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In this episode of The Diesel Stories podcast, host Peter Cooper interviews Bobby and Bob Chambers from Liberty Fleet Solutions, a multigenerational diesel repair shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The father-son duo shares their 35-year journey, starting from Bob's forced entry into business after construction company layoffs in the 1980s. They discuss their evolution from heavy equipment repair to specializing in fire trucks and EMS vehicles, driven by market changes and the 2008 emissions crisis that affected the truck industry. The conversation covers key business topics including employee hiring strategies using personality assessments, the challenges of running a second shift operation, and the importance of owning real estate as a long-term investment strategy. They emphasize the value of building relationships before needing them, particularly in securing owner-financed real estate deals. The Chambers also share insights on creating meaningful work environments, especially how working on critical emergency vehicles motivates their technicians. Their story demonstrates the importance of adapting to market changes, maintaining strong company culture, and viewing the business as a means to build lasting wealth through real estate ownership.
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In this episode of The Diesel Stories podcast, host Peter Cooper interviews Bobby and Bob Chambers from Liberty Fleet Solutions, a multigenerational diesel repair shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The father-son duo shares their 35-year journey, starting from Bob's forced entry into business after construction company layoffs in the 1980s. They discuss their evolution from heavy equipment repair to specializing in fire trucks and EMS vehicles, driven by market changes and the 2008 emissions crisis that affected the truck industry. The conversation covers key business topics including employee hiring strategies using personality assessments, the challenges of running a second shift operation, and the importance of owning real estate as a long-term investment strategy. They emphasize the value of building relationships before needing them, particularly in securing owner-financed real estate deals. The Chambers also share insights on creating meaningful work environments, especially how working on critical emergency vehicles motivates their technicians. Their story demonstrates the importance of adapting to market changes, maintaining strong company culture, and viewing the business as a means to build lasting wealth through real estate ownership.