This August will mark forty years that Progress Hardware has been our local Hardware store at 9^th and Irving Street. Prior to 2002, Joseph Blair managed the store for the previous owner and at that time he had the opportunity to buy the business. With a background as a Sales Rep for a wholesale plumbing company, he can answer any question about valves, snakes, PVC pipes or no hub couplers. A self proclaimed, Jack of all Trades, he enjoys the customers and the diversity this neighborhood provides. His customers range from Chinese, Russian, Spanish, German, Korean, French, Japanese, Turkish, Indian, and Filipino. He only wishes that language was not the barrier it sometimes is, but creativity and pantomime can fill the gaps. He speaks fondly of his customers.

“These are people that believe in fixing things, rather than replacing things. Our business is customer based, and I’m here to help in any way possible.”

Joe has nine employees, two that work full time. His employees with the most longevity: Adam and Jeff, with 10 and 8 years of experience. For his part-time employees he arranges their hours around their school schedules. He’s hired people with absolutely no hardware experience.

I wonder how this is possible. The thought would scare me, but I’ve never owned a wrench or a hammer. I usually borrow from a neighbor, and keep it so long, I believe it’s mine.

“You’d be surprised. By the time these kids leave and move on to their career, they have a little bit of hardware knowledge.”

He exudes a sense of calmness and patience.

“I tell my employees to look at this employment as almost a classroom. Learn from your experience here and take it with you.”

He said there can be questions from left field, he can’t remember an exact one, but the thought brings a chuckle.

Joe will joke with customers if he drops something down the aisle.

“That’s why I never made it to the majors.”

Having played baseball as a child in Palo Alto, becoming a baseball player was one of his childhood dreams. Today his proudest accomplishment,

“Being a business owner.”

I ask a little about his family. His father and mother came to the Bay area from Oklahoma, and his father was a sheet metalist at Hunters Point Ship Yard. Joe and his younger brother learned a few skills from their Dad. Both brothers can diagnose a problem, build and repair. Joe’s younger brother is a carpenter. He talks a little about his wife, his daughter Madelyn Grace and his son Randy, an actor living in New York. Randy completed his training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and auditions often.

What does he like about this neighborhood?

“Everything is in walking distance. Sometimes I don’t get off the block.”

I know the feeling.

“The Park, the restaurants, and I look forward to the re-opening of the Academy of Science. It brings tourism to the area.”

We both lament the closing of Black Oak Books.

And now that I record these interviews, I carry batteries in my purse. I want to know about batteries. Are they all the same?

“There are lithium batteries. Its how they’re made. They’ll hold a charge three times longer than an alkaline battery.”

Progress Hardware recycles batteries as well as fluorescent tubing and any San Francisco resident is welcome to drop their used batteries and fluorescent tubes for recycling.

Progress Hardware is open 361 days a year and whether you need a toggle dimmer switch, a conduit, a can of paint or some knowledge, Joe, Adam, Jeff and any other employee, are happy to help.

NEXT WEEK: MEET MICKY POWELL, DIRECTOR, STAR DANCE STUDIIO