If you’ve been researching RV dealers, you’ve probably asked, “who owns Blue Compass RV” and whether the brand is independent or tied to a manufacturer. Short answer: Blue Compass RV (formerly RV Retailer, LLC) is a privately held, founder-led dealership group backed by Redwood Capital Investments, the family investment firm of Allegis Group co-founders. It’s not owned by Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, or any RV maker.
What Is Blue Compass RV?
Blue Compass RV is one of North America’s largest RV dealership groups, operating 100+ full-service locations across 30+ states. The company sells and services towables and motorized RVs from multiple manufacturers, while also offering delivery, financing, and service support.
In August 2023, the company announced it had become the fastest RV retailer to sell 150,000 RVs, an achievement that highlights its rapid growth since its founding in 2018.
Image Source: PR Newswire
Who Owns Blue Compass RV?
Who owns Blue Compass RV? The company was founded in 2018 by Jon Ferrando and John Rizzo and is backed by Redwood Capital Investments. Redwood is the family office of Allegis Group co-founder Jim Davis (and closely tied to Steve Bisciotti, co-founder and Baltimore Ravens owner). This backing has fueled Blue Compass’s acquisition-driven expansion while allowing it to remain private and independent.
Ferrando continues to lead as CEO & President, ensuring that the company stays aligned with its original vision while having the capital to keep scaling nationally.
Image Source: RV Pro
Why Did RV Retailer Rebrand to Blue Compass RV?
In November 2022, RV Retailer began rebranding to Blue Compass RV as part of a nationwide brand unification strategy. The transition was completed by January 2024, bringing more than 100 stores under one consistent name.
The rebrand helps Blue Compass RV:
- Build stronger brand recognition nationwide.
- Deliver a consistent customer experience across all stores.
- Enhance marketing reach with a single, memorable identity.
How Big Is Blue Compass RV Today?
Blue Compass RV continues to expand through acquisitions (including several Airstream dealerships) and organic growth. With over 100 stores in more than 30 states, it has become one of the most significant retail networks in the RV industry.
Blue Compass RV Growth Snapshot
| Year | Milestone | Notes |
| 2018 | Founded as RV Retailer, LLC | Backed by Redwood Capital Investments |
| 2022 | Rebranded to Blue Compass RV | Nationwide rollout began |
| 2023 | 150,000th RV sold | Fastest dealer group to hit this milestone |
| 2024 | Completed rebrand across 100+ stores | Now one of largest dealership networks |
Is Blue Compass RV Connected to Any RV Manufacturer?
No. Blue Compass RV is not a manufacturer-owned dealer. Unlike Grand Design (owned by Winnebago) or Keystone (owned by Thor Industries), Blue Compass is independent, which means it can sell multiple brands without being tied to a single OEM. This independence allows it to prioritize retail and service excellence across its broad product lineup.
Image Source: Blue Compass RV
FAQs: Ownership, History, and Buyer Questions
1. Is Blue Compass RV the same company as RV Retailer?
Yes. RV Retailer, LLC officially rebranded to Blue Compass RV in November 2022. The rollout was completed in 2023, so if you see older names like RV One Superstores, many are now operating under Blue Compass RV branding.
2. Who are the key people behind Blue Compass RV?
Blue Compass RV was founded by Jon Ferrando and John Rizzo. Ferrando serves as CEO & President today, bringing decades of auto retail and dealership acquisition experience that helped scale the business quickly.
3. What is Redwood Capital Investments and why does it matter?
Redwood Capital Investments is the private investment firm backing Blue Compass RV. As the family office of Allegis Group co-founder Jim Davis, it provides long-term stability and capital for expansion, enabling Blue Compass to grow aggressively while remaining privately held.
4. How many locations does Blue Compass RV have?
As of 2024, the company operates over 100 full-service dealerships in 30+ states. This footprint continues to expand with additional acquisitions and new facility developments.
Ownership Structures of Leading RV Brands
To put things in perspective, here’s how Blue Compass compares to other big RV names:
| Brand/Dealer | Ownership | Parent Company | Year Acquired/Founded | Key Notes |
| Blue Compass RV | Privately held | Backed by Redwood Capital Investments | Founded 2018 | Large dealership group, 100+ stores across U.S. |
| Grand Design RV | Subsidiary | Winnebago Industries | Acquired 2016 | Builds towable RVs, Indiana-based production |
| Keystone RV | Subsidiary | Thor Industries | Acquired 2001 | One of the largest RV makers in North America |
Final Thoughts: Why Ownership Matters for RV Buyers
So, who owns Blue Compass RV? It’s a private, founder-led company backed by Redwood Capital Investments. Unlike manufacturer-owned brands, Blue Compass RV focuses exclusively on the retail and service side of the industry, while maintaining the flexibility to carry a broad range of products.
And if you’re comparing dealer groups to manufacturers, you might also wonder who owns Grand Design RV or Keystone RV. These examples show how ownership models shape a brand’s priorities: Grand Design is owned by Winnebago, Keystone by Thor, while Blue Compass remains independent. Understanding these differences can help RV shoppers make more informed decisions about where to buy and which companies best align with their long-term needs.
For many, the combination of financial stability, service investment, and nationwide scale makes Blue Compass RV a top choice among dealership networks.
