MADA is pleased to recognize MADA board vice president, Mark Snethkamp Sr., and the entire Snethkamp Automotive family on a milestone that stands alone in our industry: 100 years as a Chrysler dealer.
It began in 1919, when Ed Snethkamp Sr. started selling used cars in the city of Detroit. In 1926, shortly after Chrysler Corp was formed, Ed stepped up to become the very first Chrysler dealer in Detroit.
Throughout four generations, the Snethkamps remain active as business leaders, community partners, and advocates for the retail auto industry. Even during World War II, when showrooms went dark across the country, the business stayed open, converting its space into a machine shop to support the war effort.
Bill Snethkamp Sr. continued what his father had built, becoming the youngest DADA president in history in 1949. Then, in 1979, with Chrysler on the edge of collapse, Bill Sr. joined a delegation of auto dealers who traveled to Washington to make the case to President Carter: without the lifeline of government loan guarantees, not only would Chrysler Corp fail, but with it, thousands of dealerships and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The third generation brought brothers Bill Snethkamp Jr. and Mark Snethkamp Sr. into the family business. Bill Jr. led MADA as president in 1994, and Mark followed in his father’s footsteps by taking the helm at DADA in 2000, continuing a family tradition of stepping up to lead. Mark Sr. has since spent the past 15 years leading the Southeast Michigan Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Dealers Association, and today brings that same leadership to MADA as our vice president. With Mark Snethkamp Jr. now working at the dealership, the fourth generation is already finding its footing in the family business.
Beyond just business, the Snethkamps have given back generously. Youth sports teams, local nonprofits, and community events have long counted on Snethkamp Automotive’s support. Since 2020, their Food Drive Challenge has raised more than $350,000 and delivered over two million meals to families across the region.
MADA sends our congratulations to the entire Snethkamp family on this historic anniversary. MADA is proud and honored to have you leading alongside us.
