Ozarks Profile: John Harp

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Tell us about your company.|ret||ret||tab|

Acme Brick just celebrated its 111th birthday, having been started in 1891 in Millsap, Texas. We are the largest American-owned brick company in the United States. Acme currently owns 25 brick plants in a six-state, Midwest market. Annual production capacity has exceeded 1 billion bricks. We direct-market brick, floor and wall tile, cast stone, structural glazed tile and masonry materials to contractors, masons, home builders and the general public. I joined Acme in 1981 as a market trainee and soon thereafter assumed a field territory in sales before taking my current position in 1983 as the architectural representative. I enjoy selling brick, meeting new people and working with the many professional people in the trade. |ret||ret||tab|

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What challenges do you face in your work?|ret||ret||tab|

The past few years we have experienced a brick shortage because of the new construction surge, which has provided a challenge to keep a steady supply of product available for our clients. Acme has purchased additional plants and has built a new one to produce hand-molded brick that has greatly increased our available supply so, hopefully, the shortages will be a thing of the past. Current brick availability is exceptional.|ret||ret||tab|

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How did you come to be involved with the HBA?|ret||ret||tab|

I became associated with the HBA in 1983, serving on the Home Show and associates' council committees. I later joined the board of directors as an associate member in 1990 and just completed my 12th year. I was given the great honor of being elected a Lifetime Board Member in 2000, which means the board is stuck with me until I retire or my services are no longer needed. I have served on numerous committees for the HBA, and was proud to accept the Associate of the Year Award in 1992.|ret||ret||tab|

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Tell us about the HBA Home Show.|ret||ret||tab|

The Home Show will celebrate its 23rd year with the 2003 show. My committee does a great job each year, with last year's show exceeding all previous records in both attendance and exhibitor participation. This year's show promises to be bigger and better.|ret||ret||tab|

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Tell us about your family.|ret||ret||tab|

My wife, Janet, and I have three daughters: Jennifer, Jessica, and Tesla, along with one son, David. We both have been in Springfield since 1978, having met while attending Southwest Missouri State University. Janet and I are master foster parents for Greene County and have taken placements for the past 12 years. Last count had us with just more than 100 children in our home during that period. We have adopted two during that time and are in the process of adopting our third. Our work with children and the community includes providing a yearly Christmas party for foster children and their families. I received Springfield's "Humanitarian of the Year Award" in 1998 for our work with children. I serve on the Council of Churches "Families for Children" advisory board.|ret||ret||tab|

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What are your hobbies and spare-time interests?|ret||ret||tab|

My hobby has always been restoring mid-1960s Corvettes and taking them to judging events. I belong to the National Corvette Restoration Society and just completed a 1967 coupe. Every nut and bolt was replaced during a restoration that took approximately three years to complete. My wife wishes I would find a less expensive hobby.|ret||ret||tab|

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