Abacus! is excited to announce Sandy Dake and Mason Gilsinger as recipients of the 2026 Abacus Values Award for Client Service Orientation. Sandy is a Coordinator in Transportation Billing, and Mason is a Senior Accountant in Accounting Services.

The Abacus Values Award for Client Service Orientation recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate effective communication, innovation, a sense of urgency and quality in work. Sandy and Mason reflect those qualities through responsiveness, problem-solving and a commitment to making the experience better for clients and teammates.

Sandy is known for being someone others can count on. Colleagues recognize Sandy as consistent, responsive and always ready to step in where needed. Sandy is also described as a go-to resource who communicates clearly, keeps things organized and makes it easier for others to do their jobs well.

When describing the heart behind helping others, Sandy said, “I genuinely enjoy helping people feel more comfortable and confident in what they’re doing.”

Sandy brings a strong sense of ownership to every responsibility, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and that clients and teammates feel supported every step of the way.

When reflecting on what it means to be seen as a reliable resource, Sandy said, “Being called a reliable go-to resource is humbling. I’m just sharing the knowledge that others have shared with me, and I have learned over time that it helps to build confidence with those I work with and the clients we serve.”

What makes Sandy stand out is a willingness to share knowledge freely. Whether answering questions, training others or helping improve processes, Sandy builds confidence across the team and helps create a better experience for everyone involved.

Mason has made an immediate impact by putting clients at the center of every interaction. Colleagues describe Mason as someone who embraces challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and a willingness to step in, figure things out and move the work forward.

When describing what it means to put clients at the center of his work, Mason said, “To me, putting clients at the center of what I do means understanding that our firm doesn’t exist without them. Everything we do is a service for our clients, and our goal should be to support their goals.”

Mason is known for responsiveness, follow-through and an ability to bring calm to difficult situations. Mason listens carefully, communicates clearly and works toward thoughtful, effective solutions that build trust.

Mason does not just solve problems; he ensures clients feel heard, understood and supported every step of the way. At the same time, Mason strengthens the team by sharing knowledge and stepping in where needed.

When asked what receiving the Client Service Orientation Award means, Mason said, “Winning this award is very meaningful to me because I truly pride myself on client service and enjoy relationship-building. This recognition lets me know that I’m on track with my own expectations to be a people-person and put clients first. I’m also grateful to work alongside a team that values strong client relationships, and this award motivates me to continue growing and providing the best service I can.”

Across the firm, Mason is recognized for reliability, compassion and a commitment to delivering a consistent, high-quality client experience. Client service, for Mason, is not situational. It is how Mason approaches every interaction.

The Abacus! Values Awards were created in 2020 to recognize individuals who fully exemplify Abacus Values in how they live, work and build relationships with clients and coworkers. Honorees are selected each spring and announced at Abacus!’s semi-annual firm-wide retreat, AM³.

 

2026 Complete List of Abacus Value Award Honorees:

  • Riley Gatten, Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award, which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
  • Gwynn Smail, Senior Accountant, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award, which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
  • Paige Frealy, Coordinator, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award, which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
  • Tori Busby, Marketing and Communications Associate, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award, which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
  • Sandy Dake, Coordinator, is a recipient of the Abacus Client Service Orientation Award, which includes the attributes of Effective Communication, Innovation, Sense of Urgency and Quality in Work.
  • Mason Gilsinger, Senior Accountant, is a recipient of the Abacus Client Service Orientation Award, which includes the attributes of Effective Communication, Innovation, Sense of Urgency and Quality in Work.
  • MJ Lutz, Client Accounting Specialist, is a recipient of the Abacus Positive Attitude Award, which includes the attributes of Coachable, Cooperative and Believing the Intentions and Abilities of Others are Good.
  • Jenean Richardson, Administrative Assistant Specialist, is a recipient of the Abacus Positive Attitude Award, which includes the attributes of Coachable, Cooperative and Believing the Intentions and Abilities of Others are Good.
  • Eddie Musani, Senior Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award, which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.
  • Levi Stillwell, Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award, which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.