SCS Announces New Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Blum
Chief Operating Officer
“Work hard, show grace, and be thankful.”
S.C. Swiderski (SCS) is thrilled to announce another great moment in our company’s history. Known for integrity, quality, trust, and innovation in developing communities over the last 32 years, SCS is taking a new step forward.
Entrusting our future in our new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Nicole Blum, the company is strategically aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, improving our processes, and unifying our diverse business units to better serve our customers, employees, and communities.
We are proud to have Nicole lead us into the next phase of our growth. She has been a vital part of our leadership team, serving as Director of HR & Administration, where she oversaw our HR, Safety, Compliance, and IT functions. Nicole recently led our company through our ERP implementation while maintaining her normal responsibilities.
Nicole joined SCS just over two years ago and came with 15 years of experience spanning leadership, human resources, and operations in prominent Wisconsin companies. She brings to SCS a perspective that combines change management expertise, relationship building, and practical insights.
Nicole has true strengths in commitment to high-performing teams, fostering relationships, and aligns with SCS’s core mission, vision, and values. All of Nicole’s experience has led her to SCS, and we are more than confident Nicole will be a presence that will invigorate our operations and enrich our company culture.
Please join the rest of SCS in congratulating Nicole. Together we embark on a new era of passionately providing housing that strengthens communities!
5 Tips When Moving into an Apartment
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Moving into a new apartment can be an exciting and stressful experience. Consider these key points to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Keep these crucial things in mind when moving into an apartment, some practical advice is helpful when navigating this significant life event.
1. Understand Your Lease Agreement
Before you move into your new apartment, it's very important to thoroughly read and understand your lease agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including how long the lease is in effect, the rent amount, payment due dates, and policies regarding pets, guests, and maintenance responsibilities. Pay close attention to any penalties for early termination, security deposits, and renewal options. Understanding your lease will help you avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts with your landlord in the future.
Practical Considerations:
Lease duration: Know whether your lease is month-to-month, six months, or a year, and understand the implications of each option.
Rent payment: Be clear about when and how rent should be paid to avoid late fees.
Maintenance responsibilities: Know what maintenance tasks you are responsible for versus what the landlord will handle.
Security deposit: Understand the conditions for getting your deposit back when you move out.
2. Budget for Moving Expenses
Moving can be more costly than you might anticipate, so it's essential to budget for all related expenses. Consider the cost of hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck if you plan to move your belongings yourself. Additionally, factor in the cost of packing supplies, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Don’t forget to budget for utility deposits, first and last months' rent, and any other upfront costs required by your new apartment complex.
Practical Considerations:
Moving services: Compare quotes from different moving companies or truck rental services to find the best deal.
Packing supplies: Plan ahead and gather packing materials early to avoid last-minute expenses.
Utility setups: Account for the cost of setting up utilities like electricity, water, internet, and cable in your new apartment.
Additional fees: Be aware of any pet deposits, parking fees, or other charges that might apply.
3. Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Before moving your belongings into your new apartment, conduct a thorough inspection of the unit. Look for any existing damages, such as cracks in the walls, leaky faucets, or malfunctioning appliances, and document them with photos or videos. A well-maintained property shouldn’t have these issues but even the best maintenance team can miss something. Report any issues to your property manager immediately to ensure they are repaired before you move in. This step is crucial to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damages when you move out.
Practical Considerations:
Document damages: Take detailed notes and photos of any issues you find during your inspection.
Notify the property manager: Report any damages or maintenance issues to your landlord promptly.
Test appliances: Make sure all appliances, including the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are in working order.
Check utilities: Verify that utilities like water, electricity, and gas are working properly.
4. Set Up Utilities and Address Changes
Setting up your utilities and updating your address are important steps to take care of as soon as possible. Contact utility companies in advance to schedule the setup of services such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Also, notify important contacts, like your employer, bank, and postal office, of your new address to ensure you continue to receive important mail and deliveries without interruption.
Practical Considerations:
Utility setup: Schedule utility setups ahead of time to avoid delays in service.
Address change: Update your address with the postal service, banks, and any other important businesses.
Forward mail: Set up mail forwarding with the postal service to catch any mail sent to your old address.
Update records: Update the address on your driver's license, voter registration, and any subscriptions.
5. Get to Know The Neighborhood
Getting to know your new neighborhood can make the transition to your new apartment more enjoyable. Take some time to explore the area and find the essential services: grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and public transportation options. Take time to meet your neighbors, building a good rapport with them can enhance your living experience and create a sense of community.
Practical Considerations:
Explore facilities: Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare offices.
Public transportation: Find the local bus routes, train stations, and bike paths.
Community centers: Look for local community centers, parks, and recreational facilities.
Meet the neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors to foster a friendly and supportive environment.
Moving into an apartment is a change that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding your lease, moving expenses, conducting an inspection, setting up utilities and address changes, and getting to know the neighborhood, the transition can be smoother and more successful. Preparation is key to making your move as stress-free as possible, allowing you to fully enjoy your new home and the opportunities it brings.
S.C. Swiderski: A Legacy of Experience, Integrity, and Expertise
Over the last three decades, S.C. Swiderski (SCS) has been known for providing quality housing solutions. The privately-owned company, founded on principles of a close-knit, family-oriented culture, has thrived by cultivating an environment where every employee feels valued and connected. As the company has grown, it remains committed to preserving and maintaining this positive company culture.
The Importance of Positive Company Culture
At the heart of SCS’s achievements lies a steadfast dedication to nurturing a constructive company culture. Since the company’s founding, the core operations have been built on a culture characterized by trust, collaboration, and community. As the company continues to grow, it is crucial to prioritize the preservation and enrichment of this culture.
A positive company culture goes beyond being a good place to work; it is about fostering a sense of purpose and shared values among all employees. It is about making every team, and every team member feel a part of something bigger: Promoting a unified mission that drives the company's vision forward.
Creating Awareness and Setting Expectations
As SCS grows, so too does its need for clear, purposeful communication and awareness of the company's culture and expectations. It is essential all employees, regardless of their role or tenure, understand and embrace the company's mission, vision, and values. This requires ongoing efforts to engage everyone within the organization.
Frequent internal communications are important to help reinforce the company's culture, ensuring that everyone is aligned and understands the expectations. Doing this enables SCS to maintain a coordinated and motivated staff, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing housing industry and deliver the SCS Difference.
Mission, Vision, and Values: A Unified Approach
SCS recently revised its mission, vision, and values to emphasize the significance of unity. These updates reflect a more comprehensive and inclusive strategy, encompassing all areas of the company. The goal is to ensure that every employee feels connected to the mission and vision and lives the values in all that they do.
Mission: "Passionately providing housing that strengthens communities."
Vision: "Committing to continuous growth, enhancing the housing industry with a unified purpose."
Values:
Maintain Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty and transparency, building trust with our residents, employees, and partners.
Manage Quality: We strive for excellence in all that we do, from our housing solutions to our customer service.
Develop Communities: We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, working together to achieve our common goals.
Build Trust: We treat everyone with respect and dignity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Celebrate Innovation: We embrace innovation and creativity, continuously seeking ways to improve and grow.
Living the Values
The SCS Difference is not new, it isn’t a slogan, it is a way of life. Every employee is encouraged to embody the values in their daily tasks, interactions, and decisions. The values act as the guides to achieving the SCS Difference. Through the values we strive to provide excellent customer service, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to innovative solutions. The values direct the journey that shapes the company's path.
Looking to the future, SCS makes a commitment to maintaining a positive company culture. By focusing on creating awareness, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that the mission, vision, and values resonate with every employee, the company is well-positioned to continue its legacy of experience, integrity, and expertise.
SCS’s success is not simply measured by the number of housing units created but by the strength of its culture and the unity of its employees. United, the team will continue to build on this foundation, reach new milestones, make a positive impact on the communities served, and protect a strong legacy.