Ask Kevin Kim to describe himself. His answer bypasses the resume entirely. The interview has been going for nearly an hour—law school, banking, the firm, COVID, his daughters, his father’s death—when AAPL asks the final question: If someone summed you up in one or a few words, and it actually fit, what would it be? [...]
Pressure found Shaye Wali early—and never left. Long before boardrooms and balance sheets, it was waiting for him on the tennis court. That same discipline now guides how he builds Baseline Software, turning every pivot into part of a continuous rally he has no intention of losing. If you want to know who someone really [...]
Defying "You Can't" The job proposal made sense, at least on paper. An established industry executive approached Briana Hildt with what she describes as a “pretty rock solid offer”—an opportunity to move from brokering loans into an in-house lending role. For most professionals in the space, it would have been the natural progression: more institutional [...]
In an environment where many race to brag about record deal counts and lightning-fast closings, discipline might seem like a buzzkill. Brock VandenBerg, founder and CEO of private lending firm TaliMar Financial, wants discipline to be the buzz. In fact, VandenBerg is almost evangelical about the importance of maintaining underwriting guidelines. For him, lending guidelines [...]
Kemra Norsworthy isn’t supposed to be here. Not in the male-dominated private lending industry. Not in business ownership, given a childhood that began in poverty and could have defined her future. And not in this life, where a brutal diagnosis should have ended everything. No, Norsworthy’s path has never been smooth. But that’s never stopped [...]
While Chris Fuelling, CEO of LendingWise, describes himself in terms of tenacity, gumption, and fortitude—all undoubtedly true—a solutions-first core and builder’s heart is where the real story is. It’s why he launched his first business and pivoted that business thrice over. And it’s ultimately what drives his expectations for himself, his team, and the private [...]
Is Constructive Capital's new vice-presidential trio the secret sauce to record-breaking growth? If you like games, rock, paper, scissors may top your list. For animated 90's TV shows featuring three titular characters, there's probably 10 you could pick from. Motown girl group? It's got to be the Supremes. Many of our favorite things seem to [...]
Liquid Logics began not merely as a business venture but as a culmination of a young boy’s dream and a series of fortuitous events. In the realm of fintech, particularly in the niche of private lending solutions, Liquid Logics’ story emerges not merely as a company that has transformed the private lending landscape but as [...]
This article was updated 7.1.25 to reflect a business name change. A cross-country move for a career change is one of the biggest leaps Melissa Martorella has made. The risk paid off. Growing up in the small town of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Melissa Martorella attended Boston College for undergraduate and Tufts University in the Greater Boston [...]
When Kendra Rommel wanted to grow her network, she didn’t have a university alumni group to tap into. Instead, she looked to her CrossFit gym, just one of many unconventional approaches she’s relied on to move her career forward. Rommel’s approach to building her career and her company has been outside-the-box since she started mortgage [...]
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