Opportunity Zones can be a complicated subject for beginner and expert alike. Opportunity Zones—sometimes referred to as OZs—are a hot topic with real estate and investment professionals. They’re a popular discussion for good reason. If you are an investor in the right situation, these zones (and funds) offer some very advantageous tax benefits. While one [...]
Ray Sturm’s life and business lessons “In the early days of a company, nothing happens unless you make it happen.” Ray Sturm learned this pillar of entrepreneurship quickly in his career. It was 2009,—years before he co-founded AlphaFlow, one of the private lending industry’s leading tech-driven investment managers. Sturm and a friend had just ventured [...]
MIAMI (September 20, 2019)–LV Lending, a Miami-based private lender focused on residential and commercial investment properties, today announced the closing of $1.595 million in financing for Park Avenue Hotel Group Florida’s renovation of a 21,758 square-foot, four-story hotel located at 7220 Plantation Rd. in Pensacola, FL. The developer is renovating and converting the 1.56-acre property [...]
PeerStreet celebrates first place win for Information & Intelligence among crowdfunding platforms LOS ANGELES, Calif.--September 10, 2019 — PeerStreet, a marketplace for investing in real estate backed loans, is pleased to announce that it won first place in CRETech’s 2019 Real Estate Tech Awards (RETAs) for the Information & Intelligence – Crowdfunding category. PeerStreet was [...]
KANSAS CITY, Missouri – September, 2019 – Liquid Logics announced that their best-in-class loan origination software will now integrate with leading nationwide private lender, RCN Capital starting in September 2019. The announcement follows news earlier this year of Liquid Logics’ partnership with PeerStreet’s investor marketplace to integrate their LOS software with PeerStreet’s investor database. The [...]
We don't often get to know the personal side of some of the bigger names in our business. Chris Fuelling, CEO of LendingWise, also has another title: Dad. Chris said he's looking forward to his two boys getting older so he can start teaching them his passion for building. That is, building both businesses and [...]
Civic Financial Services Continues to Scale with Growing Correspondent Team Redondo Beach, CA | August 20, 2019 – Civic Financial Services, the industry-leading private money lender, announced today the addition of two mortgage industry experts to its correspondent team that launched in June 2019. Nancy Aplin has been named as West Coast Regional Sales Manager [...]
Spencer Bakst leads his team through education and care. First and Ten Since childhood, Spencer Bakst had set his sights on making a living in a role that would benefit others the most. The charitable calling became apparent to him in his teenage years, when he attained the highest rank offered by the Boy Scouts [...]
I am incapable of managing people. My focus shifts so quickly that people end up with workflow whiplash. I cannot evaluate anyone’s performance or character because I like everyone. I have the memory of a fruit fly and have not invested the time or energy into creating systems to overcome it. Rules and structure imposed [...]
Tim Boord, managing director of Navigator Private Capital, grew up picking crabs and shucking oysters in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay area. He still finds time to get to his beloved Baltimore Orioles games, fondly recalling watching America's greatest pastime at the now-demolished Memorial Stadium and avidly following Iron Man Cal Ripken's career. Learn more about Tim: [...]
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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
