Charles Barker stands as a prominent figure in the Virginia Beach automotive industry, boasting over 40 years of experience not only in automobiles but also across various business ventures and community leadership roles. For Charles Barker, “good corporate citizenship” isn’t just a concept; it’s a core principle that drives his companies. He emphasizes, “good corporate citizenship is an important goal in my companies because we believe in giving back to the community.” This philosophy is deeply ingrained in his operations as he continuously seeks to enhance Hampton Roads, with a particular focus on its young people. Through his foundation, Champions for Kids, Barker has contributed over three million dollars in the past 21 years, significantly benefiting numerous youth programs throughout Hampton Roads. To learn more, contribute, or sponsor a Champions for Kids event, you can visit our website or contact Teresa Reyes at 757.499.3771 ext. 2323.
Decades of Automotive Expertise in Virginia Beach
Charles Barker’s commitment to both his profession and the Virginia Beach community has garnered him significant recognition throughout his career. His achievements are extensive, marking him as a leader in the automotive sector. Notably, Newsweek Magazine honored him as a Top Dealer of the Year in 2004, and in 2005, Time Magazine presented him with the Quality Dealer Award (TMQDA) for Virginia. These accolades reflect his unwavering dedication to outstanding business practices, active involvement in industry matters, and exceptional community service. Further demonstrating his support for local initiatives, Charles Barker has been a long-time vehicle provider for the Old Dominion University Athletics Department and the Virginia Wesleyan College Athletics Department for 35 years, fostering local sports and education.
Investing in Future Generations: The Charles Barker Automotive Scholarship
Among his many accomplishments, Charles Barker takes particular pride in establishing the Charles Barker Automotive Scholarship. This program specifically supports college-bound students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Each school year, two students from each participating high school are selected monthly based primarily on their volunteer work and community service contributions. Each recipient is awarded a $500 scholarship and becomes eligible to compete for one of two additional $3,750 scholarships at the end of the academic year. To participate, students submit an essay detailing the significance of community giveback and their personal efforts to help others. Winners are recognized in the local newspaper, with their photos and future universities highlighted, and copies are provided to both the students and their respective schools.
The participating high schools include:
- Bayside High School
- Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
- Cape Henry Collegiate School
- Cox High School
- First Colonial High School
- Green Run High School
- Kellam High School
- Kempsville High School
- Landstown High School
- Ocean Lakes High School
- Princess Anne High School
- Salem High School
- Tallwood High School
[View the 2014-2015 Scholarship Recipients.]
Charles Barker frequently mentions that the letters and calls of gratitude he has received since initiating the scholarship program represent some of the most rewarding moments of his distinguished career. His dedication to the Virginia Beach community through initiatives like the scholarship program and Champions for Kids underscores his lasting positive impact beyond the automotive industry.
