NEWSLETTER MARCH 2025
EVENT RECAP
FRED REDS PICKUP
BY THE MARKETING TEAM
Over the past few weeks, our teams have been lacing up and stepping out in style! Across six separate events, FRED employees came together to pick up their highly anticipated “FRED Reds” shoes - a symbol of our shared commitment, team spirit, and bold strides toward the future
The FRED Reds tradition began in 2018 with classic Vans, quickly becoming a bold and recognizable statement of unity As we celebrated 40 years of FRED, it was time for a fresh step forward by introducing a cozier, cooler fit designed for comfort and style This year’s distribution was particularly meaningful as we expanded the initiative to include our maintenance teams, groundskeepers, and cleaners - essential team members who keep our communities running every day. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of role, feels part of the bigger FRED team was a key priority in this year’s rollout.
Along with their new shoes, employees also received FRED name badges, which can be worn at events and meetings to reinforce our sense of connection. Marketing will announce “FRED Red Events,” where employees who wear their FRED Reds and name badge can earn stickers toward Spirit Store credit. Think of it as a rewards system for showing up and showing your FRED spirit!
Each pick-up event was more than just a moment to grab a new pair of kicks It was an opportunity to connect with teammates, donate retired shoes, share some laughs, and enjoy a FRED-inspired treat The energy was high, the camaraderie was strong, and the excitement was undeniable as teams proudly walked away with their new shoes These events weren’t just about footwear; they were about walking the walk - living our values, strengthening our culture, and moving forward together. A big thank you to everyone who participated and made these moments special. We can’t wait to see FRED Reds making their way through our communities!
DEPARTMENT UPDATE MAINTENANCE
BY JEFF LEAMY
Did you know?
FRED’s Corporate support team is always happy to help and loves to hear your ideas and feedback!
2025 will be another great year in the Maintenance Department with an enhanced focus on training. We have had some recent promotions within our Maintenance Management Team including Rick Jahn being promoted from Regional Maintenance Supervisor in Madison to Regional Maintenance Manager in Milwaukee and Rob Woods from Maintenance Supervisor at Domain to Regional Maintenance Supervisor in Madison, plus many other promotions at the site level Congratulations to you all!
Part of our training program this year included Rob Woods and Chris Couillard going to Nashville to get training on water mitigation at the “flood house” and our continued training classes in our Maintenance Apprentice programs and our newer Maintenance Transition programs (Tech I to Tech II and Tech II to Supervisor) We are in the process of purchasing water mitigation equipment for the sites that will arrive this month to help them address smaller water intrusion situations and counteract the huge increase in insurance deductibles this year Our team is even performing the General Contractor role to get the site back to its original condition after a noninsurance claim water loss happens, to further reduce costs. Kudos to the site team members that have been doing a tremendous job reducing expenses on supplies last year!
We are installing remotely monitored pool chemical controllers on the last of the pool sites this spring as well We all know how hard it is to find maintenance people nowadays, so we want to say how much we really appreciate all the extra efforts our teams do to help keep the sites going when shorthanded during the recruiting process!
Reducing unnecessary costs is a “FRED Team” effort and we are happy to be a small part of it.
THE TEAM
JAMIE GRAHAM Reg Maintenance Manager - MAD JEFF LEAMY Director of Maintenance
ROB WOODS Reg Maintenance Supervisor - MAD
JON SCHULTZ Reg Maintenance Manager - SEASONS
RICK JAHN Reg Maintenance Manager - MKE/GB
CHRIS COUILLARD
Reg Maintenance Supervisor - MKE
TEAM FRED GOOD NEWS
JULIE WHITE RECRUITER, CORPORATE
I was thrown for a loop last fall when I found out I had Stage 3 cancer I had to undergo surgery which left me out of work for 6 weeks, go through daily radiation for a month, and go through multiple rounds of chemo You're probably saying, this is supposed to be good news - well, it turns out that it is! I've been very independent my whole life; I've found it hard to ask for help because I've ALWAYS been the strong one This has taught me to slow down, lean on people, and ask for flexibility and help In turn, I have found that people want to help and be supportive My team at work has stepped in so we have not missed a beat! They have been generous with their time and reached out constantly with well-wishes. FRED has shown me compassion and to use my paid medical leave (which I thought I would never use). It was a heaven-sent benefit that I'm truly grateful for! I have had neighbors, acquaintances, family, and lifelong friends show me more love and support than my heart can hold The good news is that I'm going to be just fine and this is just a little bump in the road The best news is that I'm so grateful for the lessons this has shown me and that humanity, at its finest, is alive and well!
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EMILY BENSON LEASING, APEX AT VERONA
Baby Levi was born on November 17th. He's a beautiful, happy, and healthy baby!
AMANDA VOGEL
PM, SEASONS AT RIVER VIEW
EMMA SWENSON LEASING, THE JUNCTION
I'm expecting my second baby! Baby BOY will be arriving early June 2025! We're excited to see my daughter (who will be 18 months in June) become a big sister and see all that 2025 has to bring
On January 29th, I embarked on a long-awaited trip that I had been hoping to take with my grandma for over 20 years She made that dream come true by taking me, my mom, and my aunt to Disney World - one of my favorite places This trip was incredibly special as I got to experience some of my favorite Disney moments alongside one of my favorite people
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT BLOOMING COMMUNITY
BY SHANNON MCINNIS
Over the past year, Riverwood’s marketing and social media has breathed new life. It began with a brand refresh and updated logo, along with new photos taken last summer. We’ve slowly been updating collateral and signage, including a new monument sign to greet visitors. At the heart of their inspiring growth is their commitment to building a sense of community which shines in their social media
In addition to fun resident-focused events, they’ve done two donation drives in the last six months, including pet supplies and 210 pounds of clothing for the ELCA Outreach Center. In February, they held an engaging comment contest with Valentine’s-themed questions. For balcony/patio decorating contests, they frequently commission ‘themed jars’ as prizes from a local business which has greatly appreciated the shoutouts on social media, sharing Riverwood’s posts
“Social media keeps us connected with current residents and attracts new prospects by showcasing our community. Our events always have great turnouts and residents love getting involved - it's what makes Riverwood feel like home!” said the Riverwood team.
I’ve personally loved seeing what they’ve been up to and I’m sure residents - current and future - feel the same!
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
At FRED, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women on our construction team (Tiffany Walisiewicz, Danielle Dahl, Elisabeth Schmidlkofer, Kris Slater, and Maggie Burger) who play a vital role in bringing our communities to life. From managing projects and finances to ensuring quality craftsmanship, their expertise, leadership, and dedication drive our success.
In an industry where women remain underrepresented, their contributions help pave the way for future generations, proving that talent and innovation have no boundaries We celebrate you this month and always!
OUR GROWING COMPANY
JANUARY 16, 2025 - FEBRUARY 14, 2025
NICOLE WILKINS PROPERTY MANAGER
SEASONS AT NORTH AURORA
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
RANDY KUEHL
JERRY BLISS MAINT SUPERVISOR SEASONS AT ORCHARD HILLS
TONY PETTKE MAINT SUPERVISOR STATE STREET STATION & WELLS STREET STATION
JOSEPH KRETLOW MAINTENANCE TECH II SADDLE BROOK
MAINT SUPERVISOR SEASONS AT GRAFTON
AUSTIN HOUSE GROUNDSKEEPER MANCHESTER OAKS
WILLIAM SLOMINSKI
MAINT SUPERVISOR SADDLE BROOK
GISELLE LOZANO
LEASING PROFESSIONAL APEX AT VERONA
CELEBRATINGFRED’S MILESTONEANNIVERSARIES
JANUARY-MARCH2025
SEASONAL RECIPE PASTA SALAD
BY TAMMY CONKLIN
There’s something about a good pasta salad that just hits the spot! It’s my go-to dish when I want something quick, fresh, and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Somehow it balances being light and refreshing while still feeling satisfying. With its mix of chewy pasta, crisp veggies,
ALEX WILL GROUNDSKEEPER SEASONS AT ORCHARD HILLS
JAQUAY WILLIS MAINTENANCE TECH 50TWENTY
THOMAS BARDENWERPER MAINTENANCE TECH SEASONS AT GRAFTON
ROBERTO ALMAGUER MAINTENANCE TECH WELLS STREET STATION
DE BAVERY MAINTENANCE TECH
VALLEY VIEW 5 YEARS
and a zesty dressing, it's the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Plus, this salad stays fresh for days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. It’s a favorite for my family, my staff, and for our residents.
INGREDIENTS:
1 box tricolor rotini
1 splash extra virgin olive oil
1 bottle Italian dressing
1 can black olives, drained and diced
1 package grape tomatoes, halved
1 package diced pepperoni
1 block Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook rotini, drain, and rinse with cold water
2. Toss cooked rotini with splash of olive oil
3. Add Italian dressing and mix until pasta is evenly coated, then chill for one hour
4. Add in olives, tomatoes, pepperoni, and cheese
5. Stir all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated
6. Serve cold and enjoy!