A Little Bit of Everything, a Whole Lot of Family

From music and road trips to neighborhood dog walks, get to know Julie, Mike, GiGi, and Dom.


If you see a couple walking their dogs through Ledgeview, there's a pretty good chance it's Julie Cox and Mike Krans! With three dogs, two cats, two busy kids, and plenty of hobbies, there's never a dull moment in their household!
Julie and Mike, along with 14-year-old Giana "GiGi" Filippini and 11-year-old Dominic "Dom" Filippini, have called Ledgeview home since June 2022.
Both have strong Midwestern roots. Julie grew up in Ironwood, Michigan, proudly calling herself an original "Yooper," while Mike spent his childhood throughout Wisconsin.
Mike earned his mechanical engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and has spent 31 years with BW Papersystems. After traveling the world as a Field Service Engineer, he now serves as Field & Customer Site Leader, working remotely much of the time.
Julie graduated from Northern Michigan University before beginning her career in finance. She later attended Marquette University Law School while working full time and has spent more than a decade in health law. Today, she's General Counsel for Hero Practice Services and a passionate advocate for individuals with autism and special needs.
Music brought Julie and Mike together, and it remains a big part of their family life!
GiGi, a freshman at DPHS, shares that passion. She plays seven instruments, primarily trumpet, and participates in marching band and jazz band. She even attended summer band camp at the University of Wisconsin-Madison! A straight-A student, GiGi also loves traveling and backcountry skiing. Julie describes her as incredibly kind, funny, and helpful.
Dom, affectionately nicknamed the "Key Master," is a sixth grader at Acceptional Minds, a school specializing in education for students with autism. A Make-A-Wish recipient, Dom has a fascination with keys and loves learning about them!
He also enjoys driving his "tractor," an old lawnmower without its mowing deck, and helping Mike restore a 1993 Ford Lightning. The two have made some special memories working on the truck together.
For Julie and Mike, one of Ledgeview's greatest gifts has been providing a welcoming place where Dom can comfortably be himself.
Of course, we can't forget the furry family members!
There's Max, a 17-year-old Chihuahua mix; Luci, an 8-year-old Maltese; and Tater Tot, an adorable 3-month-old French Bulldog. Two 7-year-old cats, Max and Sam, complete the crew. Yes, there's a dog and a cat named Max!
"We walk our dogs constantly!" Julie shared.
Those walks have become a favorite way to connect with neighbors and enjoy their surroundings.
When they aren't walking dogs, the family stays busy! Mike enjoys playing guitar, hunting, skiing, hiking, golfing, and working on vehicles, especially Fords. Julie loves FIRE Fitness, traveling, tattoos, and decorating for the holidays, particularly Halloween and Christmas.
Together, they enjoy concerts, road trips, thrifting, garage sales, and discovering unique Airbnb stays. Annual traditions include Mother's Day weekend at the Wisconsin Dells and Christmas in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
At home, Mike is the family's grilling and meat-smoking expert. They're also devoted Green Bay Packers fans!
Everyone has their favorite entertainment, too. GiGi enjoys Superstore, Dom loves YouTuber Unspeakable, Mike watches Reacher and NCIS, and Julie's favorite movie is The Crow.
Since moving to Ledgeview, they've enjoyed watching the neighborhood grow and building friendships along the way.
It's the simple things they appreciate most, like neighbors stopping to chat, lending a helping hand, or gathering around a driveway bonfire. That welcoming atmosphere has made Ledgeview feel like home.
The family also enjoys supporting local businesses, including Stroll sponsors Dorsch, Margaritas, and Buddy's Vets. Other favorites include FIRE Fitness, Sit & Stay Pet Resort, Doggy Day Grooming, Kids Dental Experts, Bellin Health, Cocoon Brewery, Freddy's, and Sara's Gelato.
For Julie, Mike, GiGi, and Dom, life is filled with music, family adventures, furry friends, and making memories together. Whether they're restoring a truck, planning their next getaway, or simply walking the dogs, they're grateful for the life they've built in Ledgeview.
So next time you spot Julie and Mike walking Max, Luci, and Tater Tot, give them a wave! And if you see Dom, ask about his latest key discovery. You'll probably make his day!
This version is approximately 730 words, keeping the family's personalities, careers, pets, favorite activities, local business mentions, and connection to Ledgeview while cutting down on repetition.