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 [...]
Striking a Balance at 15,000 Feet Michael Schumacher and Aaron Roth follow a big picture formula to keep their portfolios in an upright position. Now Boarding Like many small company leaders, Michael Schumacher and Aaron Roth, the president and vice president of Enact Partners, respectively, fill more positions than their titles would suggest. “We wear [...]
Always up for a challenge. Invigorated by her work, Tabitha Fitzgerald has become a passionate force in the private lending industry. Tabitha Fitzgerald, COO of Specialty Lending Group, is a force in the private lending industry. Her natural drive, competitive spirit, creativity and compassion are on display not only during her interactions with her peers, [...]
Membership Questions?
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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