In 1898, J. Dallas Dort took a two-year leave of absence from his position as president of Durant-Dort, and Hardy stepped into his place.

[1] After Dort's return in 1900, Hardy took his own leave of absence, and while touring Europe discovered the automobile.

On his return, he supposedly told Durant to "get out of the carriage business before the automobile ruins you.

"[1] Although Durant didn't act at the time, Hardy struck out on his own and established Flint's first automotive manufacturer, in 1901.

[1] Hardy returned to Durant-Dort and wound up as vice-president of General Motors until his retirement in 1925.