NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come From our humble beginnings in 1985, we have grown into an industry leader Our 40 communities, some fully stabilized and others just coming to life, stand as a testament to the dedication, talent, and teamwork of all of our FRED team members.
This year, we were honored as one of the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" for the 5th year in a row This recognition isn’t just an award, it’s a reflection of the incredible culture we have built together At FRED, we know that success starts with people. Your hard work, passion, and commitment are what make this company thrive and none of us take that for granted.
We are committed to being a company where people feel valued, supported, and excited to come to work every day Whether it’s through creating opportunities for connection - like our recent Holiday Gala - celebrating achievements, or investing in growth and development, we want FRED to be a place where you feel proud to be part of our team.
Looking ahead, we are focused on strengthening connections and building on the foundation we have nurtured over the last 40 years We are excited to continue providing opportunities to come together, celebrate, and grow as a team. Our brand-new FRED Reds will be the perfect way to step into the next 40 years - TOGETHER.
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, passion, and for “Living the Difference” It’s because of you that FRED continues to thrive Here’s to an incredible 40 years behind us and an even brighter future ahead Let’s continue to build this extraordinary thing we call FRED!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Brett Miller President & CEO
EVENT RECAP HOLIDAY GALA
BY ERIN BALL & JULIE LINCOLN
On Friday, December 13th, over 200 members of our FRED family gathered at the historic Pritzlaff in Milwaukee to celebrate another year of growth, hard work, and shared success The evening was filled with energy, laughter, and, of course, plenty of dancing to the Bluewater Kings Band that kept the celebration going all night long!
This year’s holiday gala was even more special as we celebrated 40 years since our founding We couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come together
The evening also brought exciting announcements for the year ahead:
All FRED employees will be receiving new FRED Reds in the first quarter of the new year
New events will be added in 2025, including a family event and happy hours hosted at the properties
Wearing your FRED Reds to trainings and events will earn you FRED Spirit wear
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and for all that you do to make FRED a place where we can work hard, give back, and have a little fun along the way. Here’s to a bright and successful 2025 and beyond!
Holiday Traditions
ARIA GRZYNKOWICZ
PROPERTY MANAGER, SEASONS AT ORCHARD HILLS
In our family, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without our cherished tradition of making homemade pierogi together This custom began with my great grandmother many years ago. Although she has since passed away, her spirit continues to fill our kitchen every holiday season We still use her original pierogi board, which was lovingly crafted by her father in Poland back in 1920 This treasured heirloom has become a symbol of her enduring presence in our lives. As we gather to fill and fold each pierogi this holiday season, we celebrate not only delicious food but also the beautiful memories and love that connect us as a family
One of my favorite holiday traditions is admiring the Christmas lights people put up. We make it a point to visit a few of the bigger displays like Ingleside Hotel Enchantment in
SHELBY CUTLER
PROPERTY MANAGER, SEASONS AT FRANKLIN
Our family has grown a lot in the past few years so everyone is very busy running around with little ones. Because of this, for the past three years we decided to have a night out versus buying each other gifts. In years past, we have gone axe throwing and this year we did an escape room Both were super fun activities to do together and get slightly competitive!
EMMA SWENSON LEASING PROFESSIONAL, THE JUNCTION
SHANNON MCINNIS CREATIVE MARKETING COORDINATOR, CORP
Frohe Weihnachten! My husband and I love celebrating this time of year by seeing music performances, and appreciating the German roots of Christmas traditions. We went to Chicago to see the Vienna Boys Choir, walked to the Christkindlmarket, and had dinner at Berghoff
My HUGE family celebrates Christmas each year so we have many gatherings, however, we are excited to start our own traditions as my daughter, Reya, is now one and able to participate in things. We went to visit Santa for her second time and then got lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Burlington Next year, we will be adding on a little brother - so we're excited to continue this tradition in our little family and see all of the Santa photos we get throughout the years!
JACOB
KUZDAS SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, CORP
Every year, my wife Eileen starts planning months ahead of time to ensure our family has a themed matching set of pajamas to wear for Christmas Eve. The outfit always needs to include a matching bandana for our dog, Major Over the last several years, the discovery of Etsy has meant the creativity has increased as we get custom “Kuzdas Family” tops made. This year, the theme was gingerbread pajamas. It was extra special as it was the first year we had to find a matching set for our new baby girl, Estelle
AMANDA VOGEL PROPERTY MANAGER, SEASONS AT RIVER VIEW
KARINA LANGEN ASSISTANT PM
R S ARE SAYING
HIGH BLUFF TOWNHOMES
SAM DAY LEASING PROFESSIONAL
Want to read more? Check out the sites listed to read full reviews from residents at each of our properties!
had a tour a little while back and it was honestly such a wonderful spot. ooms were nice and up to date, well maintained property, and Karina was ry accommodating answered all of our questions."
Sam and Jack, Google Review from September 2024
HE 85 AT MAPLE GROVE
“My fiance and I have been working with Sam through the leasing process He has been extremely professional, and helpful He is never hesitant to answer our questions It has been a pleasure! Thank you Sam!”
- Misael P., Google Review from November 2024
“Samuel was super helpful during our tour of the property He’s been communicative and willing to answer any questions that we might have Has made apartment hunting that much smoother Thank you Sam”
- Jessica R., Google Review from December 2024
OINT APARTMENTS
ere 8 years and its always been a pleasure with the office staff mbers Maintenance has always been there when needed and ne in timely manner Kathy is always friendly and compassionate d property Clean and quiet as well" oogle Review from October 2024
FOXCROFT APARTMENTS
“We love living at Foxcroft! It’s a cozy little community full of families. The office staff is always so helpful (shoutout to Cody & Brittany) We only needed to call maintenance once and our repair was prompt and efficient All together very happy with our experience here!”
- Kelsey F., Google Review from October 2024
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT MAGGIE BURGER
STAFF ACCOUNTANT AT CORPORATE
My name is Maggie and my focus at FRED is on new construction properties in Wisconsin and Illinois. Starting as an Assistant in Accounts Payable, growing into my current position has allowed me to see multiple facets of the company and to dive into new challenges Outside of work, you’ll find me cooking, walking around town with my boyfriend, or practicing yoga at my local studio I also spend a lot of time traveling either visiting family or setting out for a weekend adventure With the new year fast approaching, I am looking into my New Year’s goals with last year’s in mind. I had set out to get back into reading, establish a new hobby, and learn something new.
IN 2024, I SUCCESSFULLY READ 21 BOOKS, TAUGHT MYSELF HOW TO CROCHET, AND PICKED UP A CLASS ON FINANCIAL COACHING.
In this new year, I am challenging myself to serve my community as a financial coach and to better my yoga practice Aside from goals, I have a few trips planned, with a particularly exciting one being a road trip to the Pacific Northwest My boyfriend and I will be hiking, camping, and enjoying as much seafood as possible! I wish everyone a strong new year and am looking forward to reaching my third year at FRED! 2 0 2 4 F R E D S T A T S
Total Properties: 40
Total Units: 8,824
Under Construction: 1,111
Total Residents: 13,796
Total Employees: 280
0-5 Years at FRED: 187
6-10 Years at FRED: 72
11-15 Years at FRED: 8
16+ Years at FRED: 13
Highest Average Employee Tenured Property: Elan/The 85
Most Tenured Corporate Employee: Kristi Peirce, VP of Finance (1999)
Most Tenured PM: Tammy Conklin (2013)
Most Tenured APM: Jesse Stott (2015)
Most Tenured Leasing Professional: Cortez Killen (2014)
Most Tenured Maintenance Supervisor: Allen Parnell (1993)
Most Tenured Groundskeeper: Tim Yohn (1998)
Most Tenured Cleaner: Natalie Larsen (2014)
OUR GROWING COMPANY
NOVEMBER 16, 2024 - DECEMBER 13, 2024
CAELYN POUPORE PROPERTY MANAGER ARRABELLE
Whether promoting from within or bringing new team members on board, we are always excited to see the ways FRED i i H l i congratulating the individuals
MAINT SUPERVISOR
WELLNESS TIP FIND A HOBBY THAT KEEPS YOU MOVING!
BY KRISTI PEIRCE AND ERIN BALL
We’ve both been playing soccer for as long as we can remember, so joining a Sunday night women’s league in New Berlin felt like a natural fit. It’s a chance to stay active, connect with teammates, and unwind from the week We don’t win every game, but that’s not why we play it’s about having fun doing something we love and staying active.
For us, soccer is more than just exercise; it’s something we genuinely enjoy Finding a hobby that keeps you moving is a great way to stay healthy and clear your head Whether it’s soccer or something else, find what works for you!
KENNA SCANLAN LEASING PROFESSIONAL CREEKWOOD
CHARLES DICRISTOFANO GROUNDSKEEPER SEASONS AT HOFFMAN ESTATES
ABIGAIL SPILDE CONSTRUCTION INTERN CORPORATE
ADAM SANTANA PAINTER SADDLE BROOK
SILVIO TORUNO 50TWENTY MAINT SUPERVISOR
LOGAN VINE MAINTENANCE TECH VALLEY VIEW
RICH VERNIER MAINT SUPERVISOR
LIBERTY SQUARE
KYLE SMOKER GROUNDSKEEPER
ARBOR LAKES
CAROLYN CHRISTIANSON LEASING PROFESSIONAL SEASONS AT GRAFTON
ROB WOODS REG
MADISON & GREEN BAY