On September 16, 2001, after a Saturday night out with friends, I was awakened by a phone call giving me until Sept. 23 to report for active duty following the 9/11 attacks. I was 30 years old, six months into a partnership at a real estate development company with 80 employees, and a month away [...]
A spontaneous meeting turned a warm introduction into a funded construction loan and a new stream of referrals. A year ago, you’d have found me in Los Angeles doing the work that never shows up in a pipeline report: staying visible. In private lending, relationships are the channel. If you want repeat borrowers, a steady [...]
I never imagined one of the most meaningful projects of my career would come from a tragedy that hit so close to home. In August 2023, wildfires tore through Lahaina, Hawaii, a place I once called home. Overnight, an entire town was erased. Friends lost everything. I was fortunate. My home still stands, but many [...]
From exits to evolution, the next chapter in private lending is defined by maturity, specialization, and grit.” The private lending world is relentless. Big deals, little deals, easy deals, complex deals—and everything in between. Succession planning, however, may very well be the biggest deal of your life. At its core, succession planning is simply planning [...]
I found success when I rewrote my inner voice and stopped playing small. There was a time—not long ago—when the phrase “women don’t raise capital like men do” 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, here’s what I’ve 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 “ah-ha” 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 [...]
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