Anthony Dinardi, Service Director at Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz of Boston, did just that 22 years ago. Ready to work hard and do what it takes to establish himself, Anthony started working as the “parts and delivery guy”. He admits to not having much experience at first. Nevertheless, whenever possible he found himself “hanging” with the Porsche techs, as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche shared a building at that time. They were the ones to “show him the ropes”. Anthony recalls that they were very receptive to his curiosity, and he liked that he could “take things apart.” Fortunately for the rest of us, he learned to put things back together as well.
Recently, we asked Anthony to share his advice and experiences with being part of a leading Herb Chambers dealership. A reserved gentleman who likes to stay under the radar and lead by example, we were able to garner a bit of insight into how a parts and delivery person, turned roadside tech, now finds himself directing a 60+ group of talented service and master technicians every day.
Q: We all want to get to know you a little better. What can you tell us?
A: My name is Anthony Dinardi. I am the Service Director at Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz of Boston. I have been working here for 22 years. I grew up 11 miles north of here. I am from Stoneham where I currently still live with my wife of 17 years and my 4 children.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to work in the automotive industry?
A: No not really. I purchased my first car and a friend at a local repair shop let me come in and tinker with it in the garage. I liked getting my hands dirty. Later my uncle who worked as a limo driver for Mercedes-Benz of Boston told me about an opportunity here at the dealership. Back then, I took all the hours they would give me. I would come in during the afternoons and pull the orders for parts and delivery. Once I finished that up, I would sneak into the garage and just start asking all kinds of questions. I started coming back at night to install CD players and speakers, those features didn’t come built in the cars in the 90’s.
Q: Did you go to a technician school?
A: Yes. I went to Benjamin Franklin Institute. A few of the techs here attended BFIT and so I enrolled. I have a degree in Automotive Technology.
Q: When a prospective technician comes in for an interview what do you tell them about how to be successful at a Herb Chambers dealership?
A: I tell them that it’s not about being the loudest. You get the recognition by fixing the cars properly. It’s what you do, not what you say.
