Michael Tedesco, CEO of Appraisal Nation, has been an AAPL member for seven years. If you’re looking to start a conversation with Michael, ask him how the Steelers are doing. He's an avid fan of football and baseball – especially his beloved Pittsburgh teams – and still has thousands of his childhood baseball cards. Learn more [...]
Chris Ragland, COO of Noble Capital, has been an AAPL member for three years. His wanderlust is fueled by new cultures and languages that help build personal growth opportunities. If he can hike a mountain along the way, even better. Chris is a member of AAPL’s Education Advisory Committee, panelist, instructor and is about to [...]
Brett Crosby and John Beacham tie Member of the Year The American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), the only national organization dedicated to excellence in private real estate lending, announced the winners of the 2018 AAPL Excellence Awards. The awards were announced at AAPL’s 2018 Annual Conference Excellence Award Ceremony, which took place at Caesars [...]
Partnering with VCheck Global emphasizes credibility of members The American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), the only national organization dedicated to excellence in private real estate lending, announced a new partnership with VCheck Global at AAPL’s 2018 Annual Conference State of the Association, which took place at Caesars Palace, Nov. 4. “VCheck Global offers a [...]
American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) announced its launch of The Influencers as the first national private lender mastermind as a new category of AAPL membership. In a twist from traditional masterminds that focus primarily on internal business issues, members of the Influencers will meet with policymakers to tackle broader regulatory change, create strategies to [...]
Recognized for innovation and achievements in Real Estate Investing on eve of three year anniversary PeerStreet, a marketplace for investing in real estate backed loans, is honored to announce that it has been named to the second annual CB Insights Fintech 250 list, a prestigious group of emerging private companies working on groundbreaking financial technology. [...]
Fairway America expands into commercial mortgage banking with the creation of a new company, Fairway America Commercial Finance, LLC (FACF). Trent Brown has been selected to run FACF to coordinate all debt financing needs supporting commercial real estate sponsors nationwide. Activity associated with raising equity will continue to be conducted by Fairway America Capital Markets Group [...]
With the negative press and declining fortunes of social media suggesting that another path is needed for content marketers, one route that’s emerging is a not-so-dusty throwback: search engine optimization. Here’s an SEO refresher. For years, SEO was the MVP. Then it became second fiddle to social media. Are we ready to welcome it back [...]
How to stop “un-selling” yourself and your business through your online platforms. Un-selling is the opposite of selling. It’s not good. Stop un-selling, people. Stop it! It would be easy to stop right there. Instead, we are going to look at why a major television network canceled a hugely popular television series reboot that drew [...]
Jeff Levin, founder and president of Specialty Lending Group, has been an AAPL member for nine years. He’s not only an active member who lives each day to its fullest; he is a recognized authority, lecturer and panelist. He is a member of AAPL’s Education Advisory Committee, regular contributor to Private Lender magazine and has [...]
Membership Questions?
Call 913-888-1250
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