NPA Awards Honor Leaders Redefining Modern Pawnbroking’s Community Role

VICTOR, NY – July 29, 2026 – In a celebration of leadership, dedication, and community impact, the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) has honored the recipients of its 2026 Pawn Industry Awards. The awards were presented during a luncheon at the annual Pawn Expo, held this year at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event drew hundreds of industry professionals from across the United States and as far away as New Zealand, underscoring the sector's global reach and collaborative spirit.

At the heart of the ceremony was the presentation of the Pawnbroker of the Year award to David Kaminsky, CEO of the family-owned EZ Pawn Corp. in New York City. This prestigious honor recognizes Kaminsky's decades of service and his unwavering advocacy for an industry that often serves as a critical financial resource for local communities.

A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

David Kaminsky’s recognition as Pawnbroker of the Year is the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the industry. His family's roots in the business trace back to 1947, when his father, Martin Kaminsky, founded Gem Pawnbrokers in Brooklyn. Learning the trade from his father, David later established EZ Pawn Corp. in 1996, building it into a respected enterprise with over 17 locations across New York City.

Beyond running his business, Kaminsky is a tireless advocate, serving as the President of the Collateral Loanbrokers Association of New York (CLANY). In this role, he works to protect and promote the industry at the state level. During an emotional acceptance speech, which featured moving testimonials from his three children who work alongside him, Kaminsky emphasized the core mission of his profession. "Our industry needs passionate people willing to protect and promote what we do," he stated. "I'll continue to help in any way I can."

This passion is a family affair. His children—Lauren, Jason, and Tara—are deeply involved in the business, driving it into the modern era. Lauren Kaminsky, who heads marketing, is focused on overhauling the outdated public image of pawn shops, creating inviting retail experiences that highlight their value. Tara, a third-generation pawnbroker, is pursuing gemology certification to enhance customer knowledge and service, while Jason helps lead the company and serves on the NPA board. This generational commitment illustrates a deep-seated belief in the industry's positive potential.

More Than a Loan: An Essential Community Lifeline

Kaminsky’s speech touched upon a central theme championed by the NPA: pawnbrokers provide an essential financial service. For millions of Americans who are unbanked or underbanked, pawn shops offer a crucial financial lifeline. By providing small, short-term loans secured by personal property, they offer immediate liquidity without the need for credit checks or lengthy application processes. This makes them a viable and often more transparent alternative to other forms of non-traditional credit.

These collateral loans act as a "bridge" for individuals facing unexpected expenses, helping them manage financial shortfalls without falling into deeper debt cycles. The NPA's dedicated Government Relations team works year-round to ensure that federal and state regulations support this vital role, protecting both consumers and the small businesses that serve them. Kaminsky's leadership with CLANY in New York is a prime example of this advocacy in action, ensuring that pawnbrokers can continue to operate effectively within a fair and structured legal framework.

This commitment to community extends beyond financial transactions. Many pawn businesses, including EZ Pawn Corp., are actively involved in local charity work, partnering with organizations like the Kiss Cares Coat Drive and the New York City AIDS Walk to give back to the neighborhoods they serve.

Celebrating a Spectrum of Excellence

The 2026 awards celebrated the diverse contributions that are collectively advancing the pawn industry. The recipients represent a broad spectrum of excellence, from state-level organization to individual innovation.

The full list of honorees includes:

• Pawnbroker of the Year: David Kaminsky, EZ Pawn Corp.
• Young Professional of the Year: Joel Levinson, Dynasty Jewelry & Loan Ltd
• Industry Partner of the Year: Jerry Whitehead, Pawnshop Consulting Group, LLC.
• State Association of the Year: Oregon Pawnbrokers Association
• Outstanding Community Relations: Robert Barnett, Elk River Trading Company
• Outstanding Pawn Image Award: Scott Nell, Big Dog Pawn & Jewelry

Awards for Outstanding Community Relations and Outstanding Pawn Image directly acknowledge the industry's concerted effort to build trust and counter negative stereotypes. The recognition of a Young Professional of the Year highlights the fresh energy and innovative ideas being brought in by a new generation, while the State Association of the Year award underscores the power of organized, grassroots advocacy. Finally, the Industry Partner award celebrates the crucial ecosystem of consultants and service providers who support pawnbrokers in their success.

A Global Stage for a Modern Industry

Pawn Expo, the backdrop for the awards, serves as a powerful testament to the industry's vitality and modernization. The convention is the premier trade show for pawn professionals, offering opportunities for education, networking, and discovering the latest trends in technology and business practices. The international attendance demonstrates that the challenges and opportunities facing pawnbrokers are shared globally.

NPA President Bill Dawson praised the award winners for setting a high bar for the entire sector. "I want to personally congratulate these fine individuals and businesses for their excellence in the advancement of our industry," Dawson stated. "They are an example for the rest of us to follow. I am sure I speak for pawnbrokers nationwide that I am proud to be associated with them."

As the industry looks to the future, the NPA has already announced that Pawn Expo 2027 will take place in Orlando, Florida, from July 19-21, 2027, continuing its tradition of bringing together the best and brightest in the business to learn, grow, and celebrate their collective achievements.