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Abigail Kampmann, founder and chief executive officer of the Principle Auto Group, gave up her legal career 21 years ago to focus on working in the automotive industry in San Antonio, and she said that since then, she has never regretted that decision.
As for what it was like transitioning from being a lawyer to getting into auto dealership management, Kampmann said, “What I do now is actually a lot more challenging.
“I decided to close my law practice, and went to auto school through a yearlong NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) program in 2006. Then I literally started taking on a larger role in our company” she said. “In January 2009, I started in my first general manager job.”
Fast-forward to 2014, when she started Principle Auto Group, which now operates in Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi. It has BMW, MINI, Volvo, Hyundai, Infiniti, Volkswagen, and Toyota franchises.
“It’s amazing how many opportunities there are to grow,” Kampmann said. “I love this industry, as it gives me the opportunity to reach my goals.”
Here are her some of her views on what it has been like to have a career in the automotive industry in San Antonio:
Q.: What is your current role in the auto industry?
A.: I am the CEO of Principle Auto Group.
Principle Auto Group operates in Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi with the following dealerships: Principle BMW & MINI of San Antonio, Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio, Principle Hyundai Boerne, Principle Infiniti of Boerne, Principle Volkswagen Grapevine, Principle BMW of Corpus Christi, Principle Toyota of Hernando, and Principle Toyota in Memphis.
Q.: How long have you been working in the industry?
A.: 21 years
Q.: Why did you choose the auto industry?
A.: After practicing law for 10 years and being a partner at Cox & Smith for the last four years, I was asked by County Judge Nelson Wolff to run for the open probate judge position in Bexar County. After my husband said no to this elected job opportunity, my dad offered me an office and a secretary in his management space near the Quarry in exchange for some work in the auto industry so I left my law firm and started my own law office.
Q.: How did you get your first job in the industry?
A.: In 2002, my dad, who operated auto dealerships in two states, offered me an office and a secretary in return for doing some work in retail automotive. I started doing audits for his dealerships, where I learned about compliance, safety, hiring and HR policies.
Q.: Is your current job your first in the industry, or have you had other roles?
A.: No. Previously, I have been vice president in charge of compliance audits, HR, websites, customer relations management software, and marketing. I have also held the role of service manager and general manager for five years.
Q.: What’s your overall view so far of working in the auto industry? Is it what you imagined it to be?
A.: This industry provides great opportunities and careers for people. Having worked as an attorney for 13 years before this field, I had no idea that the auto industry could provide so many opportunities for individuals to develop both personally and professionally. Our associates can make a good living, allowing each person to provide for their family and others less fortunate in society.
Q.: What is the most-memorable moment you can recall from your time working in the auto industry?
A.: When one of our customers asked us to host her husband’s surprise birthday party at our dealership. His health was failing, and he loved our associate team. It was a great event and all the guests had fun.
Q.: Who has had the most influence on you as you developed your career in the automotive industry, and why?
A.: My father, Jack Guenther. He founded our car business in 1965. He stressed that education, work ethic and treating people with respect were key factors in getting the best of myself. He taught me that hiring and building a team is a quality every successful leader must have. I have never stopped learning from his wisdom.
Q.: What is your typical day like at work?
A.: My days vary, but every month I have the following meetings: 1. Business review of operations of each dealership; 2. HR hiring and development review for each dealership; 3. Meeting to review goals and provide guidance with each of my direct reports as follows: HR, IT, Compliance, Legal, Variable Operations and Marketing and Financial. I also teach several classes to our associates as part of our Principle University curriculum.
Every month I have meetings via my service on the Volvo Retailer Advisory Board, the San Antonio Automotive Association Board, the United Way of Bexar County Campaign Cabinet, the Alamo Trust, the Texas Biomedical Research Institute Board and Executive Committee, YPO San Antonio Gold Board, and two private foundation boards.
I spend time celebrating our Principle Auto Group annual teacher and nurse of the year awards in the communities we serve, and I plan and attend our associate awards celebrations and technician appreciation events at each of our stores.
Every month, I work on my sustainability measures and expansion of our facilities, and I look at new franchise opportunities when they arise.
Q.: Have you experienced any particular challenges as a woman working in a generally male-dominated industry?
A.: There have been many challenges and barriers I have faced. Persistence and determination have catapulted me to being an excellent leader and mentor.
Q.: What advice to you have for other women who might be contemplating careers in the auto industry?
A.: Hard work pays off in this industry. Excel in sales consultant or assistant sales manager positions, and you will be promoted. Be sure to meet weekly with your boss so you understand the goals of your position, and get help when needed.
Q.: Would you recommend a position like yours to other women, or what positions might you suggest?
A.: If you enjoy working with people, this is a great industry, and you will never be bored.
Start as a sales consultant or an assistant sales manager. If there are no openings there, start as a valet, a detailer, or a receptionist.
If you enjoy mechanical work and love cars, apply for a technician role.
If you enjoy accounting or back-office work, we have openings today.
Excel in any of these roles for a couple of years and you will get a promotion when available.
Q.: Do you have any other comments you wish to add to your story?
A.: I formed Principle Auto Group in 2014 with the following simple goals:
- Hire the best people we can find.
- Continuously recognize our associates and their accomplishments.
- Continuously train and develop our associates so they grow not only in their professions, but also as human beings.
- Continuously improve the working conditions for our associates.
- Substantially renovate our current dealership facilities.
- Increase efficiencies across all levels of the dealership operations.
- Continue to expand our Principle Auto Group of dealerships.
- Build new dealerships to meet and exceed our customers’ and manufacturers’ expectations.
- Optimize our culture, our communications, our operations to deliver the best customer experience in the auto industry.
- Be the best place to work.
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