Industries mature when the people who create opportunities stop treating access as something they personally control. Leadership is measured by what others can build after you open the door. I recently spoke with an executive whose company had been removed from an industry association. The specifics of the situation aren’t important here. Competing business interests, [...]
Meaningful and intentional continuing education is an essential tool enabling lenders to navigate challenges, mitigate risk, and grow their businesses—all while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and accountability. AAPL has long recognized the role education plays in strengthening our community. There’s a reason our three pillars are education, ethics, and advocacy—with education placed first. [...]
AAPL has formed a member-led fraud steering committee and launched additional initiates to combat fraud in the private lending industry. Because technology has made it easier than ever to perpetuate all kinds of fraud, lenders must defend themselves on multiple fronts. Borrower fraud is one area where our industry stands to lose the most. Whether [...]
We may be ringing in a New Year, but there’s no need to make it a New You. The conversations coming out of our annual conference almost exclusively point in one direction: Success in 2024 will not be gained by finding new frontiers, gutsy pivots, or anything else that may resemble a shiny penny. The [...]
As our industry grows and gains credibility among borrowers and investors, private lenders must proactively guard against a concerning new digital risk. "Imagine you’re at home one night and receive a phone call from a borrower. He asks if you’ll be funding his loan, reminds you of the fee he paid, and wonders why you [...]
No, not for food. Professionally, are you hungry? Eager to dive into your next deal, project, task? Looking for the next opportunity for your business, your career? Are you invigorated, energized, ready? If your answer is “nope,” take a moment. Right now. What’s the block? Is there a change you can make—however small—that you’ve been [...]
The 2022 AAPL conference in Las Vegas has plenty to offer the small private lender. When new or small private lenders attend one of our industry events, we expect the event to check the right boxes and be a personal and professional success. We look for great food, plentiful networking, an engaging venue, and generous [...]
Words have power. We use them to define our place in the world and to communicate that position to others. Recently, one phrase long used in our industry has come under fire: hard money. What is a hard money lender? Is it the same as a private lender? An asset-based lender? Non-agency? Balance sheet lender? [...]
The housing market has had to endure a tumultuous journey keeping up with interest rate volatility, revamped credit requirements, and forbearance requests as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order signed by Presiden Biden extended the previous foreclosure moratorium to June 30, 2021, with the goal to relieve homeowners struggling to make housing [...]
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 [...]
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