Friends and Neighbors of Ledgeview,

Eight years ago feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago.

In May of 2018, one of the hardest seasons of my life, I made a decision that would change everything. I chose to take a leap of faith in a brand new direction, with no certainty of how it would unfold and only a deep conviction that it was time to build a better life for myself and my kids.

Around that time, I heard a phrase from a company that stuck with me: “We seek radiators, not drains.” It felt like a quiet reminder of who I’ve always wanted to be, someone who shows up with energy, with heart, and with a belief in what’s possible. I decided to trust that.

After several conversations and interviews, I attended a three-day training in Chicago. I came home not with a fully built business but with the opportunity to create one from the ground up. A strong training, a suggested "how to" roadmap and a team of believers at the home office. No guarantees. Just a vision, a lot of unknowns, and the willingness to begin.

There was no plan B. This was it.

So I started making phone calls and knocking on doors. Meeting business owners one after the other. Connecting with neighbors. Learning, listening, growing, failing and overcoming one conversation at a time.

And somewhere along the way, this magazine came to be and it's become far more than just a business.  It's been my lifeline, something we built along the way, with all of you.

Eight years later, 91 issues in, what we’ve built together is something I carry with an incredible amount of pride. Not because it’s been easy, but because it hasn’t.

Because every connection, every story, every partnership that has come, stayed and maybe gone, has mattered.

To every business owner who has taken the time to meet with me, whether we worked together or not, they've been a part of shaping this journey more than you know. Their resilience, work ethic, and their willingness to keep going… it’s been inspiring.

And to you, the residents, those who have welcomed me into your homes, shared your lives, sent messages, grabbed a cup of coffee, or those who simply look forward to each issue, you are the reason this magazine exists. You are the heartbeat behind every page.

I’ll be honest, there are moments when I pause and really take it in.  Each day has been a gift and I am grateful.

Statistically, only about half of businesses make it past five years, and roughly one-third make it to ten. As we step into year eight, I don’t take a single moment of this for granted.

Because this was never built alone.

And that’s why this next part matters.

If there’s one thing I’ve been working on this year, it’s learning to ask for what I need.  For support, for collaboration, for community. Because the truth is, the more this magazine reflects you, the stronger it becomes.

Your stories matter.
Your recommendations matter.
Your voice matters.

The moments you’re living right now, your families, your homes, your kids, your pets, your travels, your celebrations, those are the stories that bring this community closer together.

And the businesses you trust? They help shape the quality and integrity of what we share within these pages.  We don't take this lightly and your recommendations and referrals are what we use to build out top preferred partner list.  As homeowners, each of you has a rolodex of your favorite local businesses, don't forget to tell us why you love these local businesses!

If you’ve ever thought, “I could contribute something,” I would truly love to hear from you.  Whether is an article, a nomination, a recommendation or an introduction.

This isn’t my magazine, it’s ours.

And the next chapter isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing it more together.  More intentionally, more connected, and more reflective of the incredible community we’re part of.

To our newest partners, Downtown Auto Service, Duncan’s Windows and Doors, Hendricks Concrete Construction, De Pere Youth Dance Program, Green Bay ER & Hospital, and Reserve Motorworks—welcome. 

And to our readers, thank you for supporting the businesses that make this publication possible.

Eight years in, I’m still learning. Still growing. Still humbled by how far we have come.  Still incredibly grateful.

And more than anything, I’m excited for what we’re building next.

Cheers to the first eight years, and to everything still ahead.

Mandi Wilke

Publisher

Sales & Advertising Director