SPRINGDALE, AR - I cannot think of a better word to describe J. Max Van Hoose with than “devoted.” The long-time Harps Food Stores team member was recently named to a new role, as the retailer appointed him as its new President on January 3.

As he enters this role, Van Hoose will reportedly continue overseeing store development, acquisitions, construction, and real estate activities. According to a report from KNWA, he began his time with Harps back in 1997 as Director of Construction and Equipment.

The newly named leader was promoted to Vice President of Store Planning in 2002, a role he held for 17 years before becoming Executive Vice President in 2019.

Van Hoose’s LinkedIn shows that prior to his time with Harps, he spent six years within various manufacturing positions at Hallmark Cards.

“J. Max has demonstrated his value to Harps in a great many ways during his tenure as Executive VP, and I am very happy to see this well-deserved promotion take place,” said Kim Eskew, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harps.

Van Hoose earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas and an MBA in Business from the University of Kansas. He is actively involved within the community, serving as a member of the University of Arkansas’s Academy of Industrial Engineers, on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Grocers Association, and as a Commissioner of the Springdale Water and Sewer Commission.

Congratulations to J. Max Van Hoose on this prestigious appointment!

Harps Food Stores