April 15, 1954 – May 18, 2021
Steve Wiskup, 67, retired from 3D Exhibits in March 2020 after spending 47 years as a union carpenter with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. He passed away May 18 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
Steve began his exhibit industry career at Exhibitgroup Chicago in 1979 as a master carpenter. He went on to become a shop foreman and an estimator at Exhibitgroup. In 1995, he joined 3D Exhibits with four others to start up the new company. He served as VP Production and fulfilled the many other 
needs for a start-up company. When Bill Dixon retired, the company was purchased by Gene Faut to continue the vision. Steve went on to serve as PM, estimator, and field supervisor for the many new clients that 3D quickly attracted. “Steve always volunteered to do whatever it would take to complete a project. He would always say- “how can I help? Every successful start up company in our industry had people like Steve to make things happen. His energy and dedication will be missed,” says Gene Faut (pictured left), president, 3D Exhibits.
Steve joined 3D as a “jack of all trades” guy who helped Bill Dixon to jump start 3D Exhibits from $0 to $4 million in 1995. Coming from a big company like Exhibitgroup, 3D’s vision was “customer service.” 3D then grew to over $100 million in 2019. Steve’s contribution to 3D’s start-up success will not be forgotten.
Steve is survived by his two children, Brad and Amanda, his sister, Cynthia, and his brother, Gary. His son Brad says, “I followed in my Dad’s footsteps and became a union carpenter in 2006 and then joined the 3D team in 2015.” He will be missed by his family and the many friends and associates within the exhibit industry. His family remembers that “Steven had a great passion for fishing, hunting and snowmobil
ing, and touched the hearts of so many with his great knowledge to fix and build anything. He was always lending a helping hand to others. Steven, you are not here today but we were all so blessed because you were the best.”
“I worked with Steve in two different companies and he was always there to stop and lend a hand,” remembers Larry Kulchawik (pictured right). “I, and the many others in the back lot of the industry who knew him, will always remember Steve’s dedication and will miss his friendship and support.”
To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21266260/Steven-B-Wiskup.
—contributed by Larry Kulchawik
