Early Life
Herbert G. Chambers was born on November 24, 1941, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood, the son of a commercial artist and a homemaker. At a young age, Chambers displayed a strong work ethic, working at a Stop & Shop supermarket at the age of 13. He attended English High School of Boston, but dropped out in his senior year. In 1959, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an aviation electrician.
Rise to Success
After his military service, Chambers worked as a copy machine repairman. Recognizing an opportunity, he started his own copier distribution company, A-Copy America, with funds borrowed from his parents. He built A-Copy America into the largest independent office equipment dealer in the U.S. and sold it in 1983 to Alco Standard Corporation for $80 million. Chambers then entered the automotive industry in 1985, acquiring an Oldsmobile-Cadillac dealership in New London, Connecticut. He aimed to improve the car-buying experience, which led to the growth of The Herb Chambers Companies.
Key Business Strategies
Chambers focused on exceptional customer service, implementing 'no-haggle pricing' and reducing sales pressure, which set his dealerships apart. He acquired franchises for various automotive brands, expanding his business significantly. By 2025, The Herb Chambers Companies included 60 dealerships throughout New England. In February 2025, Chambers sold the company to Asbury Automotive Group for $1.34 billion.
Philanthropy
Chambers is known for his philanthropy. He has supported numerous causes, including the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Jimmy Fund. In December 2024, he made a $100 million donation to Massachusetts General Hospital to fund a new building focused on cancer care.
