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 .”
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