NPA Recognizes Scholarship and Annual Award Recipients at Annual Awards Luncheon

The National Pawnbroker Association hosted its Annual Awards Luncheon yesterday at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The luncheon was one of the events held at the NPA Pawn Expo this week where it recognized scholarship and annual award recipients.

For the 2014 Future Business Leaders Scholarship Recipients, the NPA awarded eight winners, listed below.

The annual award recipients included the 2014 Pawnbroker of the year award, which was presented to Ric Blum of Ohio Loan Co., and 2014 Industry Partner of the Year which was awarded to Bob Frimet of RMF Consulting Group, Inc.

2014 Future Business Leaders Scholarship Recipients

Gracyn McCarty
Sponsor – Sam Houston Pawn & Jewelry, Victoria, TX

Daniel M. Rovak
Sponsor – Shane’s – the Pawn Shop, Inc., Chicago Heights, IL

John David Cravey
Sponsor – Insta-Cash Pawn #2, Longview, TX

Wesley R. Strong
Sponsor – Sylacauga Pawn Shop, Sylacauga, AL

Miranda Jones
 Sponsor – Bill’s Pawn & Jewelry Store, Valley Station, KY

Stephen S. Garris

Sponsor – Sylacauga Pawn Shop, Sylacauga, AL

Michael A. Watson
Sponsor – Sylacauga Pawn Shop, Sylacauga, AL

Zackary K. Lytton
Sponsor – Sylacauga Pawn Shop, Sylacauga, AL

2014 Pawnbroker of the Year, Ric Blum

Blum has been a member of The National Pawnbroker Association since 1990. He has been very involved in the association by contributing to the pawn industry with original content through publications, participation in fundraising events, community outreach, and has served on the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, as well as Secretary/Treasurer. It has been said that Ric Blum is a “visionary leader whose tireless commitment and dedication have helped strengthen the pawn industry.” NPA President, Ben Levinson, presented Blum with the award and mentioning that he was a very hardworking individual who is extremely deserving of this honor. When accepting the award, Blum’s speach included the recognition and praise of all others who have stood before him to accept the Pawnbroker of the Year award. Congratulations Ric Blum, you most certainly deserve this honor.

2014 Industry Partner of the Year, Bob Frimet

Frimet was honored with the 2014 Industry Partner of the Year award by the NPA for his continuing efforts in educating the industry on compliance responsibilities. He is a routinely original content contributor to the National Pawnbroker Magazine and has offered compliance training and seminars at the NPA Pawn Expo for nine years. NPA President, Ben Levinson, spoke confidently about Frimet stating, “He is there whenever called upon and always ready to lend a professional, experienced hand. He is the unsung hero in our industry.” According to the Digital Journal, the award is presented annually to the NPA industry partner who, “through its performance, has made a significant contribution nationally to the pawnbroking industry.” Congratulations Bob Frimet, you are highly appreciated.