Harding ’ s Friendly Market ( Harding ’ s ), founded in 1944 by Mel Harding , is celebrating 80 years in business . The group operates an independent chain of 28 stores across southwest Michigan and northern Indiana , focusing on a customer and community centered approach . Company President Tim Harding explains how this strategy has continued to find success throughout the business ’ history : “ The families and individuals who own stores are residents of those communities , and always have been . Many of the managers have been internally promoted , and so already have an in-depth understanding of not only the different roles within the store , but also of the local community .”