Who is Abigail Kampmann and her influence in the American auto dealership business

From San Antonio to the Steering Wheel of an Empire: Who is Abigail Kampmann?

Take a stroll down Broadway Street in San Antonio, Texas, and you might pass by a dealership that’s more than just a place to pick up your next ride—it’s part of an evolving automotive legacy. That’s where Abigail Kampmann comes in. If you haven’t heard of her, buckle up, because her name is making increasingly louder revs in the American auto dealership scene.

This isn’t just a story about cars—it’s about leadership, legacy, and what it takes to navigate the fast lane of a turbulent industry with grace under pressure. Kampmann is not just another executive in heels. She’s the CEO of Principle Auto, a dealership group with operations that go far beyond the Lone Star State, and she’s redefining how we view the business of selling cars in North America.

The Legacy She Inherits—and Reinvents

Before digging into her turbocharged strategies, it helps to know where she comes from. Abigail Kampmann is the daughter of Red McCombs, an automotive magnate and business trailblazer whose name carries serious weight in the Texas auto game. With roots deeply planted in San Antonio, the McCombs name is practically synonymous with automotive commerce in the region.

But don’t mistake Kampmann for just riding on the fumes of family legacy. While her father built the roads, she’s behind the wheel now—refining the direction, innovating the experience, and redefining what dealership leadership looks like in the 21st century. One could say she’s fine-tuned the family V8 to run leaner, cleaner, and smarter.

Principle Auto: Not Your Average Dealership Group

Principle Auto, under Kampmann’s leadership, has molded itself into something that almost feels like the Apple Store of auto experiences—sleek, approachable, and designed around the customer. The group operates multiple locations across the U.S., offering luxury and premium brands such as BMW, Audi, and Infiniti.

What distinguishes Principle Auto isn’t just what’s on the lot. It’s what’s behind the desk, in the break rooms, and across the customer counters. The culture is what Kampmann calls « people-centered. » And she walks the talk.

Kampmann emphasizes values like respect, transparency, and empowering team members at all levels. The company mantra, “We live to provide exceptional care,” isn’t just a bumper sticker—it’s an operational philosophy that permeates hiring practices, service protocols, and even boardroom discussions. It’s not just about moving metal; it’s about moving people.

Turning the Key on Innovation

In an industry often accused of trailing behind in tech and transparency, Kampmann’s approach is refreshingly modern. She’s been a vocal supporter of integrating digital tools that enhance—not replace—the dealership experience. For instance:

• Virtual Retailing: Principle Auto embraced digital sales platforms early, allowing customers to browse, negotiate, and even purchase vehicles entirely online.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The company leverages analytics to monitor customer satisfaction, identify operational inefficiencies, and fine-tune marketing strategies.
• Employee Development Tech: Digital training platforms and constant feedback loops help in building a more skilled and motivated workforce.

Case in point: during the COVID-19 pandemic, while some dealers were left flat-footed, Principle Auto powered through by leaning hard into online processes. Kampmann’s foresight didn’t just keep the business running—it helped evolve the standard for post-pandemic auto sales.

A Woman in the Driver’s Seat

Let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about the gender equation. The number of female executives in the automotive dealership industry? Still cruising in the slow lane. That’s what makes Abigail Kampmann’s ascent not just inspiring—but genuinely disruptive in the best way possible.

Her commitment to diversity isn’t just lip service. She champions inclusivity when it comes to leadership roles—women, people of color, and younger professionals are finding a seat at the table in her organization. As she puts it, “Why limit the horsepower when you can tune the whole engine?”

She also mentors young women entering the dealership workforce, sharing insights about everything from conflict resolution to long-term planning. In an industry still wary of giving the keys to female leaders, Kampmann’s revving right past barriers, pedal to the metal.

Where Business Meets Values

One of the most striking aspects of Kampmann’s leadership style is her unapologetic belief that you don’t have to sacrifice profit to do the right thing. That might sound like a pipe dream in a high-margin business, but Principle Auto’s growth tells a different story.

Her belief in “values-driven capitalism” means putting employee wellness, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility at the top of the priority list. She’s also an advocate for work-life balance, a unicorn quality in the hustle-obsessed auto market. From implementing mental health resources to providing generous parental leave policies—those moves aren’t just warm and fuzzy, they’re business-savvy.

Principle Auto has seen double-digit growth in sales and service revenue over the past few years, not in spite of these practices—but in part because of them.

Industry Influence Beyond the Showroom Floor

Abigail Kampmann’s impact isn’t limited to her dealership group. Her growing clout is being felt industry-wide. She serves on advisory panels, speaks at industry events, and contributes thought leadership on issues like electric vehicle adoption, sustainable sourcing, and—critically—the future of dealership models.

She’s part of a conversation that challenges legacy systems and asks the tough questions: Do dealership franchises need to evolve to keep pace with Tesla-style direct-to-consumer models? How do dealers prepare for a fully electric fleet? How do we future-proof the workforce in such a rapidly shifting landscape?

Kampmann isn’t just asking these questions—she’s actively piloting answers within her operations. With initiatives to prepare for EV maintenance, rethinking physical showroom layouts, and advocating for dealer-OEM collaboration, she doesn’t just adapt to trends—she anticipates them.

Why Her Story Matters

In an arena often synonymous with hardball sales, quarterly targets, and tradition-heavy thinking, Abigail Kampmann brings a breath of fresh engine-filtered air. She’s not just influencing the way dealerships sell cars—she’s defining what it means to lead with integrity in a sector ripe for reinvention.

Her story is a roadmap for what modern automotive leadership can look like: values-powered, people-focused, tech-savvy, and yes—still turbocharged for profits.

As EVs, digital retailing, supply chain challenges, and shifting customer expectations reshape the contours of the industry, leaders like Kampmann aren’t just ready for the ride—they’re already steering into the future. And if her track record is any indication, it’ll be one hell of a ride.

Because in this industry, it’s not just about who has the fastest car. It’s about who knows how to read the curves, trust the machine, and lead with a steady hand on the wheel. Abigail Kampmann? She’s got all that—and a full tank.