George “Chip” Doetsch, III., Apple Ford Lincoln

Chip Doetsch recognizes the value of a community college education in today’s economic environment. Compared to traditional four-year institutions, he sees community college as an affordable and accessible option for prospective students looking for a high-quality education for a fraction of the cost.

“Not only is community college extremely comparable to the first two years of a four-year college curriculum, but it is a lot better value for people economically. It represents a doorway to academic and career achievement at a reasonable price point but with very similar quality.”

As CEO/President of Apple Ford Lincoln and a member of the Columbia business community for over twenty years, Doetsch is highly invested in the success of both Howard Community College (HCC) and the local workforce.

"On a local level, Howard Community College is the institution of higher learning in our market, our primary city, and our town. HCC is currently developing the local labor force that's going to meet the market where it wants to be met.”

Over the years, he has been particularly impressed by HCC’s focus on workforce development, career readiness, and preparing students to enter an ever-changing job market.

“HCC seems to have a really good mechanism to look forward in the marketplace, see what professions are going to be needed as things evolve, and train for the future.”

Doetsch and the Apple Ford Lincoln team have made charitable donations across a variety of HCC programs from engineering to nursing. One of Doetsch’s favorite parts of being involved with the College is seeing the innovative projects and solutions brought to life by students.

“It's pretty gratifying to be a part of watching people from your own community tackle the issues that are going to be more national in scale over the next 10 to 15 years.”

Chip’s family legacy of giving goes back to when his father George Doetsch, Jr. opened Apple Ford in 1994 and subsequently began supporting the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF). George was the pioneer of the company and felt strongly about supporting education, especially at the community college in his town.

Over the years, George and the Doetsch family team have supported scholarships for healthcare, business, engineering, and sponsored events. George was also proud to host HCCEF’s signature fundraiser, the Columbia Classic Grand Prix, on his farm for a number of years.

Like his father before him, Chip Doetsch feels a strong responsibility to share his success by giving back to the students and community he loves.

“When you do well, part of the responsibility that comes with doing well is giving back. When you achieve success, it is important to bring that back to the community you serve as strength builds upon strength.”

He encourages other local business community members to consider investing in creating new opportunities, particularly in education.

“Education is an accelerant for people who want to learn and to achieve bigger and better things. When you encourage a broad base of your community to engage in education, it ends up being a self-fulfilling cycle where the result is a better labor force and better qualified candidates.”

His final words of advice to fellow philanthropists?

“Do the right thing, build a good labor force, and give people a chance.”