The Pawnbroker Network attended Pawn Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, this week. The largest and most comprehensive annual pawn industry convention and tradeshow event in the U.S, the event hosted by the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) is a gathering for pawnbrokers, industry partners, and other stakeholders in pawn. It’s also a time for the annual recognition of award winners from the industry.
A new award for State Associations was announced this year, and the Texas Association of Pawnbrokers is the first winner. According to the NPA’s website, the award is given to the State Association who shows the most willingness and effort to assist their fellow Associations in achieving individual success. Board President Cody Lee Lewis shared, “Congratulations to the Texas Association of Pawnbrokers for achieving and receiving this award! It was an honor to represent the Association and accept the award on its behalf. We have a great organization, a great board of directors, and tremendous involved membership. I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2022 TAP convention in February and celebrating this honor and our 25th Anniversary!
TAP Board member Rachel Fitch who owns Gold Cup Pawn in Kerrville, Texas, shared, “Being chosen as the State Association of the Year by NPA was a defining moment in my work and dedication to TAP. It’s about the service to the pawn community and to the great state of Texas. I’m proud to be a pawnbroker from Texas! Being on a Board and having fun is all about what you put into it.”
This year’s recognition for Industry Partner of the Year went to Rafael Amador of United Precious Metals Refining. “It’s the ongoing relationship between the pawnbroker and industry partner that sets us apart from a typical vendor. I’m proud to be the National Pawnbrokers Association’s 2021 Industry Partner Of The Year.”
The Outstanding Pawn Image Award is presented annually to an NPA Pawnbroker or Industry Partner company that creatively generates positive awareness of the pawn industry. This year’s winner was Lisa Little, who owns and operates Fieldstone Jewelry and Pawn in Conyers, Georgia. She not only serves on the NPA’s Board of Directors as well as several committees, she is also actively involved in re-launching the Georgia Pawnbrokers Association. “I am truly honored to have been named as Outstanding Pawn Image. We must all continue to work together to educate those inside and outside of pawn of ways to elevate our industry’s image,” she said, adding, “Keep saying nice things about pawn!”
The Young Professional of the Year, an award is presented annually for exceptional success in their business and local community as well as a significant contribution to the pawn industry, is Stacy Vanegas. “I feel incredibly humbled and honored to have even been considered as the Young Professional of the Year award recipient,” she said, “In my short time in pawn, I have met a plethora of kind, genuine pawnbrokers from across the nation who gave me a warm welcome to the industry and selflessly shared their knowledge and experiences with me. Thank you to the NPA, for being the glue that keeps this wonderful industry connected, and for putting on such a wonderful Expo this year. Additionally, thank you to the TAP for their local support, my parents for embracing my new ideas, and to my Sunbelt Pawn family!”
Because Pawn Expo 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic, two individuals received Pawnbroker of the Year recognition during the event, Michael Strauss and Michael Mack.
Michael Strauss of Uptown Pawn experienced a total loss of his store during the riots in his Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood in May 2020. Despite this devastating event, Michael kept his customers and community at the top of his mind, continually putting their needs above his own. His demonstrated selflessness brought Immediate Past President Tim Collier to remark, “I’m so proud to call him one of our own.”
Award-winning shop owner and noted Las Vegas philanthropist Michael Mack earned the accolade by demonstrating exceptional business success. Mack continues to make significant contributions to the pawn industry and the Las Vegas community through partnerships with Monday’s Dark, The Center, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, and even a Christmas tree giveaway to first responders.
“Winning Pawn Broker of the Year is a huge honor and something I’m proud to bring home to Max Pawn,” says Max Pawn owner Michael Mack. “My team and I work every day to make an impact on our community and to change the perception of the pawn industry – it’s great to see that work recognized.” Read more about Michael Mack of Max Pawn.
More information about the Pawn Expo event as well as the NPA is available at nationalpawnbrokers.org.
