The company was founded in 1978 by Bob Haro. Haro started out producing numberplates for BMX bikes in his Home. Demand for these stylish plates quickly outgrew his one man capacity. Haro Designs, the first name of the company, was formed in 1980 with headquarters in Torrance, California.
While the company was growing, Haro was also growing the sport of freestyle BMX. Bob travelled around the country performing demos of radical trick riding that had not been seen anywhere before. As a result, Haro earned the title "The Father of Freestyle". During the early eighties, the company grew rapidly by expanding its product line and establishing national and international distribution. The BMX boom was in full swing and the company built a reputation for developing innovative, top-of-the-line BMX and freestyle bikes and accessories.