When asked to tell us about his hobbies, Saurabh Shah, co-founder of InstaLend, told us he loves playing sports and eating ice cream. For a second we thought he said playing sports while eating ice cream — we are definitely now disappointed to realize this isn't the case. Anyway, when you run into Saurabh at [...]
When asked what he does for fun, Chris Baggett, Director of Business Development at Essex Financial Services (new members as of July 2021!) will tell you fun is relative, but that he likes to stay active with cycling, hiking and lifting weights nearly every day of the week. So we guess Chris isn't into fun? [...]
Kristina Sawyer draws on experience in all aspects of real estate to offer a cohesive product and experience. When she was young, Kristina Sawyer never thought she’d work in real estate. As it turns out, she’s worked in nearly every aspect of the business, giving her valuable perspective for her role as vice president of [...]
Meet the committee members who will be the association’s advisors in three critical areas: education, advocacy, and ethics. During the past decade, we’ve zeroed in on three distinct areas that have grown to form the backbone of nearly every initiative we take as an association: Education, Advocacy, and Ethics. To better serve you and the [...]
Hard work and execution built Constructive Loans. Ben Fertig, president of Constructive Loans, readily admits his entrepreneurial trajectory was not a “rags to riches story.” Though he’s worked with well-capitalized partners, his focus and drive spurred his success. Fertig started his career in mortgage lending through a series of fortunate events. Growing up, he dreamed [...]
A full remodel of a worn-out home in a popular Los Angeles-area neighborhood exceeds expectations, in spite of the pandemic. This traditional home is nestled in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, with access to great restaurants, shops, and essentials. But it was worn out and in desperate need of a modern touch [...]
CIVIC Financial Services LLC (CIVIC) has a new parent company in a deal its president says was truly a boon for all parties. “The win-win moniker is grossly overused and overstated. But, God as my witness, this is one of those deals where each of the three parties won,” CIVIC President William J. Tessar told [...]
Caballero Lender Services is the American Association of Private Lender's newest Member Discount partner, assisting lenders and servicers on private money loans by providing legal guidance and advice based on decades of experience in the mortgage industry. Services include preparation of loan documents, loan closing settlement services, and foreclosures on defaulted loans. CLS was founded [...]
NY A1420/S1061 Threatens to Require Licensing for Commercial (Business Purpose) Loans And Other Transactions UPDATE 3/17/2022 3:40PM CT: We received an alert that this bill has been amended as of March 17, 2022 and recommitted to the Banks Committee after inactivity all of 2021. At this time, the only material change to the bill is [...]
Susan Naftulin navigated a career from history major to fashion retail to private lending and entrepreneurship—a path she never envisioned. Susan Naftulin is an unexpected entrepreneur. Perhaps no one was more surprised than she was to find herself on this path. “I always call myself the accidental entrepreneur because I am not a risk-taker,” she [...]
Membership Questions?
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Nominations are open until August 30, 2026, with voting from September 7-30, 2026. 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 2026 nomination and voting process here.
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.
AAPL APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more! Download now!
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
