ABOUT US
YOU DESERVE
ABOUT APEK
INCORPORATED
MEET OUR TEAM
Jim Richards, President
After dedicating 25 years to the roofing and siding industry, Jim took a leap of faith and founded his own family-run business right in the heart of New Lenox. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, he built the company from the ground up with a strong foundation of quality workmanship, integrity, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. What started as a local venture quickly grew, thanks to Jim’s leadership and reputation for excellence.
But for Jim, success has never been just about the bottom line—it’s also about giving back. As his business expanded, so did his ability to create meaningful jobs and opportunities for others in the community he calls home. He takes pride in knowing that he’s not only serving local families but also supporting them through employment and mentorship.
Outside of work, Jim is all about family and fitness. Whether he’s spending quality time with his loved ones or hitting the gym for an early-morning workout, he stays grounded and energized—bringing that same drive and balance to everything he does.
Becky Richards, Vice President
One of the many reasons Becky is such a valuable part of the APEK team is her unwavering dedication to quality and care. She approaches every job with the mindset that a customer’s home deserves the same attention and respect she would give her own. Whether she’s helping to coordinate a complex project or ensuring that the smallest detail is handled with precision, Becky consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Her pride in her work is evident in everything she does, and it’s a big part of why our customers trust and appreciate us. Beyond her professional excellence, Becky is also a devoted mom and a passionate traveler.
Despite the demands of her role, she manages to find time to raise her children and explore new places with her family—bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to her personal life that she brings to work. Her ability to balance it all with grace makes her not only an asset to APEK, but an inspiration to everyone around her.
Payton Richards, Assistant VP
A former gymnast at the University of Florida, Payton Richards brings the same discipline, determination, and team-first mindset that defined her athletic career to her professional life today. During her time at UF, Payton balanced the rigors of competing at an elite level while earning two degrees, a testament to her work ethic and drive to excel both on and off the mat.
Now, Payton is channeling that same passion into helping lead and grow her family’s business. With a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and business strategy, she is focused on bringing a fresh perspective to operations while honoring the values and legacy that built the company. Her competitive spirit, combined with a deep commitment to excellence, makes her a dynamic and impactful presence in the next generation of leadership.
Whether she’s engaging with customers, streamlining internal processes, or planning for long-term growth, Payton approaches every challenge with the same focus and resilience.
Don Graf, Salesman
With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to every project he touches. His deep understanding of roofing and siding systems allows him to evaluate each customer’s unique needs and recommend the most effective, durable, and cost-efficient solutions. Don’s practical experience, paired with his attention to detail, ensures that every homeowner receives top-quality results and peace of mind.
Known for his friendly and approachable personality, Don thrives on building relationships. He genuinely enjoys meeting new clients, listening to their concerns, and helping them feel confident throughout the entire process. His strong ties to the community and passion for people make him a trusted and familiar face to many.
Even with his demanding schedule, Don always makes time for the things he loves outside of work. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys spending his free time fishing on quiet mornings and tending to his garden. These hobbies not only help him recharge but reflect the same patience, care, and dedication he brings to his work every day.
Brian Ronan, Salesman
With over 15 years of experience in sales, Brian brings a unique blend of professionalism, enthusiasm, and creativity to the APEK team. He has a natural ability to connect with customers, listen to their needs, and guide them toward the right solutions—always with a focus on honesty, clarity, and excellent service. His strong communication skills and upbeat personality make him a trusted advisor and a favorite among both clients and colleagues.
But Brian’s talents don’t stop at sales. He’s also an accomplished drummer with years of musical experience under his belt. In fact, before joining APEK, he was just one callback away from landing a performance role with the iconic Blue Man Group. While the stage lights didn’t pan out, we like to think the home improvement world gained a star performer of its own.
Whether he’s helping a homeowner make confident decisions or keeping the beat in his downtime, Brian brings energy, precision, and passion to everything he does—and we’re proud to have him as part of the APEK family.
Jesus Diaz Cervantes, Supervisor/Safety Coordinator
At APEK, safety is always our top priority—and that’s exactly why Jesus is such a vital part of our team. With years of experience in safety training and construction site protocols, Jesus ensures that every job site meets the highest standards for safety and compliance. From evaluating working conditions to inspecting tools and equipment, he plays a key role in protecting not only our team but also our customers and the surrounding community.
As a bilingual safety professional, Jesus speaks both English and Spanish fluently—an invaluable asset on diverse job sites. His ability to clearly communicate safety procedures across language barriers helps ensure that every worker understands the expectations, follows proper protocols, and feels confident asking questions or reporting concerns.
Jesus takes a proactive approach, identifying potential hazards before they become problems and making sure every crew member is properly trained and equipped. His dedication to creating a safe work environment allows our projects to run smoothly and efficiently—without compromising the well-being of anyone involved.
Lauren Richards, Secretary
Lauren Richards is the friendly and reliable voice behind the scenes at APEK, making sure everything in the office runs smoothly. As a hardworking team member, she’s often the first point of contact for customers—answering calls, responding to emails, and ensuring that every inquiry is handled with care and efficiency.
Known for her attention to detail and calm under pressure, Lauren helps keep the day-to-day operations organized and on track. Her dedication to customer service and behind-the-scenes support plays a key role in helping projects move forward and ensuring that every client receives timely and accurate information.
Whether she’s managing schedules, coordinating communications, or simply lending a helping hand wherever needed, Lauren is an essential part of the APEK team—and her efforts don’t go unnoticed.
Kaitlyn Robertson, Secretary
Kaitlyn is a highly organized and efficient Office Secretary. Known for her attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and commitment to ensuring smooth office operations, Kaitlyn excels in scheduling, handling phone calls, emails, correspondence, and always ensures that all office needs are met in a timely and professional manner. Her proactive approach to problem-solving, combined with a personable attitude, makes her a trusted resource for both her colleagues and clients.
Kaitlyn is a dedicated and motivated college student currently studying business, with a strong passion for organization and efficiency. In her role as an office secretary, she applies her academic knowledge and strong multitasking skills to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Outside of her studies and work, Kaitlyn enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, staying active, and always keeping herself busy with new projects and activities. With a knack for balancing her academic responsibilities and her professional role, she is continuously learning and growing, driven by her desire to achieve success in both her career and personal life.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Fall Protection Hazards Awareness Certification
- Scaffold Users Hazards Training
- Rigging Hazards Awareness Training
- Health Hazard Awareness
- Crane Signal Certification
- First Aid CPR AED Certified
- OSHA 30, OSHA 140 Certifications
