Ward's Dealer of the Year Clarifies Comments

I was honored to be named 2003 Dealer of the Year by Ward's Dealer Business. To receive this recognition is not only a personal honor but a reflection of the professionalism and hard work of everyone at The Herb Chambers Companies.

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of the comments made in the article entitled, “Chambers of Commerce” in the July issue that do not accurately reflect my philosophy or the philosophy of The Herb Chambers Companies.

In the article, one of my employees is quoted as saying, “We'll kill ‘em,” in response to a question about heightened competition from a Rhode Island-based automotive group. This is absolutely not my attitude with regard to my competition. Although I am fiercely competitive, I have the utmost respect for my competitors, as do all of my employees.

Competition is what fuels the drive to constantly grow and improve. In New England, our company competes on a daily basis against other outstanding auto dealers. This competition only serves to raise the bar when it comes to performance.

The article also states that one of my sayings is, “We have to improve dramatically just to be able to suck.” I have never used such a crude phrase, nor would I condone any of my employees using it. Moreover, the quote implies that I am overly demanding of my staff, and never satisfied with their results. Nothing could be further from the truth. It goes without saying that a company is only as good as the people who make it work, day in and day out. The Herb Chambers Companies is fortunate to have a staff of tremendously talented people who take their jobs seriously and strive to get results.

Again, thank you for this great honor.
Herb Chambers
The Herb Chambers Companies
Somerville, MA