MEET AN ELITE

Daniel Bell

CAMFS Mobile Diesel Technician and Superhuman

Standing at 6 feet and 2 inches and deadlifting over 850lbs, superhuman is a perfectly accurate way to describe Daniel Bell. He’s formidable at both diagnosing mechanical problems and powerlifting at the gym.

The superhuman strength of Daniel Bell.

What started as a hobby and a way to test his strength quickly developed into a lucrative revenue stream with cash prizes in competition wins, endorsement deals, and monetizing his influencer status. In addition, Bell holds the world record for a combined lift (squat, bench press, and deadlift) of 2,607lbs.

But before he broke records, Bell was first and foremost a mobile mechanic—some may say it was in his DNA.

Squats: 1,113 lbs

Bench presses: 606 lbs

Deadlift: 859 lbs

Combined lift: 2,607 lbs

Instagram: 70,700 followers

Tell us about your background—what started your interest in this career?

“My great-grandfather started a trucking company in Illinois in 1934. It kind of just fell down the family,” Bell recalls. Fast forward a few generations, “when they needed help, I was there and it’s something I’ve always done.”

With his formidable size, Bell was a natural football player but life as a mechanic just fit perfectly into his life. “Its been second nature,” he says “After Friday night games, I’d be getting ready for Saturday to go grease trucks all day.”

After high school, Bell went on to college to follow the generational passion of his family—trucks. Big diesel trucks. “These hands are too big for little cars,” he jokes. Fueled by his “love of the chase” when diagnosing mechanical problems, Bell finds that each work order is a new opportunity to put his mind to the test. But that doesn’t mean it’s just about fixing trucks.

What is your greatest strength?

Bell’s belief in doing every job right fueled his successful 17 years (so far) as a diesel technician. But, despite all of his physical strengths, he says that his greatest strength as a technician comes from accountability. “I’ve always held myself accountable; it’s just something any mechanic should aspire to do,” he says.

Do not be fooled; Bell admits that, at times, the job can be frustrating, but his work in the weight room keeps things in perspective. “You can get mad about a weight all you want, but it’s still just going to be the same weight,” Bell explains.

Cussing out a truck or throwing a wrench doesn’t make the job easier. It’s about patience.”

What do you think makes Cox Automotive a great place to work?

While weightlifting and being a mobile mechanic leave Bell with a lot of solo time, he notes the camaraderie of Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services as one of his favorite aspects of the job. Some companies may view their mechanics as just another number; Bell says, “I have somebody who is always trying to help me succeed. When a company shows they care about you, it’s an easy decision to stay.” Much like he strives to progress in the gym, Bell teases that he’s also looking forward to continued growth in his career.

“I’m looking forward to branching into the management side,” he says, “The more I can share my trials and tribulations with the next techs coming up and help them find success, that’s more gratifying than any number I put up on a platform.”

Tell us a bit more about life outside of work—hobbies you enjoy, family, etc.

Outside of work and the gym, Bell is a dedicated husband who admits that he tackles honey-do lists from his wife just like anyone else. “It’s nice that a company like Cox understands the importance of family. I love that they support us getting our work done and then getting back home.”

I want to be a better person every day,” he comments, “I do that with my job. I do that with my career. I do that with my life period.”

How would you define superhuman?

It’s easy to assume that Bell’s physical strength is what defines his superhuman power. If you look and listen and little closer, you will see that his true power is determination. “I want to be a better person every day,” he comments, “I do that with my job. I do that with my career. I do that with my life period.”

Whether you’re lifting world-record numbers or tightening the final bolt to get a truck back on the road, be better than the person you were yesterday. That is truly superhuman.

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