FULL ESTEEM AHEAD:

Discover the Untold Story of Joe Balthazor

Hard Work. Hustle. Heart.

Joe’s story will change how you see success.

Ever wonder how a farm kid from Wisconsin becomes a powerhouse entrepreneur?

In Full Esteem Ahead: The Joe Balthazor Story, you’ll follow him from the dusty lanes of a small‑town farm to becoming a respected industry leader. This 80+ year journey proves that grit, grace, and community can rewrite any story. Born the eldest of eight, he shouldered responsibility early—working to help his family, carving a path with calloused hands and an unshakable belief in better days ahead. Along the way, anxiety and low self‑esteem tested his resolve, yet friendship, mentorship, and sheer perseverance turned challenges into chapters of growth. 

As a father of eight—six children and two beloved stepchildren—and a proud grandparent to many, he built a legacy rooted in love and example. Marathon finish lines became symbols of endurance; public service as an alderman reflected a life lived for others. In business, he rose to prominence in building‑materials wholesale distribution, ultimately selling his company to form an ESOP—sharing success with those who helped create it. It’s a true rags‑to‑riches arc, powered not by luck alone but by relentless hard work, humility, and the courage to keep going when the road turned steep. 

Readers will find themselves cheering through setbacks and savoring triumphs, taking away practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the quiet strength of showing up—day after day. If you’re seeking a story that leaves you motivated to tackle your own next mile, this book delivers: honest, heart‑forward, and utterly energizing. Pick it up, and let it remind you that extraordinary lives are forged from ordinary beginnings—one determined step at a time.

Pick up this biography today and discover what it really takes to turn hard work into a legacy.

Full-Esteem-Ahead-Book

About the Authors

john henke

Jack Henke

Jack co-founded Henke & Associates, Inc. in 1987 with his father, the late Bill Henke. Today, he provides senior-level strategic guidance and top-tier creative direction for clients across a wide range of industries. A strong conceptual thinker, Jack is experienced in every phase of the strategic and creative process — from brand development and marketing strategy to concepting, writing, and refining final copy for video, broadcast, print, social, and digital media.

Jack has earned national awards for writing, producing, and directing radio commercials. But the recognition he values most is the long-standing loyalty of his clients and the growth of their businesses.

Beyond agency work, Jack is a published author and long-time local columnist. His humor writing and keen eye for the character of Cedarburg have made him one of the community’s most recognizable storytellers. He brings that same sharp insight and perspective to building and strengthening brands.

Books Co-Authored by Jack Include:

  • This Might Be a Dumb Question but … How Does Money Work?
    with Joe Fazio, CEO & Co-founder of Commerce State Bank
  • The Bentley Family History – Seven Generations Since 1848
    with Thomas H. Bentley III
  • Port Washington State Bank – Putting Communities First Since 189
    with Steve, Mark, & James Schowalter
  • Full Esteem Ahead – The Joe Balthazor Story
    with Joe Balthazor
  • Cedarburg Authors’ Circle: Volume 1 (A collaborative collection)

Books Authored by Jack Include:

  • Cedarblurbs: Insights & Hindsights from Cedarburg — A collection of humorous, insightful columns from 2002–2015
  • Cedarblurbs 2.0 — columns from 2015–2019
  • Guardian Devil — a humorous novel

Jack also co-hosts The Jack Henke Show, a humor-driven podcast available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.

Joe Balthazor

O. Joseph Balthazor grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. His life is full of successes, mistakes, achievements, and, most of all, self-discovery.

Joe has been in the trenches of the company he founded, Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc., from the beginning.  He pulled laminate in the early days, fabricated Corian® to specification, and now continues to vision it’s future.

Avid Packer fan, Brewer fan & Marquette Basketball fan, mediocre golfer, and devoted family man—husband, father of six, stepfather of 2, grandfather and great-grandfather.

joe balthazor ceo-author
joe balthazor ceo-author

Joe Balthazor

O. Joseph Balthazor grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. His life is full of successes, mistakes, achievements, and, most of all, self-discovery.

Joe has been in the trenches of the company he founded, Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc., from the beginning.  He pulled laminate in the early days, fabricated Corian® to specification, and now continues to vision it’s future.

Avid Packer fan, Brewer fan & Marquette Basketball fan, mediocre golfer, and devoted family man—husband, father of six, stepfather of 2, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jim Winistorfer
Board Member

Jim serves on several boards locally, including Hallmark’s, sharing his expertise in sales, marketing, operations, and C‑suite leadership. With a storied level of experience leading Lean thinking, robotics, and automation strategies, Jim blends continuous improvement with practical execution. He holds both a BS and MS from UW–Stout. Outside the boardroom, Jim is a USGA and WSGA Certified Golf Rules Official—and proudly carries “Expert” status in the Rules of Golf. He’s someone who knows how to keep score, both on the course and in the boardroom.

Christine Adee
Board Member

Chris is a nationally recognized ESOP leader and an active member of Hallmark’s Board. Her expertise is in financial strategy, risk management, M&A, and integration. Chris is a frequent speaker on ESOP and M&A topics nationwide, and a trusted voice in the employee‑ownership community. She holds an MBA and undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from UW–Milwaukee’s Lubar College of Business, with executive education from Wharton and Kellogg. Strategic, entrepreneurial, and always people‑first, Chris is as energized by building employee‑owned companies as she is by sharing why ESOPs simply work.

Jim Hobby
CFO

 

Not your typical bean counter, as CFO, Jim brings deep financial expertise and an even deeper well of personality. He’s a numbers whisperer with a no-nonsense approach, this CPA offers extensive experience in restructuring, acquisitions, and the construction industry. A Texas native, Jim’s now living in Wisconsin—because, as his wife wisely says, cold beats heat any day. A dedicated husband and dad, Jim is a Disney enthusiast, bicyclist, and bona fide foodie. Beyond the balance sheet, Jim is active on volunteer boards, giving his time and talent to causes that matter. His numbers may be spot on, but it’s his humor, humility, and people-first mindset that truly add up.

Bobby Staats
President

President since 2023 and a dedicated Missouri alum, Bobby brings passion to his leadership—right down to naming his dog Truman after the Mizzou mascot. He holds an MBA from William Woods University and has built a well‑rounded career at Hallmark over more than 20 years. Certified in Business Analytics and a Master Facilitator of the BluePrint Sales Process, Bobby blends data-driven insight with people-first leadership. He also gives back beyond the business, serving on the board of a county-based charitable organization. Outside of work, he’s most often found on the baseball field with his son, cheering on his daughter at track meets, reading a great book, or catching a local concert with his wife.

Katie Sadorf
VP Marketing & Strategy

As VP of Marketing & Strategy, a proud UW–Whitewater undergraduate and MBA alum, and Certified Scaling Up Coach, Katie brings sharp strategic thinking, creative energy, and a true growth mindset. She thrives at the intersection of strategy and imagination, coupled with practical implementation. Working with the marketing team, leading the planning processes, and heading up the execution of our M&A plan are just a few hats she wears. A dynamic leader, trusted advisor, wife, and mom to two grown sons, Katie balances vision with heart. And when she’s not building what’s next at work, she’s mapping out her and her husband’s next international adventure, floating on a local lake, or volunteering as President of her hometown’s scholarship fund board.

Paula Osvold
VP Interiors Business Solutions

With extensive commercial business expertise and a strong reputation as an authority in her field, Paula serves as our VP of Interiors Business Solutions, leading the Commercial and Residential Corian® Design business. A Minnesota State University alum, Paula is deeply respected for her thoughtful, inclusive leadership—bringing people together, listening first, and challenging assumptions to unlock smarter, stronger outcomes. A former Army National Guard MP, she pairs quiet confidence with steady resolve, encouraging her teams to honor what’s worked while boldly imagining what’s possible next. Outside the office, Paula enjoys time with her husband, daughter, son, and their two dogs—chasing the golf ball as a casual golfer or relaxing on one of the state’s 10,000 lakes.

Todd Lienke
VP Information Technology

VP of IT. Todd is the kind of leader who proves that great technology starts with great service. Educated at KRS Computer & Business School in Minnesota and Microsoft Certified, he brings deep technical expertise—but what truly sets him apart is how he shows up for people. Todd is focused on making life easier for internal teams, solving problems with patience, clarity, and a can‑do attitude. A devoted husband, and proud dog dad to Benny, Todd believes technology should support people, not slow them down. When he’s not keeping Hallmark ahead of the curve, you’ll find him perfecting his next grill‑ or smoker‑worthy creation or unwinding with a good bourbon—always with the same thoughtful care he brings to his work.

Kent Holtz
VP Operations
Member of the Board

A Member of the Board with an MBA from UW–Whitewater and a degree from Marquette University, Kent’s passion for learning runs deep. As VP of Operations, he leads customer service, purchasing, warehouse, and delivery with steady focus and broad expertise. Based in Wisconsin, Kent enjoys time with his grown twin sons and daughter whenever their schedules allow. When he’s not leading operations, he’s trying to keep up with his very active wife, or catering to the needs of the family pup, Charlie. Make no mistake, though, soaking up quiet moments by the lake or hunting in the Dakotas are Kent’s favorite places to recharge.

Robb Buechler
VP Exteriors Business Unit

A Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from UW–Stout was just the beginning for this Minnesota native. With hands‑on experience spanning fabrication and business leadership, Robb has built a deep resumé across Hallmark and now leads as VP of the Exteriors Business Unit. A trusted sales leader, with a sharp eye for pricing and a knack for supplier negotiations, Robb brings both history and forward momentum to the role. He also leads Hallmark’s Balconies by Levanté® business, challenging him to learn the ins and outs of metal fabrication. After hours, you’ll find him on the golf course or chasing adrenaline—snowmobiling, dirt biking, or jet skiing—while staying anchored as a devoted husband, father of three, and proud grandpa.

Ariana Bodenbach
VP Human Resources

A proud UW–Milwaukee alum with dual degrees in Human Resource Management and Supply Chain & Operations Management, Ariana serves as our VP of Human Resources. Her advocacy for Associate Ownership drives her to be an active member of leadership in the Wisconsin chapter of the ESOP Association. Ariana’s a passionate steward of Hallmark’s ownership culture, as well as for balancing the business of employment with the desires of the workforce. It’s never a dull moment in HR! Outside of work, life is full: alongside her husband, she’s juggling a daughter, a son, a dog, and a family landscaping business—proving she leads with the same energy and heart both at Hallmark and at home.

Joe Balthazor
Chairman, CEO & Founder

From dairy farm roots to corner office, Joe is the Founder and CEO of Hallmark—a company he started in a small Milwaukee office more than 50 years ago and grew into a 23‑state operation with 130+ team members. A big‑picture thinker, and now author, Joe has done it all: pulling laminate in the early days, fabricating Corian® to spec, and steering Hallmark toward its next chapter well beyond the 50‑year mark. As Chairman of the Board and leader of Hallmark’s inorganic growth strategy, he’s still actively building big ideas. Devoted husband and father of six, we’d be remiss to not share Joe’s lifelong passion for his Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Marquette (Warriors) basketball.

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