Apex Leadership Team

Jim Stringham has captured attention from the small business world in a very large way. Ever since he was young, Jim strived to stand out: “different from the rest” and “full speed ahead”. Those mottos have proved true even as a young entrepreneur, establishing his company, Apex General Contracting, as one of the Fastest Growing Companies by Inc. Since 2006, his company has done hundreds of million dollars of business by restoring over 20,000 buildings. He has yet to slow down and has developed Apex into a company that continually exceeds expectations in the Exterior Restoration industry. His company has ranked a Top 100 Roofing Company in the U.S. by Roofing Contractor Magazine, accepted into the Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor program that only 1% of Roofers nationwide are qualified for, and became a GAF Master Elite® Contractor; Jim strives to stay on top of advancing technology while building a brand on quality and service. In the industry for over 25 years, Jim has accumulated a number of designations and certifications such as being HAAG Engineering Certified in Residential & Commercial properties. Also the owner of Berkland Development, Jim has used his applied building knowledge in real estate management and development of several properties in the Midwest.

Jim has proved to be a valuable member of the community by being involved with and donating to community organizations such as youth baseball, veterans’ organizations, and other community charities,. Bridget, his wife, and fellow entrepreneur own BeBella Hair Salon. Their lives revolve around their children Landen and Berkley. When not working they can be found attending their children’s various activities such as horseback riding, basketball, football, and baseball games. The couple finds keeping up with their active children while running their own companies proves challenging but immensely rewarding.

For more than a decade, since 2007, Brandon Rhymer has been an essential part of the Apex team by consistently being a top performer year after year and accumulating a large following of happy customers. Brandon was a top salesman for many years and then took on an inside sales manager role. As Sales Manager, Brandon ensures the builds run smoothly from start to finish and the customer receives what they are entitled. He’s helped hire and train many new assets for APEX.  Brandon has moved up over the years taking on new responsibilities and adhering to the APEX way. Now as acting as our GM, Brandon works for hand in hand with other APEX team members making sure business is being run smoothly, effectively, and efficiently.

In his free time, he enjoys cheering on “Da Bears” and Cubs and entertaining friends and family over delicious meals hot off his grill. He loves to hunt and be outdoors. His most valued possession is his beautiful 12-year-old daughter Brynlee! She does competitive cheer and plays softball as a pitcher and first base! He spends any and all time with his daughter, family, and friends.

Apex General Contracting welcomed Jennifer in October of 2021, even though she has only been with Apex for a short time; she has proven herself by achieving everything that has been thrown her way. Before Jennifer became a part of the Apex family she was employed with her previous employer for nearly 18 years. She is very dedicated and is a great asset to the Apex team.

When it comes time to step out of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending her time with her husband “Matt” and their daughter “Grace”. Even though finding free time can be challenging Jennifer and her husband still manages to be a part of what their daughter loves; such as dancing, horseback riding, and cheerleading. When not running around to family events, she finds peace at the camper or in the woods hunting for whitetail deer.

Austin Galvan joined Apex in 2020 after graduating from Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree. Austin started out as a field supervisor doing sales in the field. With his strong customer service skills and applying what he learned in college to the field, Austin excelled immediately here at Apex. After four years in the field, Austin decided to move his talents to a mostly office-based position - production manager. Austin has stepped up immediately in this role, which includes scheduling all of the builds, ensuring all jobs get completed in a timely manner, etc. Austin looks forward to continuing his growth at Apex and expanding his knowledge in the restoration industry.

When Austin is not at the office he enjoys spending time with his family, going to sporting events, and enjoys going on vacations.

Hello, my name is Joe Metz, manager of APEX. First, I would like to thank you for the opportunity of working with you. My career it all started when I grew up in Winnebago County, working for my father’s business, hauling around 2x4’s and probably causing more headaches than help. Despite the bumps and bruises to my body and pride, I did not let it impede my passion for exterior residential construction! Fast forward to now, I am a loving father to three daughters and one son. As you can imagine, between sports, activities, and seeing job sites to completion, “busy” would be an extreme understatement. Despite all the occasional chaos, we wouldn’t trade it for the world! Just as my father brought me to job sites and began teaching me the trades, I can only hope my children will exhibit the same work ethic and desire as I have.

I started my career working as a canvasser which turned into a field supervisor position, this is when my passion for exterior remodeling started. Working with property owners turning their home into a beautiful curb appeal that they are proud of is the burning flame inside me that advanced me into management. During this time I hired and or trained over 100 people teaching them every aspect of insurance restoration, building products, installation practices & product warranties that I have learned. By sharing the knowledge that I have attained while seeing the transformation of others grow and flourish created a second passion that was even more rewarding then transforming curb appeal on homes. I realized teaching my staff that worked underneath me we could remodel more homes. But in our industry a lot of our competitors were not training and teaching their staffs properly. Knowing that I could not do every job across the county and that in some cases property owners were not receiving the best experience from other contractors drove me nuts. Which forced me to self-produce a training manual book “Sell, Build, Collect Storm Damage” that was sold across the county helping other managers train their staff giving property owners a better experience. Besides having field experience as a contractor I also have worked as an insurance adjuster writing over twelve hundred storm damage estimates taught me the in’s and outs of insurance restoration work which helped in writing my first book.

It became apparent seeing homeowners struggle to find a quality, integrity-based contractor to fit their needs. Finding a contractor is difficult as is, but what about the quality and timing of their work? Rest assured, we pride ourselves on expediting our ability to deliver quotes by providing detailed estimates on site and will not cut any corners on work or products, ensuring we will meet (often exceed) local building codes to guarantee the homeowner in receiving quality work.

Once again, from our family to yours, thank you for the opportunity and hope we can be of service!