Last month, we were proud to host the WMC Property Management Conference—a full day dedicated to professional development, collaboration, and connection. Onsite team members from across our portfolio gathered at the corporate office to share ideas, gain insights, and strengthen our collective impact.

The theme of the day, “Secret Sauce,” centered on the essential ingredients that drive operational excellence and team success in our industry.

The agenda featured a range of workshops and speaker-led sessions, covering key topics such as:

• Tools for Professional Success
• Strategic Marketing Practices
• Understanding Finances and Communicating with Owners
• Navigating Mental Health on Property
• Responding to Narcotic-Related Incidents

In addition to the valuable learning sessions, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy delicious treats, receive conference goodie bags, and even have professional head shots taken, making it a well-rounded experience that supported both personal and professional growth.

The conference offered a meaningful opportunity to align priorities, share best practices, and invest in the continued success of our teams.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this day to life, and to all who attended with energy, curiosity, and commitment to excellence.

The post Unlocking the Secret Sauce: Highlights from the WMC Property Management Conference appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

At Wisconsin Management Company (WMC), we believe that exceptional property management is about more than just maintaining buildings—it’s about building strong relationships, fostering trust, and creating welcoming communities where people feel truly at home. A big part of what makes WMC different is our guiding philosophy, the 3 Ps: Be Pleasant, Be Patient, Be Positive.

These three simple yet powerful principles shape our approach to resident and client interactions, team collaboration, and overall service. They are not just words but the foundation of how we communicate, problem-solve, and create meaningful experiences for those we serve. The 3 Ps help guide us in everything from responding to maintenance requests and handling tenant concerns to managing property owner expectations and fostering strong community connections.

Be Pleasant: A Culture of Kindness and Respect

At WMC, we believe that kindness is key to building strong and lasting relationships. Being pleasant means approaching every interaction with respect, warmth, and professionalism. Whether assisting a resident with a question, helping a client with a property need, or collaborating with our team members, we strive to make each conversation welcoming and solution-oriented.

A pleasant attitude can set the tone for a positive experience. Our team understands that moving, leasing, or managing a property can sometimes be stressful, so we aim to create an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected. A simple smile, a warm greeting, or a helpful response can go a long way in making a difference in someone’s day. By prioritizing pleasant interactions, we cultivate a reputation for reliability and exceptional service.

Be Patient: Taking the Time to Understand and Support

Patience is an essential part of providing excellent service. At WMC, we understand that every resident, client, and team member has unique needs, concerns, and timelines. Being patient means listening carefully, fully understanding the situation, and providing thoughtful, effective solutions—rather than rushing through issues or offering quick fixes.

We know that excellent service is built on understanding and empathy. Whether helping a resident navigate the leasing process, working through maintenance concerns, or assisting a property owner with investment decisions, we ensure that every issue is handled with care. By embracing patience in our day-to-day operations, we create a smoother and more positive experience for everyone.

Be Positive: A Solutions-Driven Mindset

At WMC, we know that challenges are inevitable in property management, but we believe that a positive attitude leads to better solutions. Being positive doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties—it means facing them with optimism, determination, and a focus on solutions rather than obstacles.

Our team is committed to maintaining a can-do mindset when addressing concerns, handling property needs, or working through challenges with residents and clients. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, we focus on finding practical, effective solutions that improve the overall experience for our communities. By leading with an upbeat and proactive approach, we help create an environment where residents feel supported, property owners feel confident, and our team members feel empowered to do their best work.

The Impact of the 3 P’s at WMC

When our team practices being pleasant, patient, and positive, it has a ripple effect throughout our communities. Residents feel more comfortable and supported, property owners trust that their investments are in good hands, and our team members work together with mutual respect and collaboration.

These principles also help us maintain clear, open communication and create a culture of accountability and excellence. By leading with the 3 P’s, we don’t just provide property management services—we build communities where people genuinely feel at home. This approach translates into higher resident satisfaction, stronger relationships with property owners, and a workplace culture that values respect and teamwork.

At WMC, we invite everyone—our residents, property owners, partners, and team members—to embrace the 3 P’s: Be Pleasant, Be Patient, Be Positive. These values are more than just guiding principles; they make WMC a trusted and respected leader in property management.

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The next employee we want to highlight is Kathy, our Property Manager at Cannery Row Apartments in Waunakee. She is celebrating an incredible 35 years with Wisconsin Management Company

Our Property Managers are the foundation of the work we do, managing the operations of their properties to ensure both our owners and residents are happy.

Kathy is based in Waunakee, just outside Madison in WI, and manages three of our senior communities in Waunakee; Cannery Row Senior Apartments, Knightsbridge Road Apartments, and Village Mall. 

What is your favorite thing about WMC?

WMC has allowed me to have a work/life balance, which was very important when my kids were growing up. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with family & I’m always up for a refreshing Wisconsin beverage!

What has kept you at WMC for so long?

This question had me stumped until this morning. A family came in & brought me flowers to say thank you for taking care of their parents for the past 7 years. Managing a senior complex is more than taking care of an apartment it’s about taking care of those who live in the apartment. Families put their trust in me to care for their loved ones & I take pride in that.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting at WMC?

There have been a few! Honorable Mention for Manager of the Year, Problem Solver Award, and Stand Out Performer Award. But the greatest accomplishment was winning Apartment Complex of the Year for Cannery Row in 2014 & 2023.

Thank you for everything you do, Kathy, and congrats on your incredible 35th anniversary with the company!

The post Celebrating Our Team: An Employee Highlight appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The post Announcing a New Role: Senior Property Managers appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

At WMC, we're proud to have women in positions at every level of business. In fact, our Executive and Regional Leadership Teams are largely women-led. So, who are they and what do they do? 

Our Chief Financial Officer, Susan, works tirelessly to improve operational processes, efficiency, and profitability, adding value to all levels of the business. She was recently named a finalist in the In Business CFO of the Year Awards! Take a look at the article, here.  

Andi is our Director of Business Development. She is the person who makes connections in the community and helps drive our business forward, both with new business and maintaining existing client relationships. Andi leads by example with an emphasis on accountability and transparency. She has been with WMC since 2014. 

Alicia, our Director of Property Management, wears many hats, working alongside Russ. In addition to being a Principal of the company, she is also the designated Real Estate Broker for WMC, leading both the property management and maintenance teams, in addition to overseeing FGS and all aspects of WMC operations. There is no aspect of the company she does not understand and no job she would ask anyone to do that she would not do herself. 

Our Team of Regional Managers is also composed mainly of women. We are proud to have Lynn, Jamsie, Suzanne, Keshia, and Tracey work alongside Justin to oversee a portfolio of properties assigned to each of them strategically and geographically. Together, they are responsible for influencing over 80% of our human resources in their property teams, overseeing all assets as well as working directly with owners and residents.

Ashley was promoted to Compliance Manager in 2019. Ashley began her property management career over a decade ago as a laborer, working her way first, to become a Property Manager and then to specialize in compliance. With her diverse background in property management and credentialing, she is uniquely qualified as an expert in the field of compliance. 

If you’re interested in working at WMC, take a peek at our current openings at the button below.

The post International Women’s Day: Women in Leadership at WMC appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (WI-CARH) has been recognized as the State Affiliated Association of the Year by the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH). 

WI-CARH, a national non-profit organization, is dedicated to continuing and bettering rural and affordable housing throughout the United States, a mission we champion at Wisconsin Management Company. Our President, Russ Endres, was an original board member of the organization back in the late 1990s and now serves as the organization's Secretary. 

The State Affiliated Association of the Year Award recognizes and encourages excellence in the programs, services, and management of CARH’s seventeen state-affiliated associations. The award was presented at the mid-year CARH conference in South Carolina, and Russ joined WICARH's Vice President – Rob Dicke – to accept it! 

Congratulations to this fantastic organization! We are excited to continue to grow our partnership. You can learn more about them, here.

The post WI-CARH | State Affiliated Association of the Year appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The next employee we want to highlight is Brad, who is our Maintenance Supervisor here at WMC.

When your apartment home needs maintenance work, Brad is the guru who provides the resources for a quick fix. As Maintenance Supervisor, Brad supports all aspects of maintenance, from team coordination to installation and everything in between.

Here's a bit more about him!
 

What is your favorite thing about WMC?
Helping out the residents when they need it.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Hunting and traveling are my favorite activities to do outside of work!

What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting at WMC?
I’m most proud of implementing a quarterly maintenance schedule of all units, to ensure resident safety and satisfaction.

Thank you for everything you do, Brad!

The post Employee Spotlight: Brad appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The next employee we want to highlight is Lorenzo, who is on the Utility team at The Fairways in Fitchburg, WI.

If you’ve ever been on any of our properties, you’ll notice how beautifully kept they all are – and our utility team is to thank for that. Lorenzo cares for the grounds at The Fairways and it’s one of our most stunning landscapes. We’re so appreciative of all his hard work!

Here's a bit more about him!
 

What is your favorite thing about WMC?
I really like the flexible schedule.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to watch football and other sports, relax, and hang out with my family!

What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting at WMC?
Getting the job done! Keeping the property clean and in good condition for our residents.

Thank you for everything you do, Lorenzo!

The post Employee Spotlight: Lorenzo appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The next employee we want to highlight is Jacob, who is our Maintenance Supervisor here at WMC.

Maintenance Supervisors are our resident superheroes here at WMC. Maintenance requests can be a top concern for residents, but with great supervision and proper processes in place, their requests are handled both timely and thoroughly.

Jacob has a passion for "beautifying" the properties he works on and making lives easier for residents and team members alike.

Here's a bit more about him!
 

What is your favorite thing about WMC?
I enjoy making the property beautiful. I love knowing that the people who live here have a beautiful, safe home with nature trails and wildlife to enjoy. I take pride in the property and know that the people who live here enjoy where they live.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as spending time outdoors.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting at WMC?
Helping my regional and property managers know that they have worry-free properties during work hours and outside of work hours when it comes to maintenance.

Thank you for everything you do, Jacob!

The post Employee Spotlight: Jacob appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

You’ve likely heard of luxury housing and affordable housing, but have you ever heard of luxury affordable housing? Today’s blog breaks down our innovative initiative to provide income-restricted, affordable housing to our community, with the benefit of a luxury lifestyle and all the bells and whistles offered in non-affordable communities.

In every organization, there is a passion, and at WMC, it's championing affordable housing. At WMC, we create, preserve and provide valuable affordable housing that transforms and empowers communities. From revitalizing existing communities, recently including the Grand Re-Openings of Summit Apartments and Cuba City Apartments, to the development of brand new communities, such as the upcoming developments in Lac du Flambeau and Lancaster, WI, we remain committed to meeting the growing demands for affordable housing.

What is Affordable Housing?
There are several federal programs that provide financing for the development of affordable or workforce housing such as HUD, USDA-RD, and Section 42 of the IRS Tax Credit Code. When we use the term “affordable housing”, we are referring to properties that fall under these umbrella terms where governmental agencies provide developer incentives or rent assistance/subsidies. What this means is that if individuals or families meet the income qualifications for housing built under these programs, they may qualify for a reduced rental rate, or maybe even a contribution towards their payment every month. Learn more about general affordable housing, here.

So where does “Luxury Affordable” Housing fit into this?
Luxury Affordable Housing is communities using Tax Credits and may also be called “Workforce Housing”. These communities are built to appear the same to prospects and passers-by as luxury housing as they are built with upscale finishes and amenities including, for example, stainless appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, in-home laundry, underground parking, fitness centers, community rooms, and more. Individuals and families who will potentially be eligible for these communities will typically be subject to income restrictions ranging from 30 to 80% of the county median income. You might be interested to know that many vital jobs fit into these ranges, including school teachers, daycare workers, police officers, firefighters, customer service representatives, restaurant workers, and more. Check out these Luxury Affordable Communities WMC has recently opened with developers under this category, including The HighLine, The Madisonian, and Park Cedar Apartments.

Regretfully, Affordable Housing often comes with a negative stigma. The assumption is that affordable properties are only located in undesirable neighborhoods, and are not well cared for or professionally developed, or managed. Similarly, Luxury Affordable Housing may be assumed to be expensive yet challenges both of these objections, as those who make it their home enjoy high-end accommodation with all that non-affordable properties have to offer, while still gaining government assistance to go towards their rent.

WMC is proud of the team commitment we foster to make Affordable Housing and Luxury Affordable Housing accessible and sustainable in many regions throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. If you have any questions about luxury affordable housing or want to know if you qualify, reach out to us!

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