youth mentor

team member

youth development professional

personal trainer

member team lead

Apex Leadership Co

Let me preface with this; I loved half of this job - working with elementary aged kids across the city, and getting to feel I can make a difference in at least one life at each school.

Then there is everything else... (sorry this will be long)

Micromanagement - a constant from those who are not present at the schools, and even from those who have never worked in one. Any information you could easily gather for someone by walking to their office or room to ask, is instead bombarded by emails from supervisors not present at the school. This creates a separation from the teams at the school, and thus pushes them out of the loop when changes are made.

Work/Life Balance - You would expect any other job to lay out the hours and times you will be working well ahead of time, not with Apex. Weekly schedules can fluctuate on a dime, obviously things can change and it's important to be flexible, but when you can go from 50 hours a week (look at that paycheck!), down to less than 10 (simply because you're not the favorite, (seniority never applies here)). I would wake up as early at 5am some mornings to get ready, prep, and start working in the schools. I tried to make it a habit to be the first one in the school, and last one out as far as staff goes. Building Manager and I at every school were on a first name basis. Most days I wouldn't get home until well after 5pm, (some even later if I had to stop out of the way at a storage unit to reequip prizes or ready shirts for race day distribution), and guess who would still want me to be answering emails and messages well into the night? You guessed it. Apex and management. I even received an urgent message from a superior as late as 1am once. If you are a team lead, you will not have time to do anything else if you're working a school's program.

Time Off - Apex also does its best when interviewing to avoid the biggest issue with this job in terms of pay and security; summer months and winter break. That's right, you will not have work, or get pay during these 3-5 months of the year. I trained someone who was hired a month away from summer, and she had no idea we are expected to find other work in the meantime.

Pay - This aspect has changed and isn't too bad of a gig. We were paid hourly (something they probably wish they could go back to program by program pay). Your basic week as a lead would bring easily 50 hours as mentioned before, but realistically you could be hitting 60 with all the time put into your days. Travel was not negotiated or paid at my location, and some days I would be driving up to an hour or even more to arrive at the schools. Not cool, especially with gas prices up as high as they are. They also removed the bonuses leads and members would receive for highly successful schools. Those bonuses in the past allowed most of the team enough padding to either find another temp job, or coast through winter, and focus on Apex and upcoming schools.

Disrespect - I have never felt as much disrespect as I have holding this job. Some schools were rough and faculty didn't care for the program, that's fine, my job was to do the best I could and turn them around with results when we cut them a check. I'm talking about the people I worked closely with, (or in some cases not at all, good luck alone at your school!) Most programs and schools require a minimum of 2 people. 3 and more could be ideal, but you need at least 2 to split classes and have a real presence at the school. Last year I worked no less than 8 schools alone. I should have walked away right as it started becoming a norm; but I am very faithful things can get better. They did not. I should have walked away from this job when I was asked to run an entire fun run event by myself; something that needs at least 3 people to run smoothly. Or maybe throw in the towel when I reached out to another team who were free in the afternoon to come and help at least finish this out with me. They flat out told me they couldn't do it, that both of them needed to be at the school in the afternoon after lessons just a mile down the road. However for this same individual, I made trips to the storage unit to simply lift a generator into a truck (that's it, I then drove twenty minutes back home). I was at the majority of his events (there was always three of us (hmm, interesting)). But whenever I needed him, or anybody for that matter, I was left filling the position of three people at once (and only getting paid for the single position). They would later promote this guy, more on that in the next section. But the stick that really broke this camel's back was during my end of the year review. It was a trap I walked into when we got to the behavior section. I am very blunt, to the point, and 90% of the time in dealing with these people who never want to help their team out, I'm annoyed and say how I feel to cut through the fake positivity. They landed on me, stating I'm unfriendly to work with (strange, I never seem to work with anyone at my schools),  and overall shamed me for being upset in the last few months because someone else was promoted (same person was bragging the moment the news came to them before the ink was even set on the contract, stating how they are going to overhaul the program as a whole and whip us into shape (the same person who can't lift a generator, or a finger to help others on his own team out, let alone members who come into town from out of state to help at schools). But if you asked any of the schools I served, you would hear nothing but good things, something they couldn't disagree with. So maybe the behavior is warranted from the lack of respect you give us.

Nepotism - I worked 10 hour days for months. I even worked some weekends, and well into the night to make sure things would be as close to perfect for the schools I served. It's an active job. You're on your feet, you're running around with kids. It takes it out of you, no matter what age you are. I am not going to have hour long conversations with superiors because I want to be at home. I am not going to respond to messages sent at midnight the night before a big and long race day. Maybe that's why I wasn't promoted. Or the fact that they are always talking to the same aforementioned person, even when at a school, leaving others to have to do his work on top of their own. I had been with Apex for years. I know the program, I know the sales, and the schools all across the board love having me in their halls. When I was asked to return for the 21-22 school year, I had a bunch of ideas to bring the marketing side of our program to a whole new level. So much an Apex owner came to review our branch and gave the highest praise to the pep rallies I led and asked my superiors to put me in touch with him to build the brand and share ideas with him and his team. That never happened. When I came back I also specifically mentioned I was ready to take on a bigger role as our area director was not local and hardly in the area she was overseeing. Obviously this role would eventually go to someone here, or someone willing to move here to lead the entire team. Not one time was I asked about the position they offered to this other team lead who only started this year. Not once did they see if anyone else on the team would be interested in applying (some would be a great fit even too over this guy). They chose him and asked no one else. They didn't want someone who went above and beyond in the schools he served. Someone who screws over others on his team because he has no ability to plan in observance of others around him. That above all else hurts the most. No one else was even asked. 

I quit school to come back for this job because I felt this was going to work out for me. Boy was I wrong.

Inability to grow - There is no growth as stated before. The growth I really feel the most for is Apex itself. Anything new that makes things easier, or better, is completely shot down or ridiculed by others. Ideas do not belong here, they all fall on deaf ears to those who can make them a reality.

Forced Enthusiasm - I'm generally excited to be in schools and working with staff and students. But the emphasis on enthusiasm in the training or day to day interactions turn so many people away from this job. I am a pretty chill and easy going person, but can hype up when needed. I know my audience. I'm not going 110% when talking with a principal or staff, just like I'm not always going to speak the same way or in a serious nature like I do with students. Apparently I am in the wrong for this and everything should be crazy and exciting and screamed at the top of our lungs.

Forced Travel - THIS ONE. "There will be opportunities for travel", is the biggest and most blatant lie. Travel will be mandated is how they should actually phrase it, because you will have to travel all over the place, regardless of if you can or not. They tried to make me work a cluster of schools when I was sick with a very communicable illness. Blatant disregard for the schools they serve. You bet I did not go.

Overall, those things I hope help shape a better picture for you. Just know they are very two faced, and lack the empathy in dealing with their employees. All branches operate differently, but one thing they have in common is mismanagement and total disregard for staff.

-This fundraising program is based on FLEXIBILITY and the program jobs are more seasonal/contracted than full time positions. The company sets up a contract with schools for 2 weeks at a time and is guaranteed at the beginning of the school. 

Denver offers employment from August - November but are working to provide work over the spring. Having another job/ back up is KEY to be able to work throughout Fall and Spring (summers are off).

The prizes that are given to the students are cost efficient and tough to demonstrate over time when they keep breaking. Many of the schools have used Apex before and it’s a constant challenge to come up with new fresh ideas. This year (2023) has been a struggle to work with the school staff & faculty without any sort of push back. Not having work provided after January has also been a challenge to see over two years. During December: Apex has provided minimum basic training, inventory days and ways to give us hours when in all reality; can be done in 2 days. 

There may be opportunities to travel to different franchises but is never guaranteed even when set up. The Apex program offers a great introduction to fundraising efforts, franchise operations, collaboration with elementary and middle schools and making connections with school districts in the Aurora area. If you’re interested in working in schools or just getting into the field, this opportunity may be a good stepping stone to observe classrooms, school operations through a third party and be part of a fun enthused team.

Typical work day - showing up to a school usually around 6:40. Giving leadership lessons to students ranging from PK-5th grade. Doing fun class prizes (like kickball or pie in the face) and playing at recess. Maintaining/creating relationships with students, faculty, and sometimes PTA and parents. Maintaining organization with inventory (prizes & shirts) and shared spaces. Helping around the school as needed. High fives in dismissal areas at the end of the day. 

I've learned so much about my strengths, increasing patience, how I can grow and get better and how to inspire others to do the same. (To say the least) The learning is never-ending.

Management believes in top down leadership and are truly interested in everyone winning. They are always leading by example and set clear/fair expectations towards common goals.

Workplace culture is like no other job I've ever worked. It's like a big positive family! We get to do things that are unlike any other job, which creates a fun atmosphere in itself, but employee culture is something you just don't get at other jobs. Super open door policy, but people are actually understanding and ready to listen and grow together.

Hardest part of the job is the initial training, taking everything in and learning the "language" or flow. Once you do your first program everything happens day by day and it isn't as hard as it may seem during training.

Most enjoyable part of the job - class prizes and recess! Ha! More importantly though, this job has impacted my life in the greatest way. I really didn't know how much this company aligned with my personal values and actively engages in making sure every step of my journey has been and is a step forward in positive growth.

Working for Apex Buffalo was a meaningful opportunity to gain leadership experience while serving multiple nearby schools. Atypical work week will combine organizing/performing events, delivering energetic lessons, all while administering a fundraiser. The team has grown much stronger this past year, and there are clear opportunities for growth into long-term administrative roles. 

A school program last two weeks, which means you'll get a change of scenery, and new set of challenges every fortnight! During my time (~6 months) with the company, I got to serve almost a dozen elementary & middle schools! 

This is the best exposure to local schools you're likely to find. During each program, you'll be managing communications between school administration, teachers, parents, PTSA, and your own team members/managers. A GREAT opportunity for someone looking to build their social/networking skills. 

However, this workplace variety also posed the biggest challenge for me. With multiple teams concurrently serving different schools, I struggled to maintain clear communication and steady administration - which are vital to success. The Buffalo franchise (as well as corporate) are making great progress in effectively automating the admin process.

Perfect job for:
-Someone wanting exposure to local schools
-Someone who loves having fun with kids
-Someone organized who enjoys admin

Stay away if:
-Low energy/weak immune system
-Struggle adapting on the fly
-Uncomfortable on stage

Upon completing two fun runs, one being at a middle school; those of you who’ve worked Apex knows how hard it can be to get middle schoolers to participate but they actually accepted us and surpassed their school’s goal.
Fun job at first, so I thought! Things got weird in relation to my supervisor. I was wondering why most of the people I was hired with were headed to complete their 3rd  school while I was barely finishing up one? Also, some had no skillset to the higher positions they were given. I was qualified more than most of the associates…

Apex has this thing where they create larger than life personalities to be acknowledged by the children. For some odd reason these individuals stayed in character 24/7. The job had became an ‘emphasis’ on who has the best character display, it was no longer about the children or job at hand.

I continually drove an hour out of the area while certain people remained at home base. Supervisor makes a mistake of texting me when I’m sure it was meant for another associate; the text read: “ I don’t think he’ll {character}fit in with us!” 
You’re right I’m authentic and actually care about children, their goals, and fitness, not character development. After a while seems as if I was being hazed. There is no HR just management so you’re basically on your own. 

$$$ can’t replace a less fortunate child’s heart because they don’t have any family to support them in donating. Imagine a child breaking down into tears because everyone else got prizes. I can’t do it!

APEX, as a whole company, is filled with high energy, extremely motivated individuals. Honestly, the most fun and inspirational group of people I've ever encountered at once.

More specifically, in the Northern California area, there is a very closely knitted team that works hard and looks out for each other. There is support from all angles (management, sales, ownership, and your peers).

On a regular day, you are visiting classrooms and teaching students leadership lessons, while also running very successful fundraisers. You're handing out prizes, doing goofy challenges, and playing at recess. Every two weeks you go to a new school, where you get to become a hero on campus all over again. We legitimately walk around likely rockstars: kids screaming our names, asking us to sign their shirts, teachers waving from across the campus. There is no work environment that's more fun than this.

At the end of each fundraiser, we do a huge Jog-a-Thon style event where we MC the event, play music, race against the kids, and just have fun all day.

The pay seems fair for what we do, but you can work your way up pretty decently.

Every once in a while we have early days, which can be a bummer, but it's all worth it when you see how amazed the kids are looking at the giant inflatable tunnels and tracks we've set up for their Fun Run.

By far though, the most enjoyable parts are the kids and the team we work with. Each of us is so uniquely energetic and having us all in the same room is electric.

It was unfortunate that I had to leave this job. I really enjoyed working with the children and I made wonderful connections with the staff at the schools. 
I have been battling an undiagnosed stomach illness for almost a year now. I understand that my call-offs may have seemed too much but, I had to go to the ER one morning so it's not like I was calling off for fun. I got written up...for being sick...
So I would drive the hour-long drive for two weeks at a time (we were RARELY near my town) and have to pull over because I'd get sick. I'd have to find bathrooms in between classroom visits because I'd get sick. I'd have to try and keep up the energy when I felt like death. 
We also catered to (a lot of) religious schools and I was told to be careful where I use my email signature (because it contained my they/them pronouns! oh no!)
I've had similar issues with micromanaging and not-so-friendly team members. I've done so much work outside of school and did not get recognition for it. I felt underpaid and underappreciated. With the overlapping schedule of schools, there would sometimes be a week off which would be great if it were paid. Unexpected schedule bumps and expectations. It felt like any time I talked about being sick it was dismissed as me complaining. 
A coworker was going home because he was feeling sick and I said 'oh I know how you feel. that sucks.' he said 'yeah but, you're always sick.' exactly.....and I'm still here putting on a show. 
It was tough and if things were different (better) I'd consider returning. 

Apex Fun Run has been a great place for me to continue my professional development. With a small company you get to experience many different facets and roles. You're able to hone your public speaking skills in front of small and large(1000+) groups and gain valuable experience in customer service and event planning. 

One of my favorite parts is when a school falls in love with the program. Students, teachers, staff, parents can sometimes start off wary of what we are trying to accomplish but once they see the leadership and enthusiasm that our team brings they tend to get behind Apex at their school. In two short weeks we become a part of a community and create awesome relationships with the people there. It's great to see people embrace this culture and be so quick to put the lessons we teach to use. 

Every job has it's challenges. At every school there are a small number of people who don't believe we are there for good intentions. No matter how much good you provide there will be some who don't like it. Working with those people can be the hardest part of the job though it is an incredibly small part of our work.

No growth plan, awful pay, and constant burnout—you’re pushed to your limits daily, only to be told it’s not enough. Zero recognition or support. 

Apex Leadership Co. promotes positivity, but behind the scenes it’s all burnout and broken promises. There’s no clear path for growth, pay is far below a livable wage, and most days are spent overexerting yourself just to be met with criticism instead of recognition. The workload is massive, support is minimal, and appreciation is nonexistent. You’re expected to give everything while getting very little in return. 

Apex Leadership Co. is built on a great idea with real impact, but the execution fails its employees. Most of the work falls on front-line staff, yet they’re undervalued and unsupported. If Apex invested in the people doing the heavy lifting, it could truly become something great—for everyone.


There is incredible communication within this company. The team members and management are very close knit and you really feel like you can reach out to anyone on the team for anything. The team has a weekly call that gives each member an opportunity to voice their successes as well as challenges from the week. The management team is incredible! They are all approachable and on the ball. While there is a lot of driving involved, they are making great progress on decreasing driving distances for employees and have a mileage reimbursement policy that they are continually improving. I really feel like I have a voice with this company and have seen my ideas implemented, which is really motivating!

This company really is making a remarkable difference in schools by touching student's lives one by one and also raising more and more funds for schools. If you are looking for a dynamic job really truly making a difference, this company is a great choice for you!

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