PALM BEACH, Fla., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Artificial intelligence is transforming industries at a pace few people feel prepared for. For many entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals, the rise of AI has created a growing sense of urgency… and overwhelm, says Dean Graziosi, multiple New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur. New tools launch every week. Headlines promise revolutionary breakthroughs. And many people quietly wonder whether they are falling behind.

Image caption: AI Advantage Summit.

To address this growing challenge, Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi and AI educator Igor Pogany have announced the return of the AI Advantage Summit, a free global virtual event designed to help everyday entrepreneurs understand and practically apply artificial intelligence in their work and businesses.

The AI Advantage Summit will take place April 23–25, 2026, bringing together leading experts in AI, entrepreneurship and innovation to show attendees how to use artificial intelligence to save time, create leverage and unlock new opportunities.

“People don’t lack ambition,” said Dean Graziosi. “What they lack is clarity. The AI conversation online often makes this technology feel complicated and intimidating. Our goal is to simplify it so people can start using AI to improve their lives right now.”

The Summit will feature a diverse lineup of innovators and thought leaders including Ray Kurzweil, Zack Kass, Arthur Brooks, Rachel Woods, Dallas Clounch, Lior Weinstein, Renee Marino and Molly Mahoney, alongside hosts Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi and Igor Pogany.

Rather than focusing on technical theory, the event is designed to help people see how artificial intelligence can be applied in practical, everyday ways.

Sessions will explore how AI is already helping entrepreneurs automate tasks, improve productivity, generate ideas and create entirely new business opportunities.

Registration is now open at: https://aiadvantagesummit.com/rsvp-now

“AI is one of the most powerful tools humanity has ever created,” said Tony Robbins. “But tools only matter if people know how to use them. When individuals understand how to harness AI effectively, it can become a powerful ally that amplifies their creativity, productivity and impact.”

Igor Pogany, Head of AI Education for AI Advantage, will guide many of the practical demonstrations and educational sessions throughout the event.

“Our mission is to remove the intimidation factor,” said Pogany. “People don’t need to become programmers or technical experts to benefit from AI. They just need clear guidance on how to start using the tools available today.”

TURNING AI OVERWHELM INTO AI ADVANTAGE

The AI Advantage Summit was created to help people move from confusion and hesitation into confident action.

Over three days, attendees will discover:

• Which AI tools actually matter for their work and business
• Simple ways to save hours each week by automating repetitive tasks
• How entrepreneurs are already using AI to improve productivity and creativity
• Practical frameworks for implementing AI immediately
• New opportunities emerging in the fast-growing AI economy

By the end of the event, participants will have a clear roadmap for how to begin integrating artificial intelligence into their professional and personal lives.

A GLOBAL EVENT DESIGNED FOR THE AI ERA

Unlike traditional conferences that focus on theory or technical jargon, the AI Advantage Summit was designed specifically for entrepreneurs, professionals and everyday innovators who want to use AI as a practical advantage.

The event will stream globally and is structured as three focused hours per day, allowing attendees to participate without disrupting their work schedules.

The Summit is part of the broader AI Advantage movement, founded by Robbins and Graziosi to help people navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape through practical education, expert insights and community support.

The event is completely free to attend live.

Interested participants can reserve their seat now at AIAdvantageSummit.com.

Early registrants will also receive exclusive updates and preparation resources leading up to the event.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Image caption: AI Advantage Summit.

News Source: Dean Graziosi

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TROY, Mich., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), today announced that Amanda Standley, vice president of business development for Bluebird Valuation, a Class Valuation company, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Rising Star. The HousingWire Rising Stars award recognizes emerging leaders under 40 in mortgage and real estate who are leading change and making a meaningful impact on their organizations. This year, 75 young professionals were named to the list.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

Standley, 31, has quickly established herself as a key contributor to Class Valuation’s growth, particularly following the company’s acquisition of Bluebird Valuation. Over the past year, she has helped bridge sales and operations, ensuring clients receive consistent, high-touch service while navigating platform changes and evolving workflows.

Since March 2025, Standley has driven $1.7 million in annual contract value across 104 deals and generated 125 new business opportunities, representing a significant share of her team’s overall production. She also played a critical role in supporting clients through the transition to Class Marketplace, Class Valuation’s appraisal management platform, helping maintain continuity and strengthen adoption during a period of change.

In addition to driving new business, Standley has been instrumental in strengthening key client relationships, including leading one of the company’s largest accounts. Through consistent communication and hands-on support, she has expanded engagement at the branch level and helped increase client adoption and order volume across multiple markets.

Outside of her professional role, Standley is actively involved in her community, serving as director of recruiting for a nonprofit youth football program and mentoring students on recruiting, resumes and personal accountability. She also volunteers as a small-group leader in her church’s youth program.

“Amanda represents the next generation of leaders in valuation; someone who not only drives growth but does so by building trust, solving real problems and delivering for clients at every level,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “Her ability to connect operational execution with client needs has made a measurable impact on our business and on the lenders we serve.”

For a complete list of HousingWire 2026 Rising Stars winners, please visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT CLASS VALUATION:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, streamlined processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

X: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending #HousingWire #HWRisingStars

News Source: Class Valuation

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Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuations-amanda-standley-named-to-housingwires-rising-stars-list/

BOULDER, Colo., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Sydney Barber, 33, head of product, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Rising Star. Barber joins 74 other young professionals on this year’s list.

Image caption: Sydney Barber of Floify.

Barber’s recognition highlights her growing influence in mortgage technology and product development. Since joining Floify in 2019, she has overseen design and delivery of next-generation capabilities across the platform, including no-code configuration, ADA-compliant borrower interfaces, income and employment verification and direct integrations with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s automated underwriting systems.

She led the development of Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that enables lenders to tailor loan applications by loan type. That was followed in 2025 with Dynamic AI, an AI-driven capability that prioritizes document collection before the loan application, allowing AI-driven data extraction and validation to pre-populate borrower applications. In 2026, she introduced Dynamic Apps 2.0, which enables lenders to tailor application flows by loan type, such as HELOC, ag, construction, non-QM and more.

Beyond product development, Barber is known for her hands-on leadership style and commitment to mentorship. She works closely with customers and internal teams to identify challenges and deliver practical solutions while also investing in organizational success to ensure consistent execution in a complex regulatory environment. Under Barber’s product leadership, Floify has achieved a 98.2% customer satisfaction rating, reflecting a sustained focus on usability, performance and real-world lender needs.

Outside of her professional role, Barber volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in Boulder and serves as a volunteer judge for the Colorado Future Business Leaders of America.

“Sydney’s ability to translate complex lending requirements into intuitive, scalable technology has been instrumental in Floify’s growth,” said Joshua Steffan, SVP and group general manager at Porch Group and interim president and general manager of Floify. “She leads with both technical expertise and empathy for the customer, delivering solutions that drive real efficiency for lenders while improving the borrower experience.”

For a complete list of HousingWire 2026 Rising Stars winners, please visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT FLOIFY:

Floify is a fully configurable point of sale (POS) platform that streamlines the loan process with a secure application, communication and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners and other mortgage stakeholders. Its Dynamic AI feature reimagines the mortgage application process by moving document collection and AI-driven data extraction to the very beginning of the process, allowing borrowers to upload key documents and have applications prepopulated with verified information, accelerating pre-approvals and simplifying the borrower experience. Floify is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more, visit https://floify.com/ or find us on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter / X.

X: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance #HousingWire #HWRisingStars

News Source: Floify

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Protective apparel manufacturer Kappler®, Inc. marks its 50th anniversary on April 1, with a twist of corporate irony around the company’s April Fools’ founding date in 1976. As millions of emergency responders and safety professionals can attest, Kappler’s innovative chemical suits are no joking matter.

Image caption: 50 Years of Proven Protection logo.

Based in Guntersville, Alabama, Kappler turns 50 as a technology leader that continues to redefine the concept of worker protection. From the company’s earliest hazmat suits to recent innovations for biological, fire retardant and thermal protection, Kappler has led a critical industry with unmatched quality and user training.

Founded by George Kappler Jr., the company is led today by President and CEO Laura Kappler-Roberts.

“In 1976 no one expected my father’s small company sewing disposable coveralls would evolve into a technology-based leader in life-saving apparel,” Kappler-Roberts said. “The company’s development of broad-based chemical protective fabrics literally redefined hazmat protection on a global basis.”

From six sewing machines and eight employees Kappler grew into a complex business that boasts almost 30 patents for composite fabrics, seaming techniques and other aspects of protective technology.

“Innovation is the backbone of the company. It is how we have survived and will be the key to thriving for the next 50 years,” Kappler-Roberts said.

Along with the innovative products themselves, Kappler also developed a reputation as the industry’s unmatched training expert. From ASTM testing methods to National Fire Protection Association chemical suit standards, Kappler developed user education programs and tools that made complex technical concepts easy to understand.

Kappler also developed HazMatch®, the first digital selection tool for protective clothing. Beyond suit type and size details, HazMatch provides extensive third-party chemical test results and other technical data that help users understand not just the suit but the hazard scenario itself. The platform is a tangible example of the company’s long-time tagline: “Know What You’re Getting Into.”

In reflecting on the company’s 50-year history, George Kappler recalled how they had to do a lot of pioneering work in the early days to explain exactly what the company did.

“We started saying ‘Kappler keeps bad stuff off people’ and that eventually became the company’s mission statement,” Kappler said.

“We make protection for people who do hazardous jobs. At the end of the day, when they put on our suit they’re putting their life in our hands. That’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”

To learn more visit: https://www.kappler.com/

About Kappler:

Founded in 1976, Kappler is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of protective fabrics and apparel for chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear hazards (CBRN). Garments range from partial-body protection to NFPA* Certified total-encapsulating, gas-tight suits. From superheated steam to below-zero temperature applications, Kappler’s innovative fabrics address protection for a wide range of thermal hazards.

Currently holding over 26 U.S. patents, Kappler continues to research and develop new products that serve the fire, military, hazmat, emergency response, industrial and healthcare markets worldwide.

A family and woman-owned company registered to ISO 9001 since 1996, Kappler is a leading innovator in chemical and other barrier fabrics, garment design, specialty products and user education and training. Kappler makes its products at its U.S. corporate headquarters and manufacturing campus, located in Guntersville, Alabama.

*National Fire Protection Association

News Source: Kappler Inc.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced Ask Aiva®, a conversational AI assistant natively embedded within the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) that allows lenders to query their origination environment in plain language, receive instant answers to see how those answers were derived. Available now to Empower clients, Ask Aiva is unveiling at Horizon 2026, the company’s annual user conference.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies.

“The data lenders need to answer important operational questions has been just out of reach—buried in their own systems,” said Sean Dugan, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies. “Ask Aiva changes that by allowing users to ask questions of their origination environment and receive answers they can act on, with the ability to trace those answers back to the source.”

The assistant is built on a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture that searches connected data sources in real time, retrieves relevant context and generates responses in plain language. What distinguishes Ask Aiva is the ability for users to click directly into results to view the source data and underlying logic behind each answer, addressing a common limitation of AI tools that lack transparency and auditability into their outputs. It also delivers immediate answers within Empower, eliminating the need for support tickets and reducing wait times for system assistance.

“The industry has seen a surge of AI tools that operate as bolt-ons, requiring users to leave their core systems and trust outputs without clear visibility into how they’re generated,” said Vikas Rao, chief technology officer at Dark Matter Technologies. “We built Ask Aiva differently. As one of the first AI experiences woven into the fabric of a mortgage LOS and deployed at scale, it gives lenders the ability to trace every answer back to its source, all within the system where they already work.”

Future releases will expand Ask Aiva’s capabilities to include additional lender-specific content sources, enabling institutions to incorporate underwriting guidelines, product matrices and internal policies, as well as broader support across Dark Matter’s loan officer, borrower, broker and seller portals. Additional enhancements will introduce borrower-facing capabilities and extend Ask Aiva across Dark Matter Technologies’ product suite.

For information or to request a demonstration, visit https://www.dmatter.com or contact your Dark Matter Technologies account representative.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry’s leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

X: @dmattertech #fintech #mortgage

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News Source: Dark Matter Technologies

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