Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Pawn Industry Award Winners Announced by NPA

National Pawnbrokers Association Announces 2025 Awards

The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) has recently unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 Pawn Industry Awards. This celebrated event honors outstanding leadership, innovation, and community engagement within the pawn industry, shining a spotlight on the contributions made by both individuals and businesses that have transformed the sector.

Among the honored recipients was Jery Howland of Jery's Pawn, who earned the coveted Pawnbroker of the Year award. Howland's dedication and hard work have made a significant impact not only in his community but also in elevating the standards of the industry overall. His acceptance of the award came during a special awards luncheon at the NPA Annual Meeting, part of the highly attended Pawn Expo held at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Georgia.

In his heartfelt speech, Howland expressed deep gratitude, stating, "I am so grateful for this award. This has been an amazing 20 years with the National Pawnbrokers Association. We have learned so much from our fellow members who are also great friends now." His words reflect the spirit of camaraderie that is a hallmark of the NPA and its community of pawn professionals.

This year’s awards recognized several other outstanding players in the industry. The Young Professional of the Year award went to Carli Karlson of Axel's Pawn Shop, signifying a bright future for the industry with emerging leaders making their mark. Ido Itskovich from Yehuda was awarded the Industry Partner of the Year for his exceptional contributions, helping bridge gaps between the pawn businesses and wider community needs.

Furthermore, the Washington State Pawnbrokers Association was celebrated as the State Association of the Year, applauded for its hard work and dedication to advocating on behalf of its members. In the realm of community engagement, Adam and Beth Anundi of Capital Pawn won the Outstanding Community Relations Award, showcasing how pawn shops can play a vital role in local philanthropic efforts. The Outstanding Pawn Image Award went to Dickie Smith of Dick's Pawn Superstore, recognizing his commitment to enhancing the public perception of the pawn industry.

The NPA President, Johnny Whiteside, emphasized the pride felt in recognizing these exceptional individuals and businesses, stating, "Their dedication to excellence, ethical practices, and profound community engagement truly elevates our entire industry. They are a testament to the vital role pawnbrokers play in providing essential financial services and fostering strong local connections nationwide."

The NPA stands as the largest network of pawn professionals globally, dedicated to advocating for the industry's interests while promoting ethical practices and community engagement. Their Government Relations team tirelessly works to ensure that the regulatory environment remains supportive of pawn professionals, facilitating a framework where innovation and leadership can flourish.

For those who missed the event, the NPA has provided comprehensive information about the awards and the honorees on their website. Looking forward, pawn industry enthusiasts should mark their calendars for Pawn Expo 2026, which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, NV, from July 20-23, 2026, promising to be an even larger gathering showcasing the evolution of the pawn industry.

As the 2025 Pawn Industry Awards illustrate, dedication, community focus, and innovation are the driving forces of the pawn industry’s development. With leaders like Jery Howland and others being recognized, it’s clear that the future of the industry looks bright and filled with potential for growth and excellence.