Top Journalists in Pawn Shops
Laura Wasileski National Pawnbroker Magazine (National Pawnbrokers Association)
Marketing & Media Director at the National Pawnbrokers Association; oversees National Pawnbroker Magazine content and NPA press/news, making her a key editorial gatekeeper for pawn-industry stories. Specialties: Pawn industry news, awards, legislative/advocacy coverage, trade media.
David LaFleur National Pawnbrokers Association (This Week in Pawn; Buyers Guide)
Digital Communications Manager for the NPA; manages the “This Week in Pawn” newsletter and digital assets that aggregate and amplify pawn-industry developments. Specialties: Digital/newsletter coverage, vendor guides, industry partner content, trade announcements.
Cyndee Harrison Pawn Leaders Magazine; The Pawnbroker Network
Editor-in-Chief of Pawn Leaders Magazine and editor/publisher at The Pawnbroker Network; produces editorial and PR content dedicated to pawn operators and vendors. Specialties: Pawn leadership, marketing, strategy, profiles, industry features.
Yigal Adato Pawn Leaders Media (Podcast & Magazine)
Founder and publisher of Pawn Leaders Media and host of the Pawn Leaders Podcast, a content brand focused on pawn-industry operators and trends. Specialties: Pawn operations, leadership, management, best practices; podcast-driven reporting/interviews.
Peter Roper The Pawnbroker (UK NPA)
Editor of “The Pawnbroker” magazine (UK National Pawnbrokers Association), one of the longest-running trade titles covering pawnbroking. Specialties: Trade news for pawnbrokers, UK industry policy and operations.
Zachary Crockett The Hustle
Senior writer known for deep dives on everyday industries; authored a widely cited analysis on the economics and pricing dynamics of pawn shops (updated Aug. 2024). Specialties: Business of secondhand markets; data-driven explainers on pawnshop economics.
Kate Berry American Banker
Covers regulation and enforcement actions shaping pawn lenders (e.g., FirstCash MLA settlement coverage), making her a key contact for policy-focused pawn stories. Specialties: CFPB enforcement, consumer finance regulation, small-dollar lending including pawn.
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Christian Martinez Reuters
Reuters reporter who covered the CFPB–FirstCash Military Lending Act settlement, a major recent legal development for the pawn sector. Specialties: Legal and regulatory news with coverage of pawn-industry enforcement actions.
Khristopher J. Brooks CBS News MoneyWatch
CBS MoneyWatch reporter who reported on the CFPB’s lawsuit alleging MLA violations by pawn lender FirstCash, providing national consumer-facing coverage. Specialties: Consumer finance impacts, business of lending, MoneyWatch coverage involving pawn lenders.
Rob Bates JCK (Jewelers’ Circular Keystone)
News Director at JCK who frequently covers stories at the jewelry–pawn intersection, including crime affecting pawnshops and industry M&A/insurance moves. Specialties: Jewelry trade, crime/security affecting pawn/jewelry, M&A and insurance intersecting with pawn.
Lenore Fedow National Jeweler
Senior Editor, News, who has covered violent crimes impacting pawn/jewelry retailers and broader trade issues relevant to pawn operators. Specialties: News, crime/security, retail trade affecting jewelers and pawn operators.
Natalie Francisco National Jeweler
Associate Editor whose coverage includes acquisitions and vendor developments impacting pawnbrokers (e.g., Jewelers Mutual acquisition of a pawnbroker insurer). Specialties: Trade deals and vendor ecosystem, including insurance products for pawnbrokers.
Lauren McLemore National Jeweler
Associate Editor covering trade shows and industry events where pawn retailers and suppliers participate. Specialties: Trade events and market coverage that include pawn retailers within the jewelry ecosystem.
Michelle Graff National Jeweler
Editor-in-Chief guiding National Jeweler’s coverage; a key contact when pitching pawn-adjacent features, security, and secondhand retail stories. Specialties: Editorial direction across jewelry/retail with recurring coverage adjacent to pawn (security, secondhand, trade policy).
Charles Morgan CoinWeek
Editor at CoinWeek, a leading U.S. numismatics publication often referenced by pawnbrokers for coin and bullion market coverage. Specialties: Numismatics trade news and analysis; coins/precious metals relevant to pawn buying/selling.
Connie Swaim AntiqueWeek
Managing Editor of AntiqueWeek, a long-running U.S. antiques newspaper with coverage that frequently overlaps pawn inventory categories. Specialties: Antiques and collectibles market—categories heavily traded by pawnshops.
Patrick R. Benesh-Liu Ornament magazine
Co-editor at Ornament magazine, covering the jewelry sector that represents a significant portion of pawn collateral and retail sales. Specialties: Jewelry and personal adornment; materials, makers, and trends relevant to pawn jewelry trade-ins.
National Pawnbroker Magazine Editors National Pawnbroker Magazine (Editorial Desk)
National Pawnbroker Magazine editorial desk—primary U.S. trade outlet for pawn with the largest industry circulation; contact via NPA media team for contributor assignments. Specialties: Trade magazine production and pawn industry features (U.S.).
Pawnbroker Network Editors The Pawnbroker Network (Editorial)
The Pawnbroker Network editorial team publishes original articles and curates pawn-industry news; useful for thought-leadership placements. Specialties: Industry storytelling, media relations, original blog features on pawn.
Today’s Pawnbroker Editors Today’s Pawnbroker Magazine (Editors/Contributors)
Independent magazine site focused on pawnbroking; engages contributors covering operational best practices and industry commentary. Specialties: Independent pawn trade coverage (features, profiles, opinion).
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