Those interested in building a career at Harps can stay with the company and apply to enter its management trainee program. One entry-level worker at the distribution center asked to enter the trainee program, Ray said. Two years later, he was a store manager.
“ We are looking for managers for the new stores we plan to open,” Ray said.“ We’ re not going to force someone to a new store, but if they volunteer to go to a store to further their careers, they can.”
The company selects students to participate in a college intern program during the summers that lasts for 10 weeks. Each week, participants rotate to a new department and learn its operational procedures.
The program is designed to show students what it means to be a manager at Harps and allow the company to seek exceptional students to train for future management consideration.
Store employees may also move up to office jobs in the company’ s Springdale headquarters, Ray said. Current employees can apply for other positions when those jobs are posted within the company.
The company’ s employee benefits are excellent, Ray said. Benefits include vacation time, paid holidays, health insurance and a 401( k) pension program.
After working at Harps for a year at least half-time, employees 21 and older are eligible for the company’ s stock ownership plan.
The company started the program in 2001 after purchasing all stock from its former owners, the Harp family.
“ We have extended and improved our culture since then,” Ray said.“ Five years ago we started a campaign to become the friendliest retail food store company anywhere. I think our customers have recognized that.”
Harps is a great place to work if you have a positive attitude, Adams said.
“ They can teach you everything you need to know,” Adams said.“ You learn how to be a problem solver.”
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