Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Chambers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a 3rd generation entrepreneur. My father taught me how to turn a trade into a business. After high school, I decided to go straight into the marketplace and forego college. I worked with my father in the hardwood flooring industry. However, after working with him for 4 years I decided to go to college. I desired to increase my business acumen, therefore, I studied and received a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, I launched my business, Chambers Brothers Flooring Company. Based on what my father taught me I knew that my business could thrive in Atlanta. Along the way, I trained many people from various backgrounds and eventually expanded my business to Nassau, Bahamas. Eventually, I understood that this was more than just a business, it was a ministry. I thought that I was just restoring floors, however, I was helping to restore lives. The individuals that I trained were inspired, I gave them a new lease on life, another opportunity. I understood that part of our responsibility here on earth is to teach someone else what we learned to empower them. In 2000 I found my wife Lekita while vacationing in Nassau, Bahamas. I met her at a wedding, I caught the garter and she caught the bouquet, true story! Two years later we got married and I brought her back to Atlanta to live. I taught her the hardwood flooring business and now she can run it better than I can. She is the greatest asset that I could have ever attained. In 2016 we partnered together and changed the name of the business to Chambers Brothers International, LLC (CBI). We have two sons together, David age 17, and Matthew age 13, and we have taught them the business as well. They are in succession to continue the legacy and become the fourth generation of the Chambers Brothers conducting business together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many obstacles and challenges associated with running CBI, however, I embrace them as opportunities for growth. One of the greatest obstacles that I faced while building my business was the process of transferring my passion, work ethic, and professionalism to everyone/anyone who worked with me. I remember Michael Jordan said that it would be difficult for him to coach basketball because of the way he viewed the game. It would be unfair to place those expectations on his players. I understand his perspective completely. I’m still working on the formula that will transfer my passion to everyone on my team. Nevertheless, these challenges build character and provide a greater opportunity for gratitude. Entrepreneurship, obstacles, and challenges are interconnected. You can’t have one without the others. Additionally, finding a work/life balance has been difficult. Anyone who has run a business understands that it can be similar to a 24-hour job. However, you must make time for family, yourself, and rest. If not, you will eventually burn out, and that is counterproductive toward aspirations for success and longevity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chambers Brothers International, LLC?
In 1985 my father quit his truck driver job and started a hardwood flooring business. I was 10 years old at the time and didn’t realize how much his decision would impact my life. He basically turned a trade that he learned from his stepfather into a business. He taught me and my younger brother the business. In 1999 after graduating from college I launched out into the deep and started a separate flooring company named Chambers Brothers Flooring Company in lieu of my brother and me. The company specializes in hardwood floor installation, sanding, and refinishing. It’s a specialty trade that adds elegance and embellishes any home, restaurant, gymnasium, office, etc. with the beauty of natural wood and other materials. Providing the service is hard work, however, once the job is done it is so satisfying to observe the finished product! One of the attributes that set us apart from other flooring companies is our purpose. It is our mission to provide customized flooring services to our clients while empowering and inspiring our team members. Over the past 23 years, we have trained countless young men often in underserved communities. We have given them an opportunity to learn a trade that can sustain them in life! That is what we are most proud of, and that is what we continue to strive for. In 2022 I attained another degree in Religious Studies to fulfill a call to minister. Plans are underway in establishing a non-profit organization that further empowers individuals with the resources needed to live a more productive and fulfilling lifestyle. I desire to use the experiences gained from running this company to teach, inspire, and equip the present and future generations.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 Crisis created countless challenges, however, it presented many opportunities also. Due to the face-to-face restrictions and isolation imposed by the government, I had more time to spend with family. I also had more time to develop business concepts and consider different ways to conduct business. All crisis has a way of magnifying priorities, unlike comfortability. During the Covid-19 Crisis saving lives was the priority. If saving lives during a crisis is the priority then preserving lives during times of normalcy should be the objective. Short periods of isolation are necessary for this busy life. This is the most important lesson learned from the Covid-19 Crisis. Rest and sabbaticals are necessary if we desire to live a more productive, successful, and abundant life.
Pricing:
- Cheaper isn’t always better!
- You typically get what you pay for!
- Since the Covid-19 Crisis the standard of living has increased; thus, the cost of doing business has increased.
- Every job is different, therefore, pricing must be done based on the specifications of that particular job.
- If the price seems to good to be true it most likely is.
Contact Info:
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Phone: 404-925-0507
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Mailing Address: Chambers Brothers International, LLCP.O. Box 11310Atlanta, GA 30310
Image Credits
Randy Chambers
