Two Decades for Harden Automotive

When Paul and Sonia Fredericks first made the move to Harden in May 2001 from Wagga Wagga for the more relaxed country lifestyle and to start an automotive business, they never imagined it would go on for two decades.

Children Chris and Molly were only three-and-a-half years old and seven months respectively, and the move was to be closer to family as Paul’s parents and brother lived in town, as well as Sonia’s parents living in Cootamundra.

On July 2, 2001, Harden Automotive commenced trading in the end bay of a shed and this was shared with Brown’s Transport Services.

That same year was also the start of the Millennium Drought and Sonia said it was “very daunting” to start their business then.

However, the business took off so well that the Fredericks realised the need to expand so they started planning to build their own premises in 2003.

The existing space today was built with the assistance of friends and family and commenced operations after Easter in 2004.

“Business has progressed since then and just got bigger. Our clientele grew and today we have a lot of loyal customers, so it has always been busy,” Sonia said.

Sonia added that in the early years when the commercial industry in town was buzzing such as the abattoirs and the railway, there was a large presence in the Twin Towns and this provided Harden Automotive a number of vehicles to service.

“On most Friday’s our yard was full of ARTC vehicles sent for servicing or repairs. We serviced a number of vehicles for the abattoirs employees too,” she recalled.

“It was a huge loss to the town when both those industries ceased to operate in Harden.”

Along the years Harden Automotive have assisted many with their broken down vehicles eiither in town or just outside of town.

One instance a truck driver broke down between Harden and Wallendbeen and decided to walk into town, until he was spotted on the main street by Sonia.

Paul then manufactured the part the truckie needed and Sonia drove him back to his truck to fit it himself, before he continued on his journey.

“We have been so lucky that we have such huge support from the community,” Sonia said.

“To run a business like this you do need loyalty and support and we certainly have that. The trust that you build up with your customers, helps get you through those years.”

Paul has over 33 years of experience in the automotive industry which means the community is dealing with someone who knows the ins and outs of the trade.

Paul initially operated the workshop by himself and then with the assistance of Todd Manwaring for a decade.

Todd started work experience with the Harden workshop at 15 years of age while still at school, and during his apprenticeship won many accolades including voted by the State Training as the Best Automotive Apprentice in NSW.

Tyson Ings is currently training with Harden Automotive as a third-year apprentice, he completes a lot of servicing and is shaping up to be quite a capable mechanic.

Sonia runs the office and oversees all the bookings, spare parts, phone enquiries, and her role even includes handling customer pick-ups and drop-offs as Harden Automotive offers complimentary delivery around town.

A word-of-mouth system at Harden Automotive is also what drives customers in as the business does not advertise much.

Most clients are from the townships of Harden, Young, Cootamudnra, Boorowa, and Yass.

“We have had many memorable times with our customers, we really could write a book,” Sonia said.

“When you stop and look back it only feels like yesterday we started our journey. To be still going in 20 years’ time, we never thought we’d be doing this for that long initially.

“Where we are today and still trading after two decades, we are so grateful and thankful to the community of Harden and surrounds that have supported continue to support us.”

Paul and Sonia’s son Chris is today doing well in a career in real estate in Canberra and is well known in the Harden community playing football for both Harden and Cootamundra.

Daughter Molly works in Cootamundra for the Elouera special needs school and is currently playing rugby union for the She Devils, having previously played for the Hawkettes.

Harden Automotive offers a full range of mechanical services from your rego checks and services to engine, gearbox & differential rebuilds, exhaust system manufacturing, wheel alignments, and light and heavy vehicle inspections.

Open five days a week from 8.30am – 5pm, although many know that Paul is always in early to the workshop and late to leave it.

Christopher Tan