Prior to joining GS Design, Abendroth worked at Robert W. Baird in the Marketing Department/Institutional Sales and most recently as Contractor in the Electronic Communications Department of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

GS Design, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based design firm specializing in graphic design, Web and multimedia design, and strategic marketing. For additional information, contact GS Design at 888-833-3107, visit the Web site at www.gsdesign.com, or e-mail the company at gs@gsdesign.com.

Prior to joining GS Design, Detert interned with Absolutebusiness.net LLC, where he developed Internet applications for healthcare organizations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a Diplom-Wirtschaftsingenieur from the Luebeck University of Applied Sciences in Luebeck, Germany.

GS Design, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based design firm specializing in graphic design, Web and multimedia design, and strategic marketing. For additional information, contact GS Design at 888-833-3107, visit the Web site at www.gsdesign.com, or e-mail the company at gs@gsdesign.com.

MILWAUKEE, WI - GS Design and Evans Kurtz Group (EKG) - two independent, self-made Milwaukee design firms known for quietly attracting big brands with best-in-class work - recently announced they would now operate as one: GS Design, Inc.

For the past 19 years, GS Design has been an award-winning company known for highly creative print and Interactive design driven by big campaign ideas. They have more than a decade-long working relationship with the Harley Davidson Motor Company, and also work with other national brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Buell, and others.

EKG is a rising Interactive agency known for its expertise in creative design and sound technical solutions. Since 1999, the company has worked with such leading brands as Trek, Buell, Harley-Davidson, U.S. Bank, SRAM, and Firestone in all aspects of Interactive media, including Web site design and development, application development, and online marketing.

"Even though GS and EKG have been rooted in different design disciplines," says Jeff Prochnow, GS Design Principal, "world-class design is at the core of both companies, and we've decided it is time to do that 'talking' with one voice."

"What attracted us to GS Design was their creative - it really grabbed our attention, says Eric Johnston, Executive Director, Parts, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "To think that they're significantly strengthening their Interactive capabilities with this acquisition is very exciting."

"EKG just completed a major redesign of our main online properties: www.sram.com, www.rockshox.com, and www.avidbike.com," says David Zimberoff, Global Communications Manager for SRAM Corporation, a manufacturer of high-end bicycle components. "The launch was a definite success. They are a very talented group, and becoming a part of GS Design will allow them to offer an even broader range of creative services."

Through the acquisition, EKG's entire staff is scheduled to move to GS Design's unique headquarters by November 1. In addition to a 25-foot rocket hanging from the lobby ceiling, the 16,000 square feet of creativity-charged high-energy atmosphere houses a variety of motorcycles (belonging to both clients and employees), displays of award-winning work, and a workout area. When the transition is complete, the space will be home to nearly 30 employees.

"Our workspace is a great reflection of who we are as a company," says Marc Tebon, the other GS Design Principal. "We have a lot of fun here, which really helps keep the creativity flowing."

But it was much more than just a cool space that attracted EKG to GS, says EKG Principal Scott Kurtz.

"We were looking for a partner that would enable us to better serve our clients with exceptional print design and also give us the opportunity to service their clients with more in-depth online experience," Kurtz explains. "With GS Design, we quickly discovered a synergistic fit with both their philosophy and caliber of work, and we're very excited about what the future holds."

GS Design, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based design firm specializing in graphic design, Web and multimedia design, and strategic marketing. For additional information, contact GS Design at 888-833-3107, visit the Web site at www.gsdesign.com, or e-mail the company at gs@gsdesign.com.