Herbert G. Chambers (born 1941) is an American businessman and the president and CEO of The Herb Chambers Companies, a large automotive dealership group based in New England. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the United States automotive retail industry.
Early Life and Career
Chambers was born in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. After serving in the United States Navy as an aviation electrician, he began his professional career in the office equipment industry. In 1965, he founded A-Copy America, a copy machine company based in Hartford, Connecticut. Under his leadership, the business expanded to become a major distributor of Minolta and Xerox equipment. In 1983, Chambers sold the company to Alco Standard Corporation for approximately $80 million.
The Herb Chambers Companies
Chambers entered the automotive industry in 1985 after purchasing an Oldsmobile-Cadillac dealership in New London, Connecticut. He subsequently expanded his operations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His business model focused on consolidating various luxury and volume brands under a single corporate umbrella, emphasizing customer service and standardized branding.
The Herb Chambers Companies has grown to become one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States. As of the early 21st century, the organization operates over 60 dealerships representing a wide range of manufacturers, including high-end brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ferrari, as well as high-volume brands like Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
Business Influence and Recognition
The company is frequently cited in industry publications such as Automotive News as one of the top-performing dealership groups in the country based on sales volume and revenue. Chambers himself has been recognized for his contributions to the regional economy and his involvement in various philanthropic initiatives in the Greater Boston area.
Collection
Chambers is also known for being a collector of rare and exotic automobiles. His personal collection includes significant historical and modern vehicles, which are occasionally displayed at automotive events and concours d'elegance.