#United States #Victor #Pawn Industry #NPA #Pawn Awards

National Pawnbrokers Association Celebrates 2026 Award Winners

VICTOR, N.Y. — The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) recently revealed the honorees for its prestigious 2026 Pawn Industry Awards. These awards are designed to highlight the exceptional contributions made by individuals and businesses in the pawn sector, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Among the celebrated winners, David Kaminsky from EZ Pawn Corp. received the coveted Pawnbroker of the Year award. The ceremony, filled with heartfelt tributes, featured moving pre-recorded messages from his children, Lauren, Jason, and Tara, who all work alongside him in the family business. David’s long-standing involvement with both the NPA and the Collateral Loanbrokers Association of New York (CLANY) showcases his commitment to the industry. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his desire to advocate for the vital financial services that pawnbrokers offer. “Our industry needs passionate people willing to protect and promote what we do,” he asserted compellingly.

The evening also honored other distinguished individuals for their outstanding achievements, including:

• - Joel Levinson of Dynasty Jewelry Loan Ltd, awarded Young Professional of the Year.
• - Jerry Whitehead from Pawnshop Consulting Group, receiving the Industry Partner of the Year title.
• - Robert Barnett of Elk River Trading Company, honored for Outstanding Community Relations.
• - Scott Nell of Big Dog Pawn & Jewelry, recognized with the Outstanding Pawn Image Award.
• - The Oregon Pawnbrokers Association was named State Association of the Year.

The awards presentation took place during the NPA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on July 21, as part of the annual Pawn Expo, held at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. This celebrated event drew hundreds of dedicated pawnbrokers from across the nation and beyond, with attendees traveling from as far as New Zealand. Such a turnout underscores the significance of the pawn industry on a global scale.

Bill Dawson, the NPA President, commended the awardees, stating, “I want to personally congratulate these fine individuals and businesses for their excellence in the advancement of our industry. They serve as an example for the rest of us.” The NPA stands as the largest and most influential network of pawn professionals globally, diligently working to secure a favorable regulatory framework for the sector through its Government Relations team.

For more information about the NPA Pawn Industry Awards and this year’s distinguished honorees, you can visit NationalPawnbrokers.org/Pawn-Industry-Awards.

Looking ahead, the Pawn Expo 2027 is slated to occur in Orlando, FL, from July 19-21, 2027. Booth sales are currently ongoing, and registration will open in February 2027.

The National Pawnbrokers Association is more than just an industry hub; it’s a non-profit organization advocating for pawnbrokers nationwide. The NPA is committed to offering educational resources and professional development to its members while promoting the positive contributions of pawnbrokers to their communities.

For further details about NPA and its various initiatives, please visit NationalPawnbrokers.org.