When I was 14 years old, I learned what it meant to pivot off the basketball court. Due to a medical condition, I realized my next breath and continued journey was between God and me. I knew that if God continued to put air in my lungs it would be my responsibility to live life [...]
As is the case in most ethical scenarios, intent, communication, and action are key. Employee turnover can be costly and disruptive. To mitigate their risk when employees leave and to protect intellectual property and trade secrets, some companies require certain employees to sign noncompete agreements. However, some of these agreements fail because they are overly [...]
What Does That Mean for Private Lenders and What is Going to be Affected? As of this writing, Jerome Powell informed the world that the Federal Reserve was raising the federal fund rates 75 basis points (bps) or 0.75%, bringing the total charge to 1.75%. The go-to primary inflation control valve of the Federal Reserve, [...]
Developing relationships with brokers seeking to enter the private lending space may give your company a boost. Brokers go where the money is. In 2022, with interest rates increasing, refinancing demand declining, and a fresh wave of bank restructuring and layoffs, that means many conforming loan brokers are seeing opportunity in private lending. Traditional direct-to-consumer [...]
One investor recounts his journey into private lending and the factors he considered as he scaled. Similar to the experience of other private lenders, my first opportunity in the industry fell in my lap. I graduated from a small technical engineering school in Massachusetts with a degree in computer science in 2016 and was working [...]
Former NFL player Josh Baker jets into high gear with his new venture. Josh Baker’s career path has been unorthodox, veering from a major in criminal justice to a stint in the NFL to a career in private lending. Through every step, he’s made forward progress, grinding to make that next first down. Josh grew [...]
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and KANSAS CITY, MO –AlphaFlow and the American Association of Private Lenders (“AAPL”) today announced a partnership to help lenders grow their businesses and the private lending industry. AlphaFlow, the leading technology platform for institutional investment in real estate debt, has worked closely with AAPL over the last six years at the [...]
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 Real Estate industry can be unforgiving. The moment we come to understand and accept that, we discover a world of opportunities. I did my first investment deal when I was in college. As is true for many of us, it was an accident that led to a career. I purchased my first house during [...]
Use a step-by-step approach to review and analyze a property’s discretionary entitlements before approving a loan on the property. If you work in the real estate industry, you have no doubt heard the term “caveat emptor.” It means “let the buyer beware.” But have you ever heard of “let the lender beware”? To understand it, [...]
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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