Hal Gershman graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota in 1966.  Mr. Gershman joined the Peace Corps upon completion of his college studies and worked for the Ministry of Public Health in Bolivia for two years.  In 1968, Gershman founded Happy’s Pizza Chain in Mexico City and in 1972 he opened the first pizza delivery business in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  In 1976, Mr. Gershman returned home to Grand Forks where he became President of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shop and Gershman Enterprises.

Mr. Gershman has not only experienced tremendous business success in our region, but has also participated in a wide array of civic and philanthropic activities including roles on the Alerus Event Center Commission, Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority, Empire Arts Theater Board of Directors,  Northern Great Plains Rural Development Commission, Advisory Council of the 9^th Federal Reserve District Bank of Minneapolis, and the Grand Forks City Council.

Mr. Gershman has been the recipient of many honors and awards including the Governor’s Choice for Economic Development Ambassador of the Year Award and the University of North Dakota Alumni Association’s Prestigious Sioux Award.