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Casey Furtado, who holds a business degree, discovered his passion for education unexpectedly while teaching English in Taiwan after completing his studies. Reflecting on his experience, he states, “Teaching found me. I didn’t plan it, but I quickly realized how rewarding it was to help kids grow.”
Upon returning to California around 2010, Furtado joined a private school, hoping for a stable, long-term career in education. However, he soon encountered the challenges that many educators face, such as fluctuating enrollment figures and restricted budgets. The uncertainty became particularly stressful during summer breaks. “Every year, it was like, ‘We’re not sure we can keep you,'” Furtado remembers. After a few years of this instability, he recognized the necessity for a more reliable path.
Mission-driven model
That search led him to the Apex Leadership Company, a franchise dedicated to school fundraising. Apex organizes two-week programs that blend fitness events, such as fun runs and obstacle courses, with leadership and character-building lessons in schools. Through a connection with a college friend who introduced him to the brand’s founder, Furtado embraced this new opportunity and ventured into business ownership within a year.
Apex’s core offering is straightforward: it assists schools in raising funds while instilling important leadership values in students. “Our entire mission is to build leaders,” emphasizes Furtado. “We achieve this through our events, curriculum, and the training provided to our team.”
The fundraising process is designed to be modern and efficient. Moving away from traditional methods that relied on paper forms, which required students and parents to seek out pledges, Apex utilizes digital payment systems and online donor portals. “I still remember counting $40,000 in checks and cash after our first event with a group of school volunteers,” he recalls. “Now, grandma in Florida can contribute with just one click.”
Scaling for impact
At 40 years old, Furtado has expanded his Apex business significantly, owning six territories across San Diego and the greater Bay Area, and servicing over 130 schools. He attributes his success to a strong initial partnership with the franchise and an early decision to scale operations. “This growth allowed us to retain excellent staff and provide opportunities for their development,” he notes. “It also helped us establish trust with numerous schools; initially, we had to win their confidence one campus at a time. Now, Apex is recognized throughout our region.”
While he oversees various teams and prioritizes hiring, long-term strategy, and operations, Furtado still takes time to substitute in schools, maintaining his connection to the teaching world that inspired his career. Jamie Krasnov, CEO of Apex, views Furtado as a notable figure within the franchise, setting a positive example for others. “Casey is a beacon,” Krasnov states. “He demonstrates what is achievable. He is genuinely mission-driven and excels at building relationships, and his determination to overcome challenges and strive for growth is invaluable to every franchise system.”
Today, Furtado’s Apex ventures generate over $10 million annually for schools, enabling funding for necessities ranging from classroom supplies to staff salaries and infrastructure improvements. His earnings now significantly exceed what he made as a teacher. “For me, it’s not just about financial gain. There’s a unique passion involved when it comes to children and education,” he explains. “Watching students engage during a leadership lesson is a feeling that never diminishes.”
Advice for aspiring franchisees
Furtado offers valuable guidance to individuals contemplating franchise ownership, particularly those with backgrounds in education: Embrace the leap. “You can plan and research indefinitely, but at some point, you have to get in the boat and start rowing,” he advises. “Once you do, it’s your resilience that will carry you through.”
This determination has proven beneficial throughout Furtado’s journey. He has faced obstacles such as shifting school policies, weather-related interruptions, and even district-wide bans on certain events. “Flexibility and a solution-oriented mindset are essential,” he affirms. “That’s the only way to cultivate something worthwhile.”
As he embarks on his second decade with Apex, Furtado sees ample opportunity for further growth. He aspires to mentor new franchise owners within the network, offering guidance and partnerships in various regions. “We’ve noticed this is already happening,” he remarks. “I’m eager to support and collaborate with others to help them successfully franchise.”
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