Wrapping Up Our 75th Anniversary Celebration

Hal Hargrave reflects on the celebrations, stories, and the client partners who made this milestone possible

There are moments in business that feel bigger than revenue, bigger than milestones, and bigger than any single achievement. Our seventy-fifth anniversary was one of those moments for me.

When your company’s story begins in 1949 and you have the privilege of serving on the team for more than four decades, anniversaries are more than dates. They are reminders. 

They remind you where you came from, who carried you through the challenges, and why the work matters. Above all, they remind you that none of it happens without client partners and team members who choose to trust you. If Apex has a legacy, it is one that was built together with you.

Here’s a quick recap of a few highlights from this year's celebration of Apex’s 75th Anniversary.

A Film That Honored Our Past and Our Partners

Last fall, we released an eight-minute documentary that traced our journey from a small painting company to the national partner we are today. What made the film special was not only the timeline but also being reminded that progress at Apex has always been a shared story. Your trust opened the door for each chapter.

An On-site and Virtual Birthday Party

In January, we broke out the cake and candles and hosted a hybrid birthday party. Among those who celebrated with us were team members, retired friends, long-time client partners, and new partners.  It was nice to see notes and comments come in from our community.

Stories that highlighted who we are together

Throughout the year, we released deeper dive stories that spotlighted key moments in Apex history and culture. These short clips shared the bigger picture of what we believe.  How relationships carry more weight than transactions, how resilience is built during the hardest seasons, and how every person and every partner matters.

And finally… a moment to say “Thank You”

To our client partners. Thank you for believing in us, for inviting us into your portfolios and programs, and for pushing us to innovate. Your confidence has shaped our growth, guided our priorities, and sharpened our standards.

To our Apex team. Thank you for your grit, your discipline, and your willingness to grow. Whether you have been with us for one year or twenty-five, you help us honor every commitment we make to our clients.

And to my dad. Thank you for the values that built this place. Hard work. Integrity. Grit. Self-awareness. The courage to step forward… and the wisdom to step back when needed.

Our seventy-fifth anniversary celebration is officially complete.

As I look ahead, I am energized. I am excited about our next chapter and even more excited about the next generation who will lead Apex into our centennial celebration.  We have big goals, and we plan to meet them the same way we always have - with innovation, partnership, and good old-fashioned hard work.

We would not be here without you. Thank you for making this milestone possible, and for the privilege of serving side by side. 

Here’s to the next 75 years,

Hal Hargrave

CEO & Owner of Apex Imaging Services