Apex Fun Run

Parent Teacher Organizations have long relied on wrapping paper, candy bars, and coupon books that return as little as 30 to 40 cents on each dollar raised, require parents to manage inventory, and provide no educational value. Scott Donnell saw the issue when his wife, Amy, an elementary school teacher, regularly used her own paycheck for classroom supplies because school budgets fell short. He founded Apex Fun Run in 2011, later incorporated as Apex Leadership Company, a Phoenix, Arizona based franchise organization that combines school fundraising with youth leadership and fitness programming. Instead of selling products, schools hold run based pledge events in which students collect donations tied to completed laps, with Apex trained staff delivering leadership curriculum. Territories began selling in 2012. By December 2023, the system served 122 communities across 33 states, with more recent figures reporting 130 franchised units. Apex operates only in the United States and hosted more than 1,700 events in 2023, compared with 1,400 the year before. PeerSense's analysis is independent research, not promotional material from the franchisor.

Apex operates within business support services, including personal services, children's services, school fundraising, and child enrichment. That broader market was estimated at $671.76 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $724.68 billion in 2026, a compound annual growth rate of 7.9 percent. It is forecast to reach $989.81 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.1 percent, while one independent analysis projects a CAGR of 9.2 percent through 2031. Schools and PTOs often lack the time, staff, or expertise to manage fundraising programs that produce meaningful returns. Demand has also grown for programs that are healthy, character building, and engaging for students. Apex addresses these needs through its event format and curriculum. The school fundraising market remains fragmented, with no single national brand matching Apex's combination of programming, franchised scale, and curriculum integration. That structure may give the company an advantage over local operators and newer entrants.

The initial franchise fee is $49,500, although some Franchise Disclosure Document versions cite $39,500 to $63,000 based on timing and unit configuration. The company database lists a fee of $49,900. For multiple unit purchases, the first additional unit costs $44,500 and each later additional unit costs $39,500. The fee covers franchise rights, administrative expenses, brokerage fees, training, and legal costs. Reported total initial investment ranges include $81,500 to $104,200, $79,000 to $109,700, and up to $86,000 to $135,000 in newer disclosures. The company database lists $29,000 to $210,340, reflecting possible differences in territory size, equipment, and operating reserves. Working capital is estimated at $3,000 to $5,000. Applicants generally need $50,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $250,000. Current disclosures do not specifically identify an advertising fund contribution. Veterans may receive $1,000 to $8,500 off the initial fee. The asset light model may merit SBA financing review, but applicants should verify current SBA eligibility during due diligence. Compared with brick and mortar franchises where build out alone can exceed $300,000, the stated cost structure falls in the accessible to mid tier service franchise range.

Franchisees focus on school relationships and event execution rather than retail operations or facility management. Their work includes selling and renewing contracts with elementary and middle schools, coordinating with administrators and PTO leaders, managing event staff, and handling event logistics. Revenue comes from scheduled school events, making the model seasonal and appointment based. New franchisees complete a webinar series and about five to seven days of hands on training at the Phoenix, Arizona headquarters, covering owners and staff members. Corporate support includes sales tools, connections with school system leaders, staff management frameworks, inventory systems, financial oversight procedures, and key performance indicator monitoring. Each franchisee receives a custom website for online pledges and territory sales. A 2024 partnership with HubSpot was intended to improve operating efficiency and communication between schools and franchise teams. Territories use exclusive custom zip code configurations, and the average franchisee operates 2.5 territories. Programming now includes Apex Virtual, Glow Run, Remix, Apex Games, Color Games, Anython, Apex Serve, Obstacle Course, PBIS Coaching, Middle School Programs, and the monthly leadership and recess offering called Apex Leadership Company.

Buyers must evaluate franchisor representations, third party research, and franchisee references. At an 8.0 percent royalty, that implies approximately $24,800 in annual royalties per unit. Apex says its programs generate 70 percent more revenue than traditional product sales fundraisers. Schools retain 40 to 60 percent of gross funds raised through Apex Live and 50 to 65 percent through Apex Flex, with the balance paid to the franchisee. About 20 percent of total funds raised goes to operating costs, Apex corporate costs, and event logistics. The system projected $70 million for schools in 2023 and reportedly exceeded that target in 2024. Buyers should model staffing, travel, event logistics, technology, marketing, and the 8.0 percent royalty, and ask franchisees about seasonal cash flow, staffing costs as a percentage of revenue, and the capital needed to expand from one territory to multiple territories.

Apex grew from its first franchised territory in 2012 to 84 locations across 21 states in 2019, more than 90 units shortly afterward, 122 communities in 33 states by December 2023, and a reported 130 franchised units since then. The brand recorded 15 percent system wide growth in 2024, signed 10 new franchise deals, and opened locations in Brooklyn, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Thornton, Colorado; Peachtree City, Georgia; Troy, Michigan; Jacksonville, Florida; and San Francisco, California. Expansion is planned for Illinois, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and California, with franchisees expected to begin serving schools in those territories in Fall 2024. The reported school rebook rate above 90 percent supports recurring revenue, while the leadership and fitness curriculum distinguishes the events from transactional fundraising. The event suite includes more than ten formats, giving franchisees ways to serve different school preferences. Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 rankings have recognized the company across multiple years. Indeed named Apex one of the best franchises to purchase in 2024, citing low cost startup requirements and extensive franchisee support. The HubSpot integration adds to the company's investment in communication and pipeline management.

Apex is primarily an owner operator model, especially for a single territory. The strongest candidates are comfortable with sales, community relationships, event logistics, and part time staff. Backgrounds in education, community organizations, youth sports, or event management can help, although company training is intended to build the required skills. Since the average franchisee operates 2.5 territories, buying two or three territories is a common growth path and qualifies for the stepped down fee structure. Apex currently serves 33 states and is actively recruiting in Illinois, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and California, with other markets potentially available among the 130 units in the United States school district market. Territories with many elementary and middle schools, active PTO organizations, and significant school budget constraints may offer the strongest fit. Launching can be faster than a brick and mortar franchise because no physical build out is required. New owners should expect to spend meaningful time during the first one to two years developing school relationships and rebook patterns before the recurring revenue base matures.

Apex Fun Run offers a recurring revenue service model, school focused programming, system wide growth, and several event formats. The business support services market is projected to reach $989.81 billion by 2030, while school funding constraints continue to affect fundraising demand. PeerSense assigns the franchise a Franchise Performance Index score of 46, rated Fair. Buyers should review that score with SBA lending history, location level Google ratings, available FDD financial data, and comparisons with children's services and school enrichment franchises. PeerSense provides independent franchise research for that review and does not lend, fund, or approve loans.