New manager in the picture at Harper’s Hardware
By Brenda L. Shelkey
Harper’s Hardware has experienced some changes recently. Owner Sid Harper made a move to introduce Joe Fleischman as the new manager for the hardware store. As a part of the agreement, Fleischman also has taken over a corner of the hardware store to set up All City Picture Framing. The decision was a mutual win-win situation for both men. Fleischman’s 25 years of experience in the framing business will provide a service to the Underwood community that hasn’t been available previously. Fleischman’s presence also allows Harper to focus time on his other business ventures in Underwood. All City Picture Framing includes a full line of picture frames, but it also means Fleischman can create one-of-a-kind shadowboxes and custom barn wood frames. He also does his own matting, shrink wrapping, and needlepoint stretching for customers. Fleischman and his wife JoAnn (Senski) live in Underwood. She is a native of the Coleharbor area where they met in 1983 when he was working as a migratory bee keeper. After they married, they moved to Phoenix where they raised their two children, Joey, now 24 and in the Navy, and Sarah, now 21 and living in Bismarck. The couple returned to the area in July of 2008 to be closer to their daughter. The simplicity of living in a small town was another drawing factor for them. They were happy to get away from the traffic and the hustle and bustle in the city. Fleischman’s talents also caught the attention of UAEDC director Becky Bowen when he participated in the Horizons LeadershipPlenty workshop. He said, "Over the years, I have become diversified. Besides 25 years of being in the framing business, I also do small engine repair, trim work, and clock repair."
