The National Pawnbrokers Association mourns the loss of a true industry titan, Michael Mack. A fourth-generation pawnbroker, Michael, didn’t just follow in his family’s footsteps, he paved a new path for the modern pawnbroker. As the Founder and President of Max Pawn Luxury in Las Vegas, he built a go-to destination founded on honesty, value, and exceptional service.
After graduating from the University of Southern California with degrees in finance and marketing, Michael joined the family business. In the late 1980s, he co-founded Super Pawn and grew the brand into a 48-store chain before selling it in 2005.
From 1999 to 2004, Michael served as a Las Vegas City Councilman for Ward 6. During this time, he oversaw the development of new roads and parks in the northwest. He was known as the councilman who organized a contest to name the growing northwest area “Centennial Hills.”
Michael was a pioneer in luxury resale. In 2009, he founded Max Pawn Luxury. His love affair with designer fashion was ignited by a customer’s reaction to the purchase of a single Louis Vuitton bag. From there, he spent years studying the fashion world and mastering authentication. He created a welcoming, secure environment in his Las Vegas store that drew visitors from every corner of the globe.
Michael was a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association since its beginning (1985) and served on the NPA board for over 20 years. A fixture in the pawn industry, he regularly spoke at industry events, volunteered on NPA committees, and welcomed pawnbrokers from around the world to his store to discuss best practices and new ideas.
Michael truly cared about changing how people viewed the pawn industry. He redefined the modern pawn shop and worked to generate positive media coverage, always emphasizing the important role that pawn stores serve in communities. He took pride in dispelling misconceptions and helping people see pawn stores for what they really are: a welcoming and smart way to shop that offers just as much value as any mainstream store.
His peers frequently recognized his work with the industry’s highest honors: NPA Pawnbroker of the Year (2021), Outstanding Community Relations Award (2019), and Outstanding Pawn Industry Image Award (2018).
Michael’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his shop. For over 15 years, his close relationship with the late Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid served as a bridge between the pawn industry and Washington D.C. His commitment to advocacy ensured that the voices of pawnbrokers were heard at the highest levels of government.
Beyond his professional accolades, Michael was defined by philanthropy. He was endlessly dedicated to giving back to the Las Vegas Valley, hosting annual events and partnering with local charities to fund scholarships and support causes close to his heart. Those who worked with him remember a generous bidder at charity auctions and a friend who never turned away a colleague looking for advice.
As for the NPA, Michael was family. He never turned away a fellow pawnbroker in need and mentored countless individuals entering the trade. We will miss his infectious energy, his unwavering kindness, and his dedication to this profession.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to everyone whose life was touched by his generous spirit. Michael Mack’s legacy will continue to shine through the lives he changed and the industry he loved so dearly.