About Apex Leaders

Three words that describe me: Grateful, Perseverant, Energetic

What I’m most passionate about at Apex Leaders: Trying to create an environment where people thrive professionally, build meaningful long-term relationships with their colleagues, take pride in being a part of something bigger than themselves, and genuinely enjoy perfecting our craft for our clients.

The most memorable client project I’ve worked on: One of our clients had a company under LOI in the in-home dialysis industry. I found an individual who was formerly on the senior leadership team at the 800lb. gorilla in the dialysis industry and who had actually looked at buying the target company a few months earlier. He told the client about the likelihood of changes in Medicare reimbursement severely impacting the future revenues of the target company. It was a great example of Apex Leaders’ value proposition that the right individual can fundamentally change an investment firm’s trajectory on a live deal.

A time I’ve seen Apex Leaders’ core values in action: Every winter we have an Apex Winter Retreat where our team members and their families go to the mountains for a weekend. One year, one team member had a client meeting in New York on the morning following the retreat. It would have been easiest for her to leave on Saturday and fly out Sunday morning, but she cared for her team and wanted to be there Saturday night to bond with everyone. So instead, she woke up early Sunday morning, drove two hours to Boise, caught her flight to New York, and probably didn’t arrive until after midnight. It was a great example of going the extra mile for the benefit of the team.

What I’m most passionate about outside of work: I love enjoying nature with my kids. There are no screens to watch on devices and it’s personally rewarding to see what they get excited about when they’re in nature. Sometimes it’s an animal, a fallen tree that becomes a spaceship…you can just tell that they’re enjoying the beauty that surrounds them and taking it all in.

The purchase I’ve made in the last year that’s made the biggest impact on my life: My Bose headphones. Music helps me dance through life! I also use them for meditation, to make air travel more enjoyable, and to help me consume audiobooks and podcasts.

One skill I’d like to learn: To become as proficient on the grill as my Argentinian brother-in-law.

Three words that describe me: Versatile, Problem-solver, Even-keeled

What I’m most passionate about at Apex Leaders: Ensuring that we continue to grow responsibly and our systems and culture scale accordingly.

The most memorable client project I’ve worked on: One of our clients was buying a company that manufactured outdoor equipment and they wanted to understand how to turn it into a lifestyle brand. During the project, I was fortunate enough to speak with senior executives from companies like Patagonia, Spyder, Black Diamond, Thule, and Helly Hansen. They had incredible stories and insights to share!

A time I’ve seen Apex Leaders’ core values in action: In the beginning, Dave and I were scraping together business, but it wasn’t coming fast enough. One morning, Dave let me know that if we didn’t sell anything in the next 30 days, he couldn’t keep me on. He said that I should spend half my day working on Apex Leaders and the other half looking for another job while still paying me full time. Ultimately, we were able pull in new clients and the company has been off to the races ever since! Dave demonstrated an incredible amount of humility, honesty, and caring when we had that tough conversation and it serves as the first example of truly putting the team above everything else!

What I’m most passionate about outside of work: I love working on projects where I’m able to learn something new or challenge myself physically. Usually that means building or fixing something around the house or participating in endurance events. I enjoy getting up on Saturday morning at 6:00 AM to run long distances around the Boise foothills. One of my favorite events every year is a trail marathon that’s only uphill!

The purchase I’ve made in the last year that’s made the biggest impact on my life: A long-distance running vest. I used to only have a hand water bottle and it limited my range. Now I can carry enough water and food to get onto trails I never would have considered before! Additionally, I can now carry a cell phone, which my wife appreciates, and I enjoy documenting interesting trail views and finds.

One skill I’d like to learn: Finishing carpentry

Three words that describe me: Passionate, Self-assured, Reasonable

Why I’m passionate about Apex Leaders: We’ve created a cohesive and tight-knit team. The people make it fun and interesting every day.

A time I’ve seen Apex Leaders’ core values in action: On a daily basis I witness my colleagues taking a true partnership approach with our clients. We all strive to make sure our quality of work remains high and our clients feel we’re being true partners.

What I’m most passionate about outside of work: Spending time in the Pacific Northwest with my dog Charley, friends, and family.

The purchase I’ve made in the last year that’s made the biggest impact on my life: La Sportiva Olympus Mons Mountaineering Boots. I wore them for 3 weeks as I summited Denali in Alaska.

One skill I’d like to learn: Playing a musical instrument

Three words that describe me: Strength-Based, Achiever, Futuristic

What I’m most passionate about the Apex Leaders: Working with a high-performing team who truly cares about delivering world-class quality to our clients. 

What I’m most passionate about outside of work: Some of my fondest memories growing up were skiing with my Dad. He used to tell me that skiing was like dancing the waltz and you can even count “1-2-3, 1-2-3…” (down, up, turn) as you’re making turns. I love the thrill of plunging off the top of a black diamond run, and the challenge of surviving any moguls on the way down. Now I enjoy teaching my three boys the fun of skiing and creating new family memories on the hill!

The purchase I’ve made in the last year that’s made the biggest impact on my life: An external camera for my laptop for all the Zoom calls that are the new reality of 2020!