Our fearless leader and present day owner – Garrett Hopkins
Apex History: A Legacy of Adventure and Grit
Apex Adventure Alliance began in the late 1990s when Tom Grieder and Stan—two bold and entrepreneurial spirits—joined forces to bring high-quality rock climbing programs to the Midwest. Tom, a seasoned outdoorsman with a background in publishing and mountaineering, brought structure and vision. Stan, deeply connected to the Chicago climbing gym scene, brought the energy (and the crowds). Together, they created Apex Adventure Alliance, a name chosen not just for its symbolic meaning, but because triple-A listings showed up first in event programs and directories. Smart thinking.
Apex quickly grew to offer international expeditions and local programs, with major sponsorships and a reputation for fun, safe, and adventurous outings. In those early years, Andre Fisher played a pivotal role as Program Director, helping to bring the Apex name back to life after a brief hiatus. Though the business eventually slowed down, Andre kept the flame alive—more as an excuse to come up, climb, and enjoy the good life with friends.
In 2004, a 24-year-old Todd Stowell took over Apex. Fresh off a four-year, 33-country backpacking trip and back in school for pre-med, he was equal parts wanderer and go-getter. Todd guided for Apex one summer, and by fall, he owned the company—along with a weathered trailer, four helmets, some tired ropes, and a deep passion for adventure. From there, he built something special. He required all guides to earn certifications, expanded the company’s online presence, and fostered a strong, goofy, hardworking community. At its peak, Apex dominated the Devil’s Lake climbing scene, featured in local and national media, including National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Todd’s leadership was marked by unforgettable characters like Jill Griffis and Lynn Mallach—both hired more for their spirit and grit than their climbing résumés. Jill showed up on a Havasu Falls trip with such wild creativity that Todd instantly knew she was Apex material. Lynn, a barefoot waterskiing powerhouse in her fifties, impressed the younger crew with her drive, humor, and adventurous soul. These women eventually took over the business when Todd moved to Oregon, continuing the Apex tradition of mentorship, adventure, and community.
Today, Apex Adventure Alliance stands on the shoulders of these stories—equal parts legacy and living adventure. We’re proud to carry forward a tradition that started with a simple idea: bring good people together in wild places, and the rest will follow.