize – Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission to Power Room event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st, 2023)
2nd Place – 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership
