Harps is an employee-owned grocery store chain that started and is still based in Springdale. The company operates 80 stores in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, and plans to expand to Kansas.
Herrin and Adams hope to keep working for Harps while they go to college. The flexible schedules at Harps are a big plus for working while attending school, Adams said. They both work 20 to 30 hours a week.
The application for a job at Harps Food Stores plainly tells prospective employees what the company is looking for: people who like to make other people happy.
According to the application,“ If you are a friendly, fun person who values customers and takes pride in what you do, please proceed with filling out this application. If you are not, and you don’ t think you can become that person, please stop, as you will be wasting your time and ours.”
Ashlee Herrin and Abigail Adams didn’ t waste their time. Both thought they fit Harps’ description, applied, and were hired to work as cashiers at Springdale Harps stores when they were seniors in Springdale high schools.
“ I read that part before I applied,” Adams said.“ I thought it fit me. I enjoy serving the customers and the people you work with are great.”
“ I’ ve got great people to work with,” Herrin said.“ It’ s like working with my family and friends.”
“ I like working with the customers,” Herrin said.“ I can help them with their problems and make them feel more comfortable.”
Harps is a great place to enter the workforce while in high school or while attending college, said Frank Ray, Vice President for Human Resources. Most stores hire cashiers, clerks, stockers and employees in the specialty areas, such as the bakery and deli. Additionally, there are entry level jobs in every department, including the warehouse and distribution center in Springdale, Ray said.
“ We are adding more jobs as we grow,” Ray said.“ We have our own business culture here and we try to grow our own leadership.”
Store employees can progress to customer service representative, closing manager, scan code manager or cash office manager, Ray said.
“ If you want to take on more responsibility and make more money, all you have to do is work hard and let someone know,” Ray said.“ Promotions are based on attitude and work ethic.”
20 20