Mortgage Automator’s partners rely on each other’s strengths to move the company forward. Some say it’s not advisable to go into business with your friends, but the founders of Mortgage Automator wouldn’t have it any other way. The Toronto, Ontario, tech company has evolved from a proprietary software project to an award-winning business with 50 [...]
Paul Jackson draws from experience to build Residential Capital Partners. Paul Jackson recognized the appeal of real estate from an early age. “Everybody in my family was in the real estate business,” he said. “It’s in my blood.” Jackson, president and CEO of Residential Capital Partners (ResCap), grew up in Dallas, where he saw his [...]
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 [...]
Noah Martin’s philosophy background brings a unique perspective to the lending industry. When first meeting Noah Martin, president of AlphaFlow, you might wonder how a philosophy major who casually mentions Jean-Paul Sartre in an interview ended up in private lending. But once you get to know him, you realize Martin constantly seeks to know more about any subject that interests him. So, once he got into finance and lending, he dove [...]
Cindy Nasser's early life experiences taught her lessons about business, empathy, and leadership that drive her success. Cindy Nasser’s career path has been anything but typical. But her life experiences have equipped her with insights that uniquely qualify her to lead teams at PCV Murcor. As chief operating officer, she touches nearly all parts of [...]
Kristina Sawyer draws on experience in all aspects of real estate to offer a cohesive product and experience. When she was young, Kristina Sawyer never thought she’d work in real estate. As it turns out, she’s worked in nearly every aspect of the business, giving her valuable perspective for her role as vice president of [...]
Hard work and execution built Constructive Loans. Ben Fertig, president of Constructive Loans, readily admits his entrepreneurial trajectory was not a “rags to riches story.” Though he’s worked with well-capitalized partners, his focus and drive spurred his success. Fertig started his career in mortgage lending through a series of fortunate events. Growing up, he dreamed [...]
Susan Naftulin navigated a career from history major to fashion retail to private lending and entrepreneurship—a path she never envisioned. Susan Naftulin is an unexpected entrepreneur. Perhaps no one was more surprised than she was to find herself on this path. “I always call myself the accidental entrepreneur because I am not a risk-taker,” she [...]
Entrepreneurial drive finds a home in real estate lending. When Whit McCarthy, senior vice president of Civic Financial Services, graduated from Colby College in 2010, he was ready for new experiences. So, he left the Northeast and began to blaze his own trail in Southern California. Originally from Connecticut, McCarthy said he didn’t want to [...]
Helping clients build wealth and staying ahead of industry change motivate the Forino brothers. It’s said that opposites attract. In the case of Lou and Raffaele Forino, their completely different business backgrounds have benefited them as they’ve built Gauntlet Funding. The brothers were born and raised in Queens, New York. They chose careers in different [...]
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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.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more!
Nominations are open until August 30, 2025, with voting from September 9-30, 2025. 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 2025 nomination and voting process here.
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