Living Living the the Difference Difference
COMPANY NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2020
Volume Volume2,2,Issue Issue28
February/March September2020 2020
DEPARTMENT UPDATE IT DEPARTMENT IN OVERDRIVE KEEPING FRED VIRTUALLY CONNECTED by Jason Streit, IT Manager
Microsoft Teams abilities to make sure FRED was covered. With everything we investigated, we ensured we could quickly make changes if needed and be ready if the call came and as you AFTER all know‌ it did. Suddenly, BEFORE John [Calderone] and Steve iPads, so we put the laptops on hold [Nodine] were helping everyone get and quickly learned about integrating set up so they could work remotely. company iPads, rolling out over 30 of Meanwhile, I was addressing them to the properties. These were expanded software licensing and some major projects in 2020, but still implementing plans that we had not an exhaustive list! in place to ensure FRED could Our next big project is moving FRED continue to function as close to normal as possible. Microsoft Teams from Citrix/VPN to Microsoft Teams. Some are already using Teams, but seemed to be a great solution, as with this migration, we will more it allows people to connect with Near the end of the server migration, each other using instant messaging, fully utilize it as it is meant to be used, giving everyone more flexibility calling, and video meetings. Our cases of COVID-19 were starting to appear internationally. Not to toot my team made an effort to incorporate and collaboration options. This migration is a huge undertaking, and more flexibility in terms of our own horn, but I was one of the first IT will be doing migrations in steps, thinking on all-in-one systems. people to start warning about the migrating one department at a time. So, IT ordered up laptops for all issues it might cause FRED. As such, During this time of great change property managers and corporate IT started researching what FRED would need to do to institute a work- employees. Once again, the IT crew and transformation, I'd like to send a shout-out to both John and Steve from-home scenario. IT made sure the was busy replacing computers. for balancing IT projects while also It was also identified that the servers had enough bandwidth and addressing the daily break-fix issues. investigated our VPN, Citrix, 3CX and properties would benefit from In my 19+ years here at FRED, I have never seen this much change in such a short period of time. At the start of the year, we migrated the FRED server hardware and software to a new, streamlined technology called Hyperconvergence. The new servers allowed us to shrink from seven servers down to three servers (Right). During the migration, we worked with IT Pros/Levity to completely rebuild one of the systems, duplicate backup data onto the new servers, and fix faulty drivers. At the same time, we upgraded all users across the company to Windows 10 by upgrading their computer’s OS, or in some cases, replacing their computer entirely.
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
WHAT MAKES THEM SHINE Our team is made up of one Property Manager (Kelsey), one Assistant Property Manager (Jesse), two Leasing Agents (Arin and Natia), one Utility/Housekeeper (Luis), and one Lead Maintenance Tech (Sean). Elan and Bergamont Townhomes are about 10 miles apart, and we manage both out of the Elan office. This summer, we improved curb appeal at both properties by planting new trees, shrubs, and rock beds. Both properties have been consistently above budgeted vacancy each month in 2020. Between the two properties, we have reached 100% occupancy 5 times so far this year, and are currently at 99.53% occupied & leased between the two properties with only 1 vacant unit to rent by October.
FRED FUN LIVING THE DIFFERENCE IN 2020
FEEL GOOD MOMENTS FROM THE FRED TEAM
This year, FRED started a Facebook group for team members to share news and socialize across our 35+ properties. We've highlighted just a few of the many positive moments that have been shared since. The Landmark team received a touching card from long time residents (Right). Foxcroft Apartments teamed up with Paul's Pantry to deliver over 800 lbs of resident-donated, nonperishable food items (Bottom, Left), and Liberty Square decorated their display case to say 'Thank You' to essential workers (Bottom, Right).
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Meet some of our fantastic team members!
Dear Landmark Team, Thank you for giving us a fantastic home for the past 3 years. We loved everything and how hospitable everyone is. We have told anyone looking in the Fitchburg area that they won't find anywhere better! We would not be moving, but we were able to purchase our first home! Best! Sam & Carl Request to join the 'My FRED Way' group on Facebook for more amazing Living the Difference moments! !�
DAVE WOLFE Superintendent, FRED Construction Years with FRED: 11 Q: Share about a recent experience, favorite trip/vacation, or something you are looking forward to. I try to take a family vacation once a year with my wife Shelly, and my 3 daughters, Morgan, Mindy, and McKenzie. We took our family 'spring break trip' to Florida this past June because it got delayed due to the pandemic. We rented a house on a channel on Marco Island and rented a boat for a couple of days. We relaxed either by the pool, driving the boat around the island, or walking on the beach. I was sad to leave at the end of the week but knowing we'll be back next year helps.
EVENTS CALENDAR Welcome to the Team!
SEPTEMBER 2020 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
July/August 2020
SAT
TAYLOR SULLIVAN
KODY KAY
Arrabelle | Maintenance
The Enclave | Maintenance
JOHN-MARK KLAPPERICH
JEFFREY WILTZIUS
DUSTYN LEUCHTENMACHER
Creekwood | Leasing
Creekwood | Maintenance
The Junction | Assistant Property Manager
AMANDA GAGE
Arbor Lakes | Cleaner
Creekwood | Maintenance
AUTUMN LIPPS
Seasons at Randall Road | Leasing
KANDICE KLAPPERICH
KRISTIN JANOWSKI
The Enclave | Property Manager
JONATHAN ADSIT 20 27
21 28
22 29
23
24
30
1
25
26
2
3
TOMAS CRUZ
The Landmark | Property Manager 50Twenty | Cleaner
Manager of Organizational Development
The Enclave | Leasing
BRITTAN BOYLES ALLIE HOWARD JACOB LITZ
Riverwood | Groundskeeper
Promotions
EVENTS
Labor Day | September 7th
LOOKING FORWARD Thanksgiving & Black Friday | November 26th & 27th
August 2020
MICHAEL WRUCK
LIZA OLSON
TAMMY AUCLAIR
THOMAS SBALCHIERO
Saddle Brook | Assistant Property Manager
The Enclave | Assistant Property Manager
Saddle Brook | Full Time Leasing Professional
Riverwood | Lead Tech in Training
ALLISON KIDDELL
Drexel Ridge | Property Manager in Training
FEATURED FRED NEWS BREWERS PARTNERSHIP An exciting new partnership has formed between FRED and the Brew Crew! As the Milwaukee Brewers hosts guests with housing needs, FRED will welcome them at one of our amazing local properties. Check out our rotating partner signage outside Miller Park and on the field during games!
FRED ANNIVERSARIES! CONGRATULATIONS to those celebrating FRED Milestone Anniversaries this quarter!
Jeff Leamy - 20 Years
Director of Maintenance, Corporate
Michael Bingham - 10 Years
Senior Director of Property Management
Elisabeth Schmidlkofer - 5 Years Project Engineer, Corporate
Gary Artymiuk - 5 Years Superintendent, Corporate
Mellissa Rakestraw - 5 Years Property Manager, 50Twenty
Gary Litz - 5 Years
Remodel Technician, Saddle Brook
Joey Wisniewski - 5 Years
Development Coordinator, Corporate Look for future FRED Anniversaries (announced by quarter)! COVER PHOTO: High Bluff Townhomes, Model Kitchen
789 N WATER STREET STE 200 | MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 | PHONE: 414-226-4535 | FRED-INC.COM