CEO finds the right human capital in a competitive COVID marketplace
Akil Sharp was a football running back for Princeton University. Today Akil is running Harcoza, Inc., a small business that helps big businesses expand into new territories. Mr. Sharp does it by training and mentoring a high-quality sales team. But in a COVID marketplace, this CEO was finding it difficult to attract the best sales reps for his clients—and his corporate vision.
“Initially, I registered as a client to get advice on hiring full-time employees versus subcontracting,” says Mr. Sharp. “What I found was something more; I found someone I could talk to about any business matter on my mind.”
In May 2021, Akil Sharp started meeting with Doug Voegtle, a Program Specialist for the Illinois SBDC at College of DuPage. Since then they’ve work through multiple aspects of Harcoza’s business—from collaborating with marketing vendors on recruitment marketing, to improving video and website content, to reshaping the recruiting and interviewing process so that Mr. Sharp finds better qualified sales candidates.
“Even in a competitive COVID marketplace, I am now recruiting candidates I am excited about. I’ve put in play some different pay options that attract a better mix of candidates, and I’m putting together great website content,” says Mr. Sharp. “I am executing and accomplishing my sales goals, all while watching my team grow. That’s the biggest reward.”
“Akil really knows his business WHY—to set a good example for young people and to give back,” says advisor Doug Voegtle. “That’s what separates both him and his company from the pack.”
Harcoza, Inc., is a 100% minority-owned business led by CEO Akil Sharp, an entrepreneur that not only trains young adults, but mentors and encourages employees to get the most out of life and business.
Contact Information
Business Development Center
535 Duane Street, Office 233
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
(630) 942-2600
Email: bdc@cod.edu
Regular Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Map and Directions