The Apex Fun Run franchise makes a significant impact on local communities by raising funds desperately needed by teachers and schools. Their events typically raise twice the capital of traditional fundraisers. Along with fundraising activities, Apex Fun Run teaches young children leadership and development skills found nowhere else.
We recently spoke with Jeremy Barnhart, Co-Owner & VP of Franchise Development for Apex Fun Run, to find out more about this unique and rewarding franchise opportunity. Barnhart shares what a typical day in the life of a franchisee is like and where he sees the franchise in five years.
What’s special about the franchise?
Apex Fun Run is a unique blend of a business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Because we teach fitness and leadership in elementary schools across the country, besides making a living, you’re making a difference in kids’ lives.
RELATED: 20 UNIQUE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES
What is the idea behind the franchise?
The idea stemmed from founder Scott Donnell whose wife Amy was an elementary school teacher. He saw how much she spent on supplies for her classroom every fall, and decided to do something about it. Apex Fun Run began. Scott combined his passion for fitness and leadership, with a successful fundraising component that awards students prizes for their pledges, and the pledges help to raise well-needed funds for elementary schools. Ten percent of what is raised in the classroom goes directly back to the teacher for something for his/her classroom.
How does Apex Fun Run compare to its competition?
Our competitors are raising money for elementary schools too, so instead of focusing on what is wrong with them we will focus on what differentiates us. We are locally owned and operated, and our athletes are on salary (not incentivized by what is raised in the classroom). Our leadership and fitness curriculum is the cornerstone of our success in connecting with and motivating students. We are all kids included. Our focus is to serve our clients to best of our abilities and this results in more money raised for our schools.
What do you look for in a potential franchisee?
Passion, energy and personality that is centered on changing students’ lives and building leaders; ability to manage and encourage others; service heart.
Where do you see the franchise in five years?
Serving 2-3 million students a year, raising $70 million a year for schools nationwide.
Can you describe a typical day in the life of a franchisee?
Could be a combination of visiting potential schools, hiring teams, meeting with potential clients, filling calendar with schools to serve, serving schools and overseeing the leadership development of team. Overseeing all details of two-week program to take hassle off of PTOs.
What’s your background?
I was a CPA and Partner with two international accounting firms serving as a consultant to both small and large organizations helping them become more profitable and assisting with mergers and acquisitions. Subsequent to helping sell the second firm, have been an entrepreneur owning and building several businesses.
What motivates you to keep going?
Building a business that not only provides a living for my family, but that makes a difference every day in our community and in kids’ lives.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Outsource things that are not our core competencies sooner.
Please tell us your secret to success…
Tenacity, hard work, can-do attitude, knowing every problem has a solution.
What is the worst job you have ever had and what did you learn from it?
Night shift UPS. Learned I wanted to get a good education so I could own my own business and be in charge of my own destiny.
What is one trend that really excites you?
Our continued growth across the country providing an amazing program and service for schools and students, not only raising much needed funds, but also building leaders along the way.
Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Just do it. Take the risk!
Where can people get more information on Apex Fun Run franchise opportunities?
Visit the website here.
Where can people find Apex Fun Run on social media?
RELATED: HOW TO BUY A FRANCHISE
