Driving Force

A major member of West Ashley’s motor mile has put his money where his heart is.
For the past 25 years, Tommy Baker has operated some of the most successful car lots and dealership along Savannah Highway. Over that time, Baker’s name has become synonymous for some with the word “luxury.”
The award-winning Baker Motor Company owns and operates dealerships throughout the Charleston area. In West Ashley, it has a joint dealership combining Mercedes, Range Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, Maserati, Sprinter, and the tiny smart car sales and service lines.
Now, Baker is giving back in a way that comforts his employees. Two weeks ago, Baker announced that his company has begun annually giving $2,500 college scholarships to two employees’ family members.
The scholarship goes to reduce the impact of costly tuition for higher education, including four-year colleges, community colleges and the like. Baker put no requirement on what they study.
The first two recipients, announced last week, are Kyle Wicks, who attends Bishop England, and Shavonna Simmons. Wicks’ father is a sales consultant for Baker, while Simmons’ husband works as a collision center technician.
Jim Wicks said he was especially grateful for his son’s scholarship in light of how expensive college tuition has become. “[Mr. Baker] doesn’t have to do this, but he does.”
Wicks’ son will attend Clemson in the fall, and will study engineering.
Simmons has already made a down payment on her education. Working two jobs in the medical field to prepare her, the mother of four plans to attend nursing school.
“Mr. Tommy Baker, you have touched my life more than you know,” enthused Mrs. Simmons. “And I will never forget it.”