Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.

More Than a Sale–
A Partnership

We work with owners who want the next chapter to matter.

Are you considering selling your business or divesting a product line and its associated territories? If you want to work with a team full of energy and passion, driven by results, we want to connect.

Together we can honor your legacy, make your employees owners, and make the journey to selling as enjoyable as the outcome. Contact us for a confidential conversation.

Any discussions, repsonses, or expressions of interest are non-binding and provided solely for exploratory purposes. Neither party will be bound unless and until a definitive written agreement is executed by all parties.

Hallmark Building Supplies - In it Together

What are we looking for?

Primarily, we’re in the market to acquire wholesale distributors in the building and construction products industry.

Expanding into new markets, acquiring complimentary product offerings, leveraging our competencies to support target companies and creating shared value are just a few of our goals.

Why Partner With Us

How will you know your company is a fit?

Hallmark Building Supplies - Acquisitions

Acquisition Experience

We have a proven track record of integrating companies or parts of companies, learning and growing along the way. Time and time again, our supplier partners count on us to outperform the market. We’re reliable, responsive, and we understand the building industry.

Hallmark Building Supplies - Financial Stability

Rock Solid Financials

Investing in the market is a key element to our success. Your business will receive the same, well-thought investment strategy that’s led us to our success. We’ll provide the backing needed to expand your capacity, upgrade software & equipment, and pursue new opportunities.

Hallmark Building Supplies - Market Access

Market Access

By becoming a part of the Hallmark team, you’ll gain access to a wide geographic market. We’re in the market to gain synergies via product lines, customer bases, and services. Your company joining together can accelerate your growth beyond what you can do alone!  And with growth comes opportunity… your employees can access new roles within a larger organization.

About Us

Building More Than Products

For over 50 years, we’ve been growing alongside our partners, learning what it takes to build lasting success in the building materials industry.

Who We Are

We think 50-something is the sweet spot for combining deep industry experience with an eye toward the future. With core competencies in demand creation and physical distribution, we are a marketer and distributor rooted in continuous improvement and excellence. Our 10 locations in 23 states cover 61% of the geography of the continental United States.

With our own fleet of delivery trucks servicing more than 75% of our area, we’ve got the ability to deliver on time and accurately.

We’d be honored to bring our expertise to your business, and hey – we can even learn from you in the process!

Hallmark Building Supplies GMA
Hallmark Building Supplies - Associated Owned
Hallmark Building Supplies - 50yrs in Business
Hallmark Building Supplies - 2025 ESOP Award
Hallmark Building Supplies - 23 State GMA

What is an ESOP?

Your Employees Become Owners

Hallmark is an ESOP, which means every Hallmark associate (employee) is an owner who shares in the success of the business.

Ownership culture cultivates a team that’s invested, motivated, and genuinely cares.

Should you sell to an ESOP, or take what may be an above market value
offer from a Private Equity firm? It’s a question company leaders like you
may grapple with while looking to sell. Did you know that 20% of P/E owned companies go bankrupt within 10 years? (Source–Greenwell-Bad Company).

Hallmark Building Supplies - ESOP Wealth

Creates Personal Wealth

ESOPS are the opposite of private equity. A company of owners with a board and trustee who have a fiduciary duty not to overpay for the companies we acquire. What that means is your employees are likely to stay working, gain more wealth, and contribute to the long-term success and legacy of your business.

By design, ESOPs are expected to invest in growth, with the goal of delivering wealth to its shareholders (employee owners).

Hallmark Building Supplies - We Care

Owners Who Care

Engaged and aligned associates are keys to our ESOP success story. In 2025, our associates gave us a Net Promoter ScoreSM of 73. That’s well above what is considered excellent and a strong indicator of employee advocacy.
Hallmark Building Supplies - Partners

Happy Employees = Happy Customers

Employee ownership results in a friendly, customer-first mentality and a collaborative solutions-based environment where relationships matter, improvement is continuous, and growth is a mindset. Our customers consistenly give us a score of 4.8/5 when surveyed on their overall satisfaction.

Our Values

Hallmark’s core values guide action and strategy from top to bottom.
Hallmark Building Supplies - Honest-Loyal

We are Honest & Loyal

Hallmark Building Supplies - Education

We Continuously Learn & Improve

We Care

Hallmark Building Supplies - Get it Done

We do What it Takes to Get Things Done

Leadership & Strategy

  • Growth minded actions drive decision making and the acquisition strategy at Hallmark.
  • Our strategic foundation has its roots in Continuous Improvement and the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, along with the ScalingUp methodology.
  • Our senior leadership is well versed on those principles and come from a wealth of knowledge and experience in acquisitions and integration… we are careful, transparent, and honest with a focus on the future.

Joe Balthazor

Chairman, CEO & Founder
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Bobby Staats

President - Member of the Board
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Kent Holtz

VP Operations - Member of the Board
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Jim Hobby

CFO
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Ariana Bodenbach

VP Human Resources
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Paula Osvold

VP Interiors Business Solutions
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Robb Buechler

VP Exteriors Business Solutions
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Todd Lienke

VP Information Technology
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Katie Sadorf

VP Marketing & Strategy
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Joe Balthazor

Chairman - CEO & Founder

Bobby Staats

President - Member of the Board

Kent Holtz

VP, Operations - Member of the Board

Jim Hobby

CFO

Ariana Bodenbach

VP, Human Resources

Paula Osvold

VP, Interiors Business Solutions

Robb Buechler

VP, Exteriors Business Unit

Todd Lienke

VP, Information Technology

Katie Sadorf

VP, Marketing & Strategy

Ready to Explore the Opportunity?

Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer your questions confidentially. Let’s start the conversation.
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Joe Balthazor
Chairman, CEO & Founder

From dairy farm roots to corner office, Joe is the Founder and CEO of Hallmark—launched from a small Milwaukee office more than 50 years ago and grown into a 23-state operation with 130+ team members. A big-picture thinker and author, Joe’s done it all and now sis teering Hallmark—and its acquisition partners—confidently into the next chapter. As Chairman of the Board and champion of inorganic growth, he knows how to honor what’s been built while imagining what’s next.

Bobby Staats
President

President since 2023 and a member of the board, Bobby brings heart, hustle, and a steady hand to leadership. With an MBA from William Woods University and more than 20 years at Hallmark, he blends data-driven insight with people-first leadership to help new partners hit the ground running. Certified in Business Analytics and a Master Facilitator of the BluePrint Sales Process, Bobby knows how to align teams, customers, and culture.

Kent Holtz
VP Operations
Member of the Board

A Board Member with an MBA from UW–Whitewater and a Marquette undergraduate degree, Kent is Hallmark’s VP of Operations—and the capable force behind flawless execution. From customer service to delivery, he ensures operations scale smoothly, especially when new businesses join the fold. A lifelong learner who values consistency and care, Kent brings a steady welcome to every transition.

Jim Hobby
CFO

 

Not your typical bean counter, Jim brings deep financial expertise—and personality—to his role as CFO. A CPA with extensive experience in acquisitions, restructuring, and construction, he helps demystify the numbers so partners can focus on growth. A Texas native now braving Wisconsin winters, Jim believes cold beats heat (trust his wife). Disney fan, cyclist, foodie, and volunteer, Jim proves balance sheets can be serious—and still fun.

Ariana Bodenbach
VP Human Resources

A proud UW–Milwaukee alum with dual degrees in HR Management and Supply Chain & Operations, Ariana serves as VP of Human Resources—and champion of people-first growth. Deeply engaged in the Wisconsin ESOP Association, she’s a trusted guide for helping new teams feel informed, included, and genuinely excited about employee ownership. Ariana balances the business of HR with real human connection—because culture matters, especially during change.

Paula Osvold
VP Interiors Business Solutions

With extensive commercial expertise, Paula serves as VP of Interiors Business Solutions, leading the Corian® Design business with clarity and care. A Minnesota State University alum and former Army National Guard MP, she brings quiet confidence and thoughtful leadership to every integration. Paula has a gift for honoring legacy while guiding teams toward smarter next steps.

Robb Buechler
VP Exteriors Business Unit

Armed with a Business and Finance degree from UW–Stout and deep hands-on experience, Robb leads as VP of the Exteriors Business Unit. A trusted sales leader with a sharp pricing eye and supplier savvy, he helps new partners find momentum fast. Robb also heads Hallmark’s Balconies by Levanté® business—proof he’s always ready to learn something new.

Todd Lienke
VP Information Technology

VP of IT, Todd believes great technology is really about great support—especially when systems and teams come together. Educated at KRS Computer & Business School and Microsoft Certified, he focuses on making transitions seamless, secure, and frustration-free. Patient, clear, and endlessly helpful, Todd ensures his effort is never the bottleneck.

Katie Sadorf
VP Marketing & Strategy

As VP of Marketing & Strategy, UW–Whitewater undergrad and MBA alum, and Certified Scaling Up Coach, Katie thrives at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and execution. She leads planning, brand alignment, and the charge on Hallmark’s M&A execution and integration—making sure new partners feel confident, aligned, and excited about what’s ahead. Equal parts visionary and practical, Katie balances big ideas with follow-through.