Customer Story: Midwest Expansion

Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Midwest Expansion Companies manages residential apartments, commercial properties, and storage units. Their garden-level style and mid-rise waterfront apartment communities range in size from 12 to 48 units, with eight to 12 buildings per property. Commercial properties include three- to six-unit and standalone buildings that house businesses, including cell phone stores, restaurants, and Internet companies.

We met with Samuel Heimerl, property manager at Midwest Expansion, to learn more about the company and how it has used Rent Manager since 2019 to enhance its daily operations. “Our mission is to maintain properties that do right by our residents,” said Samuel. “We want people to enjoy living here, and aim to provide a luxurious living experience with amenities they truly value.”

According to Samuel, what separates Midwest Expansion from other companies is how they work with people. “We treat our residents like homeowners because without them, we wouldn’t be a company. While we can’t prevent every issue, we can control communication and make them feel supported through the process. It’s always residents first.” Samuel’s daily responsibilities include handling maintenance issues, coordinating repairs, addressing complaints, and managing violations and turnovers. And with Rent Manager, he’s able to tackle each task with ease.

Flexibility and Customization are Essential for Midwest Expansion

Managing different assets can create unique challenges for any property management company. Midwest Expansion is no exception. “Flexibility across different asset classes is extremely important,” explained Samuel. “What separates Rent Manager from other software is its ability to be flexible. The system allows us to manage each property and operate how we want without changing who we are as a company. As we continue to grow, the software seamlessly scales with us, and works just as well now as it did when we were small.”

The program’s customization options are critical for Midwest Expansion. “We needed software that could change as our identity evolved, and Rent Manager allowed us to effortlessly do so,” said Samuel. “Custom layouts allow me to store important information—like vendor contacts and lease details—so I don’t need to rely on spreadsheets or memory. And since our commercial properties require a lot of customization, Rent Manager lets us handle anomalies, special lease terms, and property rules with ease.”

Time Savings and Centralization with Rent Manager

Since introducing Rent Manager, Midwest Expansion has saved valuable time on daily tasks. “Before using the software, we started with pen and paper, and then moved to spreadsheets,” shared Samuel. “Once I understood how I wanted to see information, Rent Manager allowed me to recreate that workflow for my data.” Samuel stresses that keeping everything in one system prevents decision fatigue. “It’s easier to train staff and much faster to find information knowing exactly where it lives.”

Centralization is the backbone of Midwest Expansion’s ability to deliver a consistent resident experience, and the program is integral to achieving that goal. “Rent Manager helps us control the professionalism and image of our company. Everything from communication to documentation is centralized, and that allows us to better serve our residents,” explained Samuel. “It’s our one-stop shop.”

Issue Lists, Call Center, and More

When it comes to features, Rent Manager’s Issue Lists are at the top of the list for Samuel. “[Issue Lists] can be used for anything—not just maintenance—and work best when customized to what your company needs to see. That flexibility ensures nothing falls through the cracks.” Samuel asserts that Make-Ready Boards and follow-up notes are critical tools for staying organized. “Since I use Rent Manager daily across multiple areas, it keeps everything together.”

The Call Center, powered by Anequim, has eliminated after-hours anxiety for the organization by ensuring that residents are always taken care of. “The right partner follows your expectations and standards, and partnering with the Call Center has genuinely improved my quality of life,” shared Samuel. “Having data collected by the center pushed directly into Rent Manager prevents issues from falling through the cracks and gives us full visibility.”

In addition to the Call Center’s unwavering support for Midwest Expansion’s residents, the Rent Manager Product Support team has been phenomenal for the company. “When I call support, I know I’ll get an answer,” said Samuel. “I feel like a person, not just a number.”

The Future for Midwest Expansion

“Our growth plan includes a mix of residential and commercial properties, since the two complement each other well,” explained Samuel. “People want to live near businesses, and businesses want to be near people.” Rent Manager will be there every step of the way. “This industry is tough, and having a partner like Rent Manager provide matchless flexibility and support has been game-changing.”