Abacus Architects: Appoints new C-Suite leadership at Milwaukee and Sheboygan offices

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Abacus Architects, Inc., announces a new leadership team led by newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Halbur based at the firm’s Milwaukee office. Halbur succeeds registered architect Robert Heimerl who served as president since the company’s founding in 2003.

A complete list of appointments for the management team at Abacus Architects includes:

·         Eric Halbur, President + Chief Executive Officer (Milwaukee)
·         Paul Mentink, Vice President + Chief Operating Officer (Sheboygan)
·         Joel Van Ess, Treasurer + Chief Financial Officer (Sheboygan)
·         David Van Dixhorn, Chief Development Officer (Sheboygan)

PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xx61btre76wmom2jc357h/AFBZQ56Td9W987lnEgi3FX0?rlkey=oiv6sadue7lxzznti5xu9nssa&st=tjfw4n4t&dl=0
Photo Credit: Peter Hernandez

Joining Abacus Architects more than 11 years ago to lead the Milwaukee office, Halbur was onboarded as an architectural designer and project manager in 2013 and promoted to principal in 2017. In his new role, Halbur is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic growth of the firm. 

“I am extremely blessed and grateful to the founders of Abacus, and for their confidence in me to make sure we carry on their legacy,” says Halbur. “God willing, we will continue to grow our team, clients and communities we serve, developing relationships through the use of architecture. Having fun and building something bigger than ourselves…that’s what it’s all about.”

He has a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies – University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (2006) and is Revit Certified. Halbur resides in Racine County and enjoys time spent with his wife and kids having fun, cooking and swimming. He loves working on cars with hopes to race someday.

Read more about Eric Halbur online:
https://www.abacusarchitects.net/people-profile/eric-halbur/

The firm was intentionally formatted for successions giving existing and future associates the opportunity of possible ownership. Robert Heimerl is one of four founding members of Abacus Architects, along with Kurt Davis, Mentink, and Van Ess. 

“I co-founded Abacus Architects with a vision of creating a team-focused firm that prioritizes strong client and team relationships over individual profit. I wanted to ensure a good transition of leadership and ownership,” says Heimerl, now focused on design and business development. “I’m unsure if I will ever fully retire, I’m looking forward to this next chapter. The future of our firm looks bright with Eric as the new president; he’s been an integral piece to our current success. I’m excited to be a part of the changes while passing the torch, so to speak, to someone I know is as passionate about our firm as I am.” 

In addition to Halbur, Paul Mentink, registered architect and principal, is now Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO).

“This whole transition process has gone really well,” says Mentink. “There is a renewed energy and excitement in the company. We spent the time to put together a vision, and the employees have really gotten behind it. We have an awesome team, and I feel like we now have the people in place to make growth a priority, without sacrificing our commitment to our clients.”

Principal and professional civil engineer, Joel Van Ess, now serves as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“We have been extremely blessed over the past 20 years, and I’m eager to see what the Lord has planned moving forward,” says Van Ess. “Eric is a great leader who understands our priorities. I’m very excited about the future of our firm and inspired to help him, and our team, any way I can.”

Van Dixhorn leads the firm as Chief Development Officer (CDO). Joining the team in April, he comes to Abacus with over 20 years of real estate and development experience. Already making an impact, Van Dixhorn is helping revenue increase in the short time he’s been onboard. 

“I have a passion for making things better and look forward to building upon the great foundation our founders established over the past 20 years,” says Van Dixhorn. “I’m excited and honored to be part of the new leadership team and believe the best is yet to come.”

This reorganization provides the necessary structure for the firm to achieve their desired growth. Since its inception, Abacus Architects has been dedicated to offering personalized, hands-on support to clients. Focus will be on expanding the two primary offices in Sheboygan and Milwaukee, continuing to fortify the ability to effectively serve communities on a local and national level. 

ABOUT ABACUS ARCHITECTS
Now in its 21st year, Abacus Architects, Inc. is a full-service firm deeply committed to enriching clients’ lives through the practice of architecture. The team applies expertise in architecture, civil engineering, interior design, consulting, facility and site studies, and master planning to help clients maximize their success. Considerable experience in designing for a wide range of market sectors – including single and multifamily residential, education, senior living, healthcare, municipal, corporate, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, religious, and civic – provides clients with the specialization they require. 

At Abacus Architects, the foremost concern is to enhance relationships. Believing architecture should serve the people who inhabit the places created, not the other way around. Abacus Architects practices Relational Architecture: the development and design of buildings that enable true connection with valued clients.

PRIMARY LOCATIONS
Sheboygan 1135A Michigan Ave., Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081 | 920 452-4444
Milwaukee 640 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Suite 210, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203 | 920 452-4444

ONLINE + SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: abacusarchitects.net
LinkedIn: @abacus-architects-inc
Facebook: @abacusarchitectsinc 
Instagram: @abacusarchitectsinc
YouTube: @abacusarchitectsinc

PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xx61btre76wmom2jc357h/AFBZQ56Td9W987lnEgi3FX0?rlkey=oiv6sadue7lxzznti5xu9nssa&st=tjfw4n4t&dl=0
Profile Photo Credit: Peter Hernandez

CONTACT
For more information, photos and to schedule interviews, contact:
Beth O’Reilly, Public Relations Specialist and Owner of O’Reilly Public Relations at bethoreillypr@gmail.com | 920.889.0818