The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Pawn Industry Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication within the pawn industry, recognizing individuals and businesses that have significantly advanced the sector and positively impacted their communities.
The presentation of the highly anticipated Pawnbroker of the Year award to Jery Howland of Jery's Pawn in Hope Mills, N.C., featured heartfelt pre-recorded testimonials from his family, colleagues and friends.
"I am so grateful for this award," stated Jery Howland during the ceremony. "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."
The awards were presented during the NPA Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on July 22, held as part of Pawn Expo, the premier national convention and trade show for the pawn industry. The event, hosted at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta, Ga., drew hundreds of dedicated pawnbrokers from across the nation and as far as New Zealand, underscoring the global reach and importance of the industry.
"It is with immense pride that the NPA recognizes these remarkable individuals and businesses," stated NPA President Johnny Whiteside in a press release. "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 National Pawnbrokers Association stands as the largest and most influential network of pawn professionals globally. Through its dedicated Government Relations team, the association tirelessly advocates for the industry year-round, ensuring a supportive regulatory environment and promoting best practices.
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
