Alexandria is a pretty stellar place to grow up. My husband Cam has spent his entire life in our beloved town, except for four years at Hampden Sydney and a few post-college years in Georgetown. Cam always says that where we live is perfect because it's close to the beach and close to the mountains (his two favorite places) and we have easy access to a domestic and an international airport. My husband is one of four and every single one of his siblings lives here, and so do his parents and many of his extended family. The Hellmuths are Alexandria people!

Over thirty years ago my father-in-law started our local family business, Passport Auto Group, which has blossomed into ten locations representing six brands (BMW, Nissan, INFINITI, MINI, Mazda, and Toyota) and a Collision Center. Cam started working for Passport in high school washing cars and helping out in the parts department. By the time we met, Cam was a car salesman for BMW and in the early months of our relationship, he took my beat-up little Mini Cooper in for service. I'm still shocked that he even spoke with me after seeing my car as there was a hole in the floor by the gas pedal from my high heels (I'm not the most graceful). 

When we got married, he was the General Manager of the Toyota store in Suitland, Maryland and now he is the Vice President of Operations for Passport. Cam is constantly coming up with super cool ways to modernize and streamline processes for employees and customers. It's no surprise to any of us that he is so good at his job because he's hyper-organized, a secret tech nerd, and really good at solving problems. His nickname at home is "director of operations daddy" due to his ability to accomplish the tasks that I find nearly impossible. I've never met someone so organized and type A, but also so utterly laid back at the same time. He has worn many hats at Passport and he has developed into a phenomenal leader who is committed to creating an amazing experience for customers and employees. 

It's been really special to watch Passport Auto from the sidelines. Cam's twin sisters head up marketing and events, his uncle runs the Mini Cooper store, his brother (who runs his own photography/videography business) will consult with creative direction, and our brother-in-law now heads up the construction team that helps with building projects. It's cool to see how well they all work together, and it's even more exciting to watch them collectively pour their hearts into the community. 

Philanthropy has been at the core of the business since the very beginning. Collectively, the dealerships and owners have contributed to local and international non-profit organizations and they are proud to partner with many deserving charities and outreach organizations that work toward improving the lives of area residents each and every day.

If you see Cam walking around town, he will likely be doing one of the following: parallel parking a massive Tundra like a pro, juggling two little girls who look like his twins, picking up a customer's car to bring it in for service, or dropping me off at Landini Bros because we are usually running late for our reservation (because of me). Hope you get a chance to meet him sometime!

Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.

Cameron is styled by Yellow Jacket

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Fort Hunt/Plymouth Haven

What is your hometown? Alexandria, VA

What would surprise people about you? I used to DJ and produce electronic music as a hobby.

Favorite book or movie: Home Alone

Guilty Pleasure: America’s Funniest Videos

Latest binge-watch: Succession

Bucket list travel destination: Zermatt, Switzerland to see the Matterhorn and ski with my wife.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Modern casual/Modern business

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Paige jeans from Yellow Jacket

Favorite trend: Logo-less shirts and hats

Beauty product you can’t live without: Face lotion

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sneakers

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Workout, snowboard, camping

Most fun way to stay active: Tennis

Want to try: Hot yoga

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room, the chair next to the fireplace.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern mix

Last item bought for your home: New patio furniture

Favorite way to entertain: Have friends over with their kids to play in the backyard.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free

Next planned purchase: Outdoor TV for the patio to watch sports.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: People watching down at the newly completed Alexandria waterfront.

Your go-to shop: Yellow Jacket for men’s clothing

Best food spot: We love Landini Brothers. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there and just love the food, vibe, and atmosphere. A very close second place would be Los Cuates Mexican restaurant. 

Favorite local organization: We have been supporting the Campagna Center for years through our family business, Passport Auto Group. 

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Scottish Christmas Walk presented by the Campagna Center.