Apex Overland 4Runner transforms from overlander to rock crawler.

STORY BY KELLY NOMURA

PHOTOS BY MATT GIRGIS

Uneven terrain is no match for this long-travel-equipped 4Runner.

“STEPPING UP TO TAKE OVER THE FAMILY BUSINESS WHEN HER HUSBAND WAS DEPLOYED IN 2018, JILLIAN SCHAIBLE EMBODIES COURAGE, STRENGTH, DISCIPLINE AND HARD WORK.”

This 4Runner is meant to be driving the backcountry trails on dirt.

Strength, valor, discipline and determination are characteristics that often shine through in those who serve or have served our country. However, sometimes, it’s not just the person in a partnership who enlists who displays these traits. Those who are left behind to look after the home, family and business might also greatly impact their communities in a positive way.

As the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” That could not be truer for Josh and Jillian Schaible, the owners of the Apex Overland 4Runner.

Stepping up to take over the family business when her husband was deployed in 2018, Jillian Schaible embodies courage, strength, discipline and hard work. She took a leap of faith to step away from her career to run Apex Overland while husband Josh was in the Middle East. This changing of the guard came to be as a way to honor her husband while he was gone, but her tenacity and determination turned it into an opportunity to grow their business.

“MUCH LIKE ITS DRIVER, JILLIAN, THE APEX OVERLAND 4RUNNER GETS FEISTY WHEN NEEDED AND ROLLS THROUGH THE BUMPS SMOOTHLY AND EASILY, GOING THE EXTRA MILE.”

Flexing in Uwharrie National Forest, the 4Runner eased over the rocky obstacles on the uphill climb.