I found success when I rewrote my inner voice and stopped playing small. There was a timeānot long agoāwhen the phrase āwomen donāt raise capital like men doā echoed a little too loudly at lending conferences, investor meetings, and pitching rooms I found myself in. I could feel the energy shift the moment I walked [...]
Navigating deployment and a pandemic reinforced the power of optimism, consistency, and community. After my husband transitioned out of active duty, we decided to invest in real estate. In 2016, we purchased our first rental property, laying the foundation for what we hoped would be a growing portfolio. This journey led me to an incredible [...]
In a trailblazing entrepreneurial journey, a former investment banking analyst channeled his expertise into a groundbreaking venture with the goal of transforming the private lending landscape with innovative technology that empowers lenders. In 2014, I was at a career crossroads. My first job as an analyst at Morgan Stanley after graduating from Tulane was interesting, [...]
From early career lessons to business owner ups and downs, hereās what Iāve found to be fundamental. I feel like I grew up in the business-purpose lending world. In 2014, I was on the ground floor of an exciting and fast-moving organization called Civic Financial Services. I was 25 years old with no wife or [...]
A team of specialists is critical. I have had three āah-haā moments during my journey in the private lending industry. The first was when I closed my first private money loan and recognized the opportunity in the industry. The second was when I made the transition from a trust deed platform to a mortgage fund [...]
When we couldn't find what we needed off the shelf, we developed it ourselves! As I look back on how Sekady came to fruition, I realize there were many surprises and unknowns. But one thing is certain: It was born out of necessity. I had recently sold a successful invoice factoring company and had planned [...]
From an early age, I was interested in entrepreneurship. I spent my free time brainstorming new ways to make money and stumbled into starting an eBay store when I was in middle school. I sold my friendsā unwanted holiday and birthday gifts on the site for a commission. In college, I operated a drop-shipping company, [...]
Itās been nearly a decade since my partners and I launched Roc360. Iāve been reflecting a lot recently on the changes in the private lending industry as well as my own path within the space. The two points that stand out most for me are (1) it is always possible to restart and reinvent yourself, [...]
Throughout my career journey, I have embraced constant learning and growth, always being open to change. In the mid-1990s, I decided to build my own CPA practice. Working for other CPA firms provided me great experience and knowledge; however, continuing that path would have led to a future based on the evaluations and decisions of [...]
I have been on the same mission for as long as I can remember: Itās growth. Period. I fully expect to be on that mission for the rest of my life. I plan to continue to grow personally, professionally, financially, physically, socially, spiritually, etc. Itās just how Iām wired. I am a mission-driven person who [...]
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Nominations are open until August 30, 2025, with voting from September 9-30, 2025.Ā Weāll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.Ā Ā
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 2025 nomination and voting process here.
VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors dāoeuvres 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.
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Grand PrizeĀ ā Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission toĀ Power RoomĀ event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st,Ā 2023)
2ndĀ Place ā 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rdĀ PlaceĀ ā 1 year AAPL Individual Membership