NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2025
PROJECT UPDATE FRED LIVE
BY ERIN BALL AND VONG LEE
We’re thrilled to introduce FRED Live - our brand-new intranet, built to make your work life a little easier and a lot more connected You’ll find FRED Live right in your Teams menu on both desktop and mobile. Just look for the FRED icon and click to explore! So, what’s waiting for you?
A New Way to Submit Help Desk Tickets
No more hunting for email addresses or wondering who to ask. The new help desk form lives on FRED Live and is now the only way to submit a support request.
An exciting change with this new feature is that you’ll be able to see the status and history of your IT and Entrata/Funnel tickets within the Ticket Portal!
The FRED Directory
The new directory is your go-to for finding names, titles, and contact info all in one place
Department-Specific Tools & Resources
From forms to policies, we’re pulling together the essentials to make it easier for you to access what you need
But this is just the beginning! We’re building FRED Live to grow with us. With this change, you will start to see MYFREDWAY.COM become less relevant as we post new resources in FRED Live.
Take a look today and start exploring. If there’s something you’d love to see added, we’re all ears!
DEPARTMENT UPDATE ASSET MANAGEMENT
BY CASEY MALEK
Did you know?
FRED’s Corporate support team is always happy to help and loves to hear your ideas and feedback!
FRED is proud to have two summer interns for our corporate real estate internship program, Jimmy Mirsberger (Marquette University) and Ty Hower (UW-Madison). This year’s cohort is diving into a hands-on, experiential learning journey that spans the full spectrum of the real estate industry - from asset management and development to construction and property management.
The internship is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate lifecycle As the summer progresses, interns will continue to engage in mentorship opportunities, networking events, and site visits, culminating in a capstone presentation that showcases their contributions and learnings.
A key focus of this year’s program is strengthening FRED’s academic partnerships, particularly with Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison By building strong relationships with these institutions, FRED aims to foster long-term collaboration with these Universities. At FRED, we believe in investing in the next generation of real estate professionals.
Our internship program is not just about learning - it’s about building relationships, exploring career paths, and making a real impact in the futures of our interns.
We are excited to see the energy and fresh perspectives these students bring and we look forward to continuing our commitment to education, innovation, and community development.
G ROUNDWOR K
WHAT IS IT?
BY FRED
Groundwork by FRED is a grassroots initiative powered by team members who are passionate about giving back.
You’ll start to hear more about this exciting project with communications coming from groundwork@fred-inc.com, so stay tuned for exciting updates and opportunities!
OURPILLARS
FOUNDATIONS FOR STABILITY
Fundamental human needs, like housing and water, are a right
PATHWAYS TO WELLBEING BUILDING KNOWLEDGE & CULTURE
Ensuring people have the resources to live balanced, healthy lives
Education opens doors to opportunity, growth, and innovation
GROUNDWORK COMMITTEE
Guides where donations and volunteer hours go and ensures we make the greatest possible impact by stewarding resources thoughtfully
UPCOMING EVENTS
AUGUST HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Employeeswho registeredtoparticipate intheFRED-sponsored homebuilddate
AUGUST Q2 FRED IN FOCUS FREDCorporateOffice
AllFREDEmployees welcometogetupdates andconnect!
AUGUST 2025 FRED FAMILY DAY
16
MilwaukeeCountyZoo
AllFREDEmployees welcomeforadayof familyfun!
SEPTEMBER FRED FUEL UP
Various Properties
4
Please see flyer for list of employees invited to attend here 28
SEPTEMBER HONOR FLIGHT 5K FREDisaleading sponsorofthisraceand allFREDemployeesare invitedtojointhefun!
We’re teaming up with Father Gene’s to collect school supplies and will be celebrating our impact at the zoo on Family Day!
Grab a donation from the Amazon cart, or go big and purchase one of each (all items total just over $50)! Lets help local kids start strong.
GROUNDBREAKINGS
TERRAPIN RUN
We’re excited to announce that construction is officially underway at Terrapin Run Townhomes in DeForest, WI! Set along the scenic Yahara River, this brand new community will bring 206 upscale apartment homes to the area The July 21st groundbreaking brought together project partners and local leaders to celebrate what’s ahead.
FRED OUT OF OFFICE
BY ANDY KIENER
Want to share?
Use the QR code to submit your out of office activity for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue!
Each year, in mid-July, I have the privilege of sailing with a remarkable group of lifelong friends in the Chicago to Mackinac Island Race. This summer marked my 32nd race up the lake a tradition that’s deeply woven into my life.
The Mac has been part of my family’s story since I was around 10 years old, when my father first joined the Race Committee Ever since, the race and the island have been annual milestones equal parts challenge and celebration
No two races are ever the same for the 325 or so boats that compete. Wind or lack of it is the most unpredictable factor. Some years we’re blessed with steady southern breezes and colorful spinnakers flying at full tilt Other years, the air is light and fickle, and we spend more “quality time” on the water than expected For our crew, a typical race runs 50 to 60 hours
This year’s race served up a mixed bag. Friday evening brought nearly calm conditions, which gave us an extended, almost dreamlike view of Milwaukee’s skyline from dusk until dawn. By Saturday night, a strong breeze filled in and gave us a push, but ultimately the lighter winds prevailed, making for a slow race overall
sh line in sight under the early-morning ical misstep led us onto a large shoal. S. Coast Guard, we were able to free the are not kind to a boat’s underside.
he shared time on the water And yes rd to next year
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT CREEKWOOD
BY TYLER GIESE
Creekwood Apartments in Green Bay is receiving a fresh new ugh a series of impactful exterior renovations The n of new roofs, fascia, and gutters has revitalized rance of the buildings, bringing new life and the community. Updated wayfinding signage has ed throughout the grounds
KARLA’S
Corner
ESE UPGRADES NOT ONLY ENHANCE CURB EAL BUT ALSO REFLECT A RENEWED SENSE OF PRIDE IN THE PROPERTY.
One of the most noticeable improvements is the renovation of the balconies, which now offer a more attractive and functional outdoor space We’re excited to see these changes take shape and remain committed to investing in the long-term value and appeal of Creekwood.
DRESS YOUR ABODE WITHOUT SPENDING A LOAD
I do enjoy a good bargain, especially when it comes to interior decorating. Here are my tricks of the trade for the best ways to design on a dime:
Purge Excess Clutter
Clear out what you don’t need Less clutter means more comfort and more room to style. The process is liberating, and you’ll get the energy to continue!
Shop Your Own Home
Before buying new, see what you already have Baskets, vases, and decor can be repurposed in other rooms.
Be Frugal, Be Fancy
Find deals on Wayfair, Overstock, flea markets, estate sales, and resale sites
Secondhand can still be stunning!
DIY with Confidence
Get creative with small projects like painting or updating accessories. Online platforms like Pinterest and Houzz offer endless inspiration Crafted pieces are wonderful conversation starters and will help put your own mark on your home!
Mix Patterns and Textures
Add depth by layering different materials Aim for coordination, not perfect matches.
Layer Your Lighting
Always start with overhead lighting, which is good to light up the room in general Then use a mix of table and accent lighting to set the right mood for any time of day.
Have Fun with It
Design and decorating should never be a chore! Enjoy the experience and let your personality shine throughout your home. Need help getting started? Reach out to an expert! Many design professionals offer a comprehensive consultation that can help get your creative juices flowing And if you have the means, they can do the work for you!
OUR GROWING COMPANY
JUNE 17 - JULY 22, 2025
Whether promoting from within or bringing new team members on board, we are always excited to see the ways FRED is growing. Help us in congratulating the individuals below on their new roles!
INTERNAL PROMOTION
ERIN BALL DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ENABLEMENT
COWEN ERWIN GROUNDSKEEPER VALLEY VIEW
SARAH BARK CLEANER ARBOR LAKES
RENEE BOKER ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER 22 SLATE
EDWIN RICHARDS MAINTENANCE TECH VALLEY VIEW
ROBERT RIVERA MAINT. SUPERVISOR SEASONS AT ELGIN
TRAVEL TIP ILLINOIS SITES & BITES
BY ARIA GRZYNKOWICZ
I wanted to share a few of my favorite things to do in Illinois, from downtown Chicago to the western suburbs. If you ever find yourself in the area, here are some seasonal spots I always recommend - I hope you get to enjoy one (or all) of them:
Fall: Edwards Apple Orchard is a favorite of mine The cider donuts are reason enough to go, but throw in apple picking and wagon rides, and it’s the perfect fall day with family or friends
Winter: Ice skating near the Bean or at Maggie Daley Park is always a fun way to enjoy the city. And the Christkindlmarket is a festive stop for German snacks, unique ornaments, and my personal favorite, mulled wine
Spring: Kuipers Farm in Maple Park hosts a beautiful tulip festival It’s a nice excuse to get outside and take in some color after a long winter
VICTOR HERNANDEZ MAINT SUPERVISOR SEASONS AT NORTH AURORA
OLIVIA MASSIE LEASING PROFESSIONAL SEASONS AT PLAINFIELD
DEREK STRUCK MAINTENANCE TECH SEASONS AT ORCHARD HILLS
EVAN GAGE-WINNEN MAINTENANCE TECH CREEKWOOD/FOXCROFT
Summer: Lollapalooza brings music and energy to the city, and the architectural boat tour is always a great way to see Chicago from a different angle. But if that’s not your thing, a Cubs game at Wrigley is always a classic (yes, I know we’re in Brewers country but Wrigley still has charm)!
No trip to Illinois is complete without trying some of the local food! I recommend Ema for Mediterranean, Pequod’s for deep-dish pizza, and Gino & Marty’s for classic Chicago Italian.
