You Make the Difference: Celebrating Growth, Dedication, and Career Journeys

Martha | HR Generalist, Supply Chain

Martha joined Harbor Freight 22 years ago as a Customer Service Representative. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles—from Customer Service to Administrative Clerk, and eventually into positions within our Legal and HR teams. With the support of great leaders and mentors, she returned to school, earned her degree, and received her paralegal certification—all while working full-time and raising three children as a single mother.

“I’ve been given so many opportunities for growth with this company. I went from being a waitress to building a true career. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentors who supported and encouraged me along the way. Marc [Current EVP, Supply Chain] saw potential in me that I didn’t even recognize in myself, and through his encouragement and challenges, he helped me grow.”

What motivates you to stay at Harbor Freight?
“A sense of loyalty and contentment. I feel this organization has afforded me a career and the ability to provide for my family. I am very thankful for all that this company has done for me.”

Fun Fact: On Martha’s first day, September 20, 2004, Harbor Freight had 180 stores—with Gaithersburg, MD as the most recently opened location at the time.

Leonard | Store Manager

Leonard joined Harbor Freight 20 years ago as an Assistant Manager. After just nine months, he was promoted to Store Manager. Throughout his tenure, he has had the opportunity to work in multiple locations across Southern California.

What motivates you to stay at Harbor Freight?
“Best company I have worked for in my retail career. [Harbor Freight] continues to grow and challenges us to become the best of the best. The work-life balance is unlike most retailers, and I am able to spend quality time with my wife of 40 years.”

Fun Fact: On Leonard’s first day, December 12, 2005, Harbor Freight had 217 stores—with Mansfield, OH as the most recently opened location at the time.

Kimberly | Sales Manager

Kimberly joined Harbor Freight 20 years ago at our Lynchburg, VA store. She began as a Full-Time Pricing Coordinator before transitioning to a Part-Time Sales Associate to spend more time with her children. She later grew into roles as Head Cashier, Sales Supervisor, and ultimately Sales Manager—all within the Lynchburg store she has proudly supported throughout her career.

What motivates you to stay at Harbor Freight?
“I have always worked with a great team. We spend so much time together—they are my family. Harbor Freight believes in promoting from within, and I have seen so many people get promoted from within this store. This is a great company to work for, they put family first, care about their employees, and offer great benefits.”

Fun Fact: On Kimberly’s first day, January 30, 2006, Harbor Freight had 222 stores—with Muncie, IN as the most recently opened location at the time.

James “Jimbo” | Maintenance Supervisor

James—better known as Jimbo—joined Harbor Freight nearly 30 years ago as a temporary Associate in our Camarillo, CA warehouse. At the time, he worked another job during the day and unloaded trucks during our night shift. He was later offered a driver position and eventually promoted to Supervisor.

In 1997, he joined our Maintenance team, where he found his long-term career home. Jimbo played a key role in opening our Dillon, SC Distribution Center—then 500,000 square feet. After the site was established, he returned to California to support our warehouse operations.

In 2019, Jimbo transferred back to Dillon, SC permanently to be closer to family. Today, the Distribution Center has expanded to 2 million square feet, and he continues to be a critical part of the team.

What motivates you to stay at Harbor Freight?
“The people with whom I work are what has motivated me to stay with Harbor Freight. I enjoy acting as a mentor for those with less experience than me. We have some quality people who can become Technicians working for us. It is a pleasure to help them with their development. On the other hand, I have worked for and with some really intelligent people. Several of them have offered me advice or encouragement. Working for a company with our explosive growth allows good people to get ahead. Being a part of that continues to be fun. The work-life balance is great.”

Fun Fact: On Jimbo’s first day, July 3, 1996, Harbor Freight had 29 stores—with Montclair, CA as the most recently opened location at the time.

Sandra | IT Business Analyst

Meet Sandra, one of our long-standing Associates who just celebrated 36 years at
Harbor Freight.

“What initially attracted me to Harbor Freight was the opportunity it offered at the time
when I was just graduating high school and looking for a real career path. I wanted to
find a company where I could learn, grow, and build a future, not just take a temporary
job.”

Sandra began her journey in our Call Center, taking phone orders and supporting
customers. After 13 years, she transitioned to our Java Development team as a
Business Analyst. For the next 21 years, she partnered with developers and cross-functional
teams to improve systems, troubleshoot complex issues, and enhance the
tools used across Harbor Freight.

In 2024, she moved to our Corporate Apps team, where she now supports new applications, integrations, and process enhancements.

Fun Fact: On Sandra’s first day, January 9, 1990, Harbor Freight had 9 stores—with Escondido, CA as the most recently opened location at the time.