Who we are

As a locally owned and growing property management and development firm since 1988, Forward Management, Inc has developed a unique understanding of the housing and real estate market in the Madison area. By managing over 60 properties consisting of approximately 3,800 apartments in both established and growing neighborhoods, we have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in connecting residents’ needs and wants with the best apartments in Madison and the surrounding communities.

In addition to our great locations, our properties are professionally managed with an attentive, responsive management and maintenance system. We have over 80 employees, many of them long-term, who are experts in their field. They are committed to making each resident’s home the best that it can be while providing exceptional service and a comfortable place to call home.

 

Our Mission

The mission of our property management team is to deliver what we promise and treat our clients and residents with respect. We promise to maintain a quality apartment community and deliver exceptional service. We aim to provide our employees with the tools and training they need to excel and enjoy their profession. In turn, our goal is to have long-term employees who are committed to ensuring strong resident retention and satisfaction.
 

Our Values

The foundation of our business is built on the core principle that the relationships we establish between our residents, clients, and our employees are paramount. Our top priority is to nurture and grow those relationships through positive interactions, dedicated service, and by exceeding expectations.
 

Our Vision

The vision of Forward Management, Inc. is to transform our residents’ experience in apartment living through demonstrated dedication to quality, responsiveness, integrity, and transparency that both redefines and leads all others in the property management industry. By providing the best, personalized service to our communities, we sincerely hope that we create memorable experiences for all of our residents, clients and employees.

Our History

1988

Dan Schmidt and Thomas Farr form a partnership to create Forward Management, Inc., (FMI) focusing on “Management and Consulting of Investment Real Estate.” FMI starts out by managing approximately 257 apartments in Wisconsin, with 300 more in Florida and New Mexico.

1988
 
 
1990
1990

The next nine years created much growth for the FMI team with the addition of over 200 more apartments in downtown Madison by adding LaCiel, LaVille, and Orchard Court. The off-campus Madison portfolio expanded to include Cedar Ridge, Cherry Tree Crossing, Heather Ridge on the far east side, Tree Lane Park on the west side of Madison, as well as the near east side location of Commercial Avenue. FMI gained a Dane County presence with the addition of Westridge and Berkley in Verona, Forest Ridge in Middleton, and Brookstone Townhomes and Greenway Cross in Fitchburg, increasing the portfolio to over 1,100 apartments.

2000

FMI adds Gateway Commons in Sun Prairie, and the first “new construction projects” with Highland Ridge in Fitchburg, Woodland Fields, Prairie Ridge and Hawk’s Ridge off Highway M in Madison, Prairie Grove in Cottage Grove and finally Highland Fields in DeForest. Exciting change begins with the process of developing their own investments using outside contractors. Prairie Towne Square in Sun Prairie is the first development, then adding Prospect Commons in Sun Prairie, and Jupiter Crossing, one of the first developments in Grand View Commons on Madison’s East side. The portfolio reaches approximately 1,600 apartments.

2000
 
 
2002
2002

FMI creates its own painting division to handle all interior and exterior painting needs. This division has increased to 10 full-time painters, and 20 additional painters for the summer months.

2005

Thomas Farr retires and sells his interest to Dan Schmidt who becomes President of FMI.

2005
 
 
2010
2010

FMI creates its own cleaning division, and the 14 full-time cleaners are able to handle the routine and turnover cleaning in a more efficient and effective manner.

2012

FMI develops Stockbridge Trails, an 86-unit community in Reston Heights. It is the first property that FMI builds from the ground up, creating a new “luxury” in apartments with stainless steel appliances, including gas ranges, and designer colors. FMI also adds Prairie Park in Fitchburg, as well as, Waldorf on the Park and McKenna Woods on the west side of Madison.

2012
 
 
2013
2013

FMI Development, LLC, a construction/contractor division is formed, allowing for the ability to design, construct and manage apartments of their own.

2014

Forward Management’s growth explodes with taking on of the newly constructed properties such as Zander Place and Esser Place in Cross Plains, as well as, Waldorf Midtown and The Preserve on the west side of Madison. The FMI Development team then designs and constructs: The Revere, The Landing, Hercules Trail, Waldorf Midtown, Copper Creek, Infinity, Artisan Square, Grand Arbor Reserve, Market West, The View, Fusion at 841, Conservancy Pointe, and The McHenry. This creates a portfolio of over 3,500 apartments.

2014
 
 
2018
2018

Cross Hill Heights, a new development on Madison's east side, joins the portfolio. FMI Development finished construction and opened Latitude 43 on the west side of Madison.

2019

FMI Development designs and constructs Catalyst on Main in Sun Prairie.

 

2019
 
 
2021
2021

Forward Management, Inc. starts managing Harbour Town apartments on Madison's west side. Various projects begin on the property including exterior improvements, common area upgrades, and remodeling of the clubhouse.

2022

FMI Development designs and finishes constructing its largest development to date called The Edison on the west side of Madison consisting of 285 units.

2022