News & Community
Kent Chaplin
Giving goes to overtime!
There's a reason why Kent Chaplin reached out to an 18-year-old Russian hockey
player and gave him the security and love of a family he left behind in Moscow.
There's a reason why Kent and his wife Barb have given several physically disabled
and emotionally needy children the camping experience of a lifetime - at no
cost to their parents.
And there's a reason why Kent and his dealership team have said "Yes" to virtually
every one of the hundreds of Eastside charities, schools and organizations who've
come to them wanting to further the life and future of a child.
How can a man who was given so little in his formative years, grow up and discover
how to give so much and so freely to so many?
The reason has something to do with the sobering memories of his youth. "I grew
up in an alcoholic family in Worcester, Massachusetts," recalls Kent. "When the bills
came, and the bills couldn't be paid, we kept moving." The family finally settled in
Seattle, a number of changed addresses later, he graduated from Shorecrest High
School.
One reason young Kent Chaplin survived is that, when he was 20, he was friended
by Bill McCalmon Sr., the owner of Lynnwood Auto-Wrecking. McCalmon told
Kent, "I like you a lot. You work hard. Don't let anyone ever stop you from doing
what you want to do." He loaned Kent some money to get by, and when Kent prepared
a written promissory note, McCalmon scoffed. "You've given me your word," he told
Kent. "I trust you." Click here to read more...
Community Comes First
Kent and Barb Chaplin encourage all employees to get involved with community activities and volunteerism. You can generally spot "Team Chaplin's" members helping out at:
As leaders in the Western Washington business community the Chaplins lend a hand to develop and support organizations that contribute to the ideals that make the Pacific Northwest great - and diverse:
- Eastside Commercial Bank. As a founder and current board member, Kent strives to spur the Eastside economy offering local opportunities to small businesspeople.
- The Seattle Thunderbirds. As minority share owners of the Western Hockey League's Seattle Franchise, the Chaplins encourage young adults to develop as athletes through the sport of ice hockey, to reach their goals to play professionally, to further their academic education and to make a commitment to giving back to the community that supports them.
- Family Resources Northwest/Protect A Child Today. Kent serves as President on the board of this non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children by strengthening families through parent education.
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