When Jim Stringham started APEX General Contracting nearly two decades ago, he wasn’t just starting a business. He was laying the foundation for a mission. A mission to serve, to restore, and to build something greater than just homes and buildings. Today, that mission has transformed into one of the most trusted names in roofing and restoration, reaching across states, earning national recognition, and impacting countless lives.
What began with a truck, a ladder, and an unwavering work ethic is now a business that has completed over $250 million in roofing and restoration projects. From disaster response to planned upgrades, from single-family homes to commercial builds, APEX has grown steadily, rooted in a simple but powerful belief:
Do good work, do right by people, and give back every chance you get.
Jim is proud to be a graduate of Hononegah Community High School, and his roots in the Rockton community have played a huge role in shaping his values as a business owner and leader. Giving back locally, especially to veterans and neighbors in need, is part of his upbringing, education, and the nurturing community he still calls home.
What many people don’t realize is that APEX has been at the center of some of the roofing industry’s biggest innovations. Jim Stringham and his team were the original beta testers for what became AccuLynx, the leading roofing CRM platform, making APEX the first company to fully implement it in the field. That platform, born from APEX’s processes and real-world experience, was recently acquired for $2.3 billion. And now, with APEX itself becoming part of RAFTRx, one of the top 10 roofing groups in the country, it marks the second major roofing company out of Rockton, IL to make a national impact.
Jim and the APEX team helped lay the foundation for both.
A Legacy of Service: Veterans and Community at the Core
Long before Jim was the CEO of a top 100 roofing company in the country, he was a man deeply committed to service. That sense of duty and responsibility has never left him. One of the defining elements of APEX’s company culture is a deep and intentional focus on supporting military veterans. Whether it’s providing free roofs to veterans in need, hiring former service members, or partnering with veteran-focused charities, APEX makes it clear that honoring those who served is not just a campaign – it’s part of their identity.
“Supporting our veterans is something we will never compromise on,” Jim says. “These men and women gave everything to protect our homes. The least we can do is help protect theirs.”
These efforts are not just symbolic. APEX has quietly but consistently provided roofs to veterans and their families who otherwise may have gone without. They have sponsored local veteran-focused events, launched special seasonal programs, and even tied in community efforts through their partnerships with local sports teams and nonprofit organizations.
Building a Company With Values at Its Core
It takes more than passion to run a successful company for 20 years. It takes vision, persistence, and a team that shares your values. Jim built APEX from the ground up, and from the beginning, he focused on hiring people who weren’t just skilled, but also cared deeply about their work and their communities.
That team, now composed of some of the industry’s most respected leaders and managers, has become the beating heart of the company. Under Jim’s leadership, they have embraced a culture of excellence that puts people first. Customers, employees, partners – everyone is treated with the same respect and care that Jim demonstrated from day one.
“My management team is second to none,” Jim says. “They understand what we stand for, they live it out every day, and they make this company what it is.”
This commitment to team and culture has paid off. APEX has not only survived industry downturns, natural disasters, and economic fluctuations – it has thrived. The company has grown to serve multiple states and expanded its offerings to include restoration, siding, and storm response.
A Family Affair: The Next Generation of Leadership
For Jim, one of the proudest milestones came not from a revenue number or national recognition, but from within his own family. His son Landon, now an integral part of APEX, has joined the leadership team and represents the future of the company.
“Having my son step into this business with me has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey,” Jim says. “It means everything to know that the values we built this company on are being passed down.”
This father-son connection has added a deeper sense of purpose to APEX’s work. While Jim remains at the helm, he is also focused on mentoring the next generation, ensuring that the business is ready to lead with integrity for years to come.
In many ways, APEX is a family business, not just because Jim’s son has stepped into a leadership role, but because many of the people who helped build the company are still standing beside him today. From General Manager Brandon Rhymer, who’s been with APEX for 19 years, to Senior Sales Manager Mike Thelen with 12 years of service, and Project Manager Brian Dombeck, who has been a steady hand for over 15 years. These are not just employees, they’re pillars of the APEX culture. Jim’s mother, Judy Stringham, has also played an essential role as Executive Assistant for the past 20 years, supporting the company’s operations and growth behind the scenes. This tight-knit leadership team reflects the trust, loyalty, and shared mission that drives APEX forward.
Certifications That Matter: GAF and Owens Corning Recognitions
In an industry where credentials matter, APEX has consistently met and exceeded the highest standards. The company proudly holds elite certifications from both GAF and Owens Corning, two of the most respected names in roofing materials and warranties.
These certifications are not handed out lightly. They require demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and ongoing training. For customers, it means they are working with a contractor they can trust. For Jim, it is further validation that doing things the right way never goes out of style.
“Being a certified contractor with GAF and Owens Corning isn’t just a badge we wear. It’s a responsibility,” Jim explains. “It pushes us to always be at our best. It holds us accountable.”
Joining the Big Leagues: The RAFTRx Acquisition
In recent years, APEX took another major leap forward by becoming part of RAFTRx, one of the largest and fastest-growing contractor networks in the country. This move catapulted APEX into the national spotlight, giving the company access to new markets, expanded resources, and a platform to influence industry standards at the highest level.
Through the RAFTRx partnership, APEX now stands among the top 10 roofing contractors in the United States. This distinction represents years of hard work, client loyalty, and a business model that centers on trust and community.
“We joined RAFTRx because we believe in scaling what we do best,” Jim says. “It means more opportunities, better buying power for our clients, and a chance to help raise the bar across the entire industry.”
Restoring More Than Roofs: The Documentary
APEX’s story was recently captured in a short-form documentary, “Restoring Community,” which highlights the company’s dedication to giving back. The film showcases real stories from real people whose lives were changed through APEX’s charitable work, veteran support, and community investment.
One particularly moving story features the impact that APEX has on the Wimpy’s fund each Christmas – helping bring the joy of the holidays to hundreds of under-served children in the community. This story, along with others, embodies the spirit of APEX: lifting people up, meeting them where they are, and providing a foundation they can count on.
“Restoring Community” is not a marketing piece. It’s a window into what drives Jim and his team every day. The compassion, the follow-through, the belief that a roof is never just a roof – it’s security, comfort, and dignity.
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Mission
After 20 years, Jim Stringham is not slowing down. If anything, he is more energized than ever. With his son by his side, an incredible team supporting him, and the backing of one of the industry’s largest networks, Jim is setting his sights on the future.
New markets. More giving. Better systems. And always, the same unwavering purpose that started it all: to restore homes, to restore lives, and to restore community.
“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done,” Jim says. “There’s still a lot of good to be done, and I’m grateful every day that I get to be a part of it.”
APEX General Contracting continues to prove that when you build a business on values, trust, and community, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.