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 [...]
Traveling and living internationally helped Michael Mikhail “find himself”—and gave him the mindset to discover his calling. For some entrepreneurs, the ultimate goal is creating a company that can run just as successfully without them as with them. Michael Mikhail, founder and CEO of Stratton Equities, sees his business completely differently. “I’m never absent. I [...]
After stints as a firefighter, cook, waiter, housekeeper and construction laborer, a fateful broken wrist helped steer Thomas Standen IV into working at his grandparents’ business, Note Servicing Center. In 2003, Standen found himself at a family party hosted by his grandparents, Tom and Roberta Standen. Unexpectedly, Tom announced that he wanted someone in the [...]
Vincent Balagia has kicked Stallion Funding into full gear to provide hard money loans to real estate investors in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Vincent Balagia was 26 years old when he founded Stallion Funding in Austin. It was 2007, on the cusp of the Great Recession. Balagia didn’t have much entrepreneurial experience, but [...]
Ray Sturm’s life and business lessons “In the early days of a company, nothing happens unless you make it happen.” Ray Sturm learned this pillar of entrepreneurship quickly in his career. It was 2009,—years before he co-founded AlphaFlow, one of the private lending industry’s leading tech-driven investment managers. Sturm and a friend had just ventured [...]
Spencer Bakst leads his team through education and care. First and Ten Since childhood, Spencer Bakst had set his sights on making a living in a role that would benefit others the most. The charitable calling became apparent to him in his teenage years, when he attained the highest rank offered by the Boy Scouts [...]
Membership Questions?
Call 913-888-1250
Nominations are open until August 23, 2024, with voting from September 1-30, 2024. 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 2024 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 from the OMNIA’s private deck. AAPL Members may RSVP during 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 while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
AAPL’S 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 ANNUAL CONFERENCE APP // On iOS, Android, and desktop, the app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL. Connect with fellow attendees and export your connections at anytime. The app is your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, notebook, and more!
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One App for All Attendees.Download the AAPL Annual Conference App for desktop, IOS and Android.
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| How to get started.
Step 1: Purchase your conference ticket. You must be registered for the main conference to gain access to the app. Step 2: Download the app: The AAPL Annual Conference app is available for download on IOS and Android. Desktop capability will be enabled shortly before the start of the conference and is accessible from the mobile app. Step 3: Wait for your email notification: To access the 2023 event, we’ll add you to the app event using the email provided on your registration. You will receive an email notification when this happens. We’ll start adding attendees to the app in September. Step 4: Explore & Build Your Profile: You can start connecting with other attendees even before the conference. Complete your profile with your bio, photo, contact info, social media, etc. As #AAPLANNUAL draws closer more app features will become available. You’ll be able to build your schedule, see what you’re RSVPed to and more — all from the app. Have other questions? Please email us at contact@aaplonline.com. |
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