Our Story
The Haraden family and the community that shaped it, from Mohawk Auto Sales Corp. in 1919 to the Foundation today.
1919
Joseph A. Haraden sees the horseless carriage come to town and forms Mohawk Auto Sales Corp.
1971
American Honda appoints Mohawk Chevrolet as a Honda dealer
Four generations and counting
Joseph A., Joseph B., Jeff and Steve, and the next generation
Joseph A. Haraden, Founder
Joseph A. Haraden was born in Gouldsboro, Maine. He was educated in Boston and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering. His boyhood ambition was to be an electrical engineer.
He came to Schenectady in 1908 and joined General Electric as a commercial engineer in the meter department. In 1919 he left GE, saw the horseless carriage come to town and formed Mohawk Auto Sales Corp. As president of Mohawk Chevrolet Co., Inc., he became the Chevrolet dealer for Schenectady County, selling from 738-742 State Street.
He was just as committed to his city. He was a member of the Masons, the Shrine, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. He served as a director of the Schenectady Trust Co., the Morris Plan Bank and the Schenectady Automobile Dealers Association, and as vice president of the Schenectady Automobile Club. He loved golf, fishing and hunting, and served on the board of the Mohawk Golf Club.
Joseph B. Haraden, Second Generation
Joseph B. Haraden carried his father’s business into its second generation. Under the family’s leadership, Mohawk Chevrolet grew beyond one brand. On September 9, 1971, American Honda appointed Mohawk Chevrolet Company, 740 State Street, as a dealer for the Honda AN600 sedan. Honda has been part of the family business ever since.
Jeff and Steve Haraden, Third Generation
Brothers Jeff and Steve Haraden took over from their father and lead the family business today as Mohawk Auto Group, home of Mohawk Honda. In 2019 the family celebrated the business’s 100th anniversary with Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. Today the fourth generation, including Lindsey, Dylan, Tyler and Sam, works alongside them in the family’s dealerships. Through the Haraden Family Foundation, Jeff, Steve and the next generation of the family continue the founder’s tradition of service to Schenectady and the Capital Region.
In their own words
“We would rather make a difference in the community than spend it in advertising that is a flash in the pan.”
Jeff Haraden
Why the family gives back. Without the community, the dealership could not do what it does.
“Community service has been a pillar of our business philosophy since my grandfather started this company.”
Jeff Haraden
From the April 2019 Clifton Park Neighbors cover story on the Haraden family and four generations of giving back.
Read the feature“…my favorite part of my current position is our community service project.”
Lindsey Haraden, Mohawk Honda
On Mohawk Honda’s 2019 centennial commitment to community service, Times Union, August 2019.
Read the profile“Watching these athletes compete has been such a joy.”
Jeff Haraden
On Mohawk Honda and Mohawk Chevrolet donating two vehicles to Special Olympics New York, March 2020.
Read the announcement“Everyone, no matter what age, should have access to swim lessons and water safety instruction.”
Kara Haraden
On her work as board president of the Capital Region Aquatic Center, Times Union, May 2022.
Read the profileHonda heritage and history
Milestones
1908
Joseph A. Haraden moves to Schenectady and joins General Electric as a commercial engineer
1919
Joseph A. Haraden leaves GE and forms Mohawk Auto Sales Corp.
Early years
Mohawk Auto Sales Corp. advertises a fully equipped Chevrolet for $525 at 738-742 State St.
Sept. 9, 1971
American Honda appoints Mohawk Chevrolet Company, 740 State Street, as a Honda dealer
Second generation
Joseph B. Haraden leads the business as the second generation
Third generation
Jeff and Steve Haraden take over from their father as the third generation
2019
Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh joins the family to mark Mohawk Honda’s 100th anniversary
1st annual
The first Haraden Family Foundation Golf Tournament
June 4, 2025
Golf Tournament at the Edison Club, with a van presented to Living Resources
Feb. 1, 2026
1st annual Pickleball Tournament at True Pickleball Club, Latham, for Special Olympics New York
Mar. 31, 2026
Check presented to Special Olympics New York
June 4, 2026
7th annual Golf Tournament at the Edison Club; two Honda Odysseys donated to CAPTAIN Community Human Services and The Charlton School
