Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Eau Claire who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
4 | HelloEau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Eau Claire who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hello Eau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue |5
Hometown Heroes
Why It’s Better to Rent From a Company That Owns the Property
Renting an apartment can be a mixed experience, shaped largely by how well the property is maintained and how responsive management is to resident needs. A crucial but often overlooked factor in that equation is ownership. When the company that manages your apartment is also the one that owns it,
residents are more likely to see a higher standard of care.
A company that owns what it manages typically has a direct financial interest in its long-term condition. That changes how maintenance is approached. Instead of performing just the bare minimum required to keep the unit functional,
6 | HelloEau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue
Why It’s Better to Rent From a Company That Owns the Property
Renting an apartment can be a mixed experience, shaped largely by how well the property is maintained and how responsive management is to resident needs. A crucial but often overlooked factor in that equation is ownership. When the company that manages your apartment is also the one that owns it, residents are more likely to see a higher standard of care.
A company that owns what it manages typically has a direct financial interest in its long-term condition. That changes how maintenance is approached. Instead of performing just the bare minimum required to keep the unit functional, owner-managers tend to invest in preventative upkeep. Their goal is to preserve the value of the asset, which aligns closely with a resident’s desire for a clean, safe and functional living space.
For renters, this often means faster response times for repairs and a more proactive approach to common issues. When a water heater begins to fail or a roof leak appears, an owner-managed company is more likely to act swiftly. They are not waiting for third-party approval, and they are not managing repair budgets for multiple outside clients. Their focus is on protecting their own property, which often translates into faster fixes and better materials.
Owner-managers also tend to be more thoughtful about property upgrades and community enhancements. Decisions are not driven solely by profit margins for external clients, but by the need to create durable, appealing homes. From landscaping to parking lot maintenance, attention to detail can run deeper.
Residents benefit from this long-term perspective. Living in a well-maintained, thoughtfully managed property contributes to a better overall experience. It can foster a sense of stability and trust that may be harder to find in properties managed by third-party firms focused on maximizing short-term efficiency.
In short, when the property manager has skin in the game, everyone can benefit. For renters seeking more than just a temporary stop, that ownership can make all the difference.
A company that owns and manages a property has a vested interest in delivering long-term quality, not short-term savings.
Angela Hansen
approach to common issues. When a water heater begins to fail or a roof leak appears, an owner-managed company is more likely to act swiftly. They are not waiting for third-party approval, and they are not managing repair budgets for multiple outside clients. Their focus is on protecting their own property, which often translates into faster fixes and better materials.
Owner-managers also tend to be more thoughtful about property upgrades and community enhancements. Decisions are not driven solely by profit margins for external clients, but by the need to create durable, appealing homes. From...
owner-managers tend to invest in preventative upkeep. Their goal is to preserve the value of the asset, which aligns closely with a resident’s desire for a clean, safe and functional living space.
For renters, this often means faster response times for repairs and a more proactive
A company that owns what it manages typically has a direct financial interest in its long-term condition.
About the Author
Angela Hansen is the Marketing Manager at S.C. Swiderski, LLC, where she leads marketing efforts to support the company’s real estate and construction projects. With a strong focus on brand strategy and community engagement, Angela helps position the company as a trusted leader in quality housing across Wisconsin.
HelloEau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue |7
Oakwood Hills
Tucked away in the heart of Eau Claire, Oakwood Hills is a neighborhood where tree-lined avenues blend seamlessly with a close-knit sense of community. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name, children are free to explore safely outside, and the pace is just right—offering tranquility without sacrificing convenience.
One stroll through Oakwood Hills and you’ll understand why residents feel so at home here. The neighborhood’s abundance of mature oak trees is more than a pretty backdrop—it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy a quiet walk, a morning jog, or a bike ride along the winding sidewalks. Parks and green spaces are always within reach, making it easy for families to gather for picnics, playdates, or laughter-filled afternoons at the playground.
But Oakwood Hills is more than just natural beauty—it’s about connection. Community events such as summer block parties, festive holiday gatherings, and monthly book clubs weave neighbors together, building a vibrant local spirit.
8 | HelloEau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue
Neighborhoods of Eau Claire
Oakwood Hills
Here, homeowners share gardening tips over back fences, organize garage sales, and genuinely lend a helping hand when needed.
Despite its serene vibe, Oakwood Hills offers unbeatable convenience. Top-rated schools, grocery stores, and charming local shops are just minutes away, as are Eau Claire’s best dining spots and entertainment venues. An active neighborhood association ensures shared spaces stay safe, clean, and welcoming, while nearby bike trails and access to major roadways mean you’re never far from anything you need.
Oakwood Hills is the rare neighborhood that feels like a hidden gem—peaceful, welcoming, and...
Tucked away in the heart of Eau Claire, Oakwood Hills is a neighborhood where tree-lined avenues blend seamlessly with a close-knit sense of community. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name, children are free to explore safely outside, and the pace is just right—offering tranquility without sacrificing convenience.
One stroll through Oakwood Hills and you’ll understand why residents feel so at home here. The neighborhood’s abundance of mature oak trees is more than a pretty backdrop—it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy a quiet walk, a morning jog, or a bike ride along the winding sidewalks. Parks and green spaces are always within reach, making it easy for families to gather for picnics, playdates, or laughter-filled afternoons at the playground.
But Oakwood Hills is more than just natural beauty—it’s about connection. Community events such as summer block parties, festive holiday gatherings, and monthly book clubs weave neighbors together, building a vibrant local spirit. Here, homeowners share gardening tips over back fences, organize garage sales, and genuinely lend a helping hand when needed.
Despite its serene vibe, Oakwood Hills offers unbeatable convenience. Top-rated schools, grocery stores, and charming local shops are just minutes away, as are Eau Claire’s best dining spots and entertainment venues. An active neighborhood association ensures shared spaces stay safe, clean, and welcoming, while nearby bike trails and access to major roadways mean you’re never far from anything you need.
Oakwood Hills is the rare neighborhood that feels like a hidden gem—peaceful, welcoming, and brimming with possibility. Whether you’re starting a family, seeking a fresh start, or looking to bring dreams of a perfect home to life, Oakwood Hills in Eau Claire offers not just a place to live, but a community to belong to.
Hello Eau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue |9
Discover Oakwood Hills, Eau Claire’s enchanting neighborhood where natural beauty meets vibrant community spirit. With leafy streets, friendly neighbors, and unbeatable convenience, it’s a welcoming haven for families and newcomers alike. Come explore why Oakwood Hills is the perfect place to put down roots and enjoy the best of small-town charm with modern living.
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Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
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14 | HelloEau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue
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Hello Eau Claire, Wisconsin • Summer Issue |15
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.