FRED Newsletter - July 2023 - Volume 5, Issue 7

2023 NAA APARTMENTALIZE Bringing Industry Updates Your Way

A small group from our Property Management team, including President Brett Miller, had the opportunity to attend this year's National Apartment Association conference, “Apartmentalize,” in Atlanta in early June. This annual industry conference provides a two and a half day download of educational programs, motivational speakers, industry updates, and an enormous exhibit floor filled with vendors, suppliers, and service providers. The event is a great one-stop-shop opportunity to learn more about the latest industry trends, connect with a wide range of industry professionals, and experience in-person demonstrations of useful tools and technology.

The educational and motivational conferencing showcased some great topics and speakers. A couple of the sessions stood out for me. One, titled “The Regenerative Leader,” focused on guiding teams through rapidly changing environments, as we all have experienced over the last few years. The other was a general session with downhill ski champion Lindsey Vonn. Lindsey spoke about what it takes to compete and win at the highest level over a long period of time She noted her primary key to sustained success was her level of preparation. This included not just her physical and mental preparation but also her level of detailed research and knowledge of each course she was set to compete on.

In addition to all the information learned during the presentations, the exhibit floor provided an opportunity for consolidated one-on-one learning with service providers from across the industry. On the floor, you could find information on anything and everything industry-related, including software (Entrata, Yardi, Apartments.com), property amenities (dog parks, vending machines, electric car charging), construction services and supplies (appliances, lighting, furniture), and maintenance services and tools (tele-med style on-call, powered dumpster caddies, HVAC repair) Poo Prints had a large booth, however thankfully they did not provide live demonstrations!

While there was a lot to take in over a short period of time, it was a very valuable few days. We made a number of great connections with vendors and suppliers and were able to see some of the latest products and services available to the Property Management industry. We will be following up with many

of these connections in the coming weeks to see if there are some that make sense for our team at FRED.

Andy Kiener Senior Director of Property Management

DIVERSITY FEATURE

FRED HONORS DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH Embracing Our Differences

By Kristin Janowski, Manager of Organizational Development

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, extending civil rights protections to people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and in relation to access to state and local government services. To commemorate this historic moment, each July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month. The goal is to celebrate people with disabilities, honoring each person’s uniqueness and embracing their disabilities as part of who they are.

different things with one hand, along with his podcast and other resources. Ryan also wrote a children’s book, Different is Awesome, about embracing differences.

His over-arching message during the Inclusion Group went beyond his limb-difference. He spoke about the legacies we leave behind and that each of us creates our own –intentionally or not. Our stories are larger than one attribute, experience, or decision. So, while he was born without his forearm, that is not the total of him or his impact. His speech was a great reminder that we all have talents that can add value.

UPCOMING DIVERSITY FEATURES:

September - Latinx Heritage Month

November - Native American Heritage Month

In May, FRED’s Inclusion Group invited Ryan Haack to speak at their meeting. He was born without his left forearm. During the meeting, Ryan talked about how his childhood was relatively unaffected by his missing hand. It wasn’t until his 30s, when he met a little boy by happenstance that had the same disability, that he realized by sharing his experience he could help others in the same situation. He started his blog (www.livingonehanded.com) that has videos on how he does Please

FRED IN REVIEW

WHAT OUR RESIDENTS ARE SAYING

We moved in on April 1st and we are super impressed with the raftsmanship and quality of the apartment compared to other apartments e have lived in in the past. It feels more like an house than an apartment.

o if you have been clicking your heels to find your no place like home High luff is where it is. Also, Kirstin and her team are always quick to respond nd help out with any questions we have!"

Sarah P., High Bluff at Creekwood Crossing

as been exceptional and fantastic. Chris has made us feel y 1. The staff here are so caring and treat everyone like ion regardless of different cultures is exceptional. The de nice features and the appliances in our apartment are efficient. In addition, all the amusement areas around us Living in Middleton is also great, it helps that the block from the lake, There are so many cool places within plus you're always less than a 15 minute drive from great ery stores, and fun spots. We love it here! Very happy with ove here!"

r Lakes

Kennawasduringthetour.Hergreatandpersonable demeanorhelpedsellmeontheapartment!"

-ValerieR.,Creekwood&Foxcroft

wassoniceandshewassosweetsheexplainedeverythingsogood shemakeitlooksoeasyIfeellikeshecanbecomeateacher."

me for more than 5 yrs now... Always greeted with aintenance people are always nice... especially re."

What Makes Them Shine

By Adam Kennedy-Kunugi, Regional Property Manager

Riverwood gives competitors a run for their money by taking advantage of their great location next to a nature preserve, being near I-94, and so close to so many stores and restaurants! We love how interactive the residents are especially because we do not have a clubroom. The property thrives with grab-and-go breakfast/lunch events, scavenger hunts, and raffles! The May "Taco Tuesday" event at the office was a hit with their walking taco bar! June's event helped cool off the residents during these hot summer days with an ice cream social by the pool! The annual duck hunt is always a big hit as over 350 rubber ducks are hidden across over 20 acres of property. We can't wait to see what they will do next with their new community grilling station!

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

TIFFANY WALISIEW Project Coordinator

Corporate

My most memorabl far was when my fa to three different lo

one trip. Our first st and stayed at the Ve Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, saw the Michael Carbonaro Show, and took a ghost tour. On our second stop, we drove to San Jose, CA, and stayed at Hotel Valencia Santana Row, ate at Fogo de Chao, and toured the Winchester Mystery House down the block. On our last stop, we drove to San Francisco, CA. We stayed at Pier 2620 Fisherman’s Wharf, ate at Fog Harbor Fish House, and toured Alcatraz. We hope to do a few more epic vacations soon!

ALLIE HOWARD May Winner

New Construction Property Manager | Seasons at Franklin

Allie has been so proactive and ambitious about the lease-up and marketing for Seasons at Franklin. This is a new property in an area she's familiar with and she's been integral to the line from the beginning. Her knowledge and excitement for Seasons is infectious. She's constantly thinking about every step of a prospect's experience, how to draw attention to their temporary leasing office at Orchard Hills, how to get more traffic etc She has great ideas and is also interested in learning from people and improving. Andy and Shauna have always been great champions of these properties and Allie seems to match their professionalism and determination. I can tell Seasons at Franklin will do very well because she's behind it.

Nominated By: Shannon McInnis

We are excited to be launching new gear on the Spirit Store again! Stay cool this summer and show your FRED Spirit with new swag from Comfort Colors, New Era, Nike, OGIO, TravisMathew, and introducing, Brooks Brothers!