I’ll admit it: I’m the kind of person who geeks out not just over RV gadgets, but also over the stories behind the companies that shape the RV world.
When I first asked myself who owns La Mesa RV, I thought it might be some faceless corporation like so many other dealerships. Turns out, I was wrong. The answer is way more personal—and kind of refreshing.
La Mesa RV has been around since 1972, and it’s still owned by the same family that started it. That family connection has shaped the way the company operates, and it’s one of the reasons it’s become such a trusted name among RV travelers.
How Did La Mesa RV Get Its Start?
Image source- Instagram
The story begins with Jim Kimbrell, who opened the very first dealership in La Mesa, California. Back then, RVs weren’t the tech-packed beasts we know today. Families wanted freedom on the road, and Jim saw the potential.
From that single location, La Mesa RV expanded across the Southwest and beyond. Today, the company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with dealerships in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida.
What started as a small-town venture is now one of the largest multi-location RV dealerships in the world—but it’s still family-owned.
Who is the CEO of La Mesa RV?
Ownership is one thing, but leadership is another. So, who’s running the show now? That would be Jason Kimbrell, Jim’s son. Jason became CEO in late 2020, bringing a younger, more modern perspective to the company.
Jason’s leadership style leans into innovation—think online RV shopping tools, digital sales processes, and service upgrades that match the expectations of today’s tech-savvy travelers.
At the same time, he’s careful to preserve the family’s original values: honesty, connection, and treating customers like part of the La Mesa family.
And don’t worry—Jim hasn’t disappeared. He’s still around as Executive Chairman, providing guidance and making sure the heart of the company stays intact.
What is the Revenue of La Mesa RV?
Now, you might be wondering about numbers. After all, RVs aren’t cheap, and La Mesa RV has dealerships spread across multiple states.
While the company doesn’t publish exact revenue figures the way public corporations do, industry insiders estimate that it generates hundreds of millions annually from RV sales, parts, and services.
To give you an idea, a new Class A motorhome can sell for six figures. Add in travel trailers, Class B vans, service packages, and accessories, and you can see how quickly the numbers add up.
The revenue reflects more than just sales—it’s proof that La Mesa RV has carved out a strong reputation in a very competitive industry.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what fuels their business:
| Revenue Stream | What It Includes |
| RV Sales | Class A, B, C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers |
| Service & Repairs | Certified RVIA technicians, maintenance, repair work |
| Parts & Accessories | Add-ons, upgrades, replacement parts |
| Pre-Owned Sales | Trade-ins, used RVs, budget-friendly options |
Why Does Family Ownership Matter in the RV World?
When you walk into a family-owned dealership, it just feels different. La Mesa RV isn’t run by a distant board of investors—it’s run by people who have built their livelihood around the RV lifestyle.
That shows up in the customer experience. The company’s mantra, “Experience Life,” isn’t just marketing fluff.
It’s how they approach everything—from the way employees are treated to the kind of support they offer after you drive off the lot.
If you’ve ever bought an RV, you know it’s not just a transaction. You want a partner you can trust for the long haul.
La Mesa RV has survived decades of industry shifts because it keeps that relationship front and center.
What Services Does La Mesa RV Offer?
It’s easy to assume that a dealership only sells RVs. La Mesa RV takes it a step further. They’ve built an ecosystem that supports RVers through every stage of ownership.
You’ll find:
- Sales of new and pre-owned RVs (everything from budget-friendly trailers to luxury motorhomes).
- Parts and accessories to customize or repair your rig.
- Certified service centers staffed by RVIA technicians who know their stuff.
- Online resources, like how-to guides and digital shopping tools, that make the RV experience less overwhelming.
For me, that combo is key. As someone who loves boondocking and tinkering with gear, I don’t just want to buy an RV—I want to keep it running at its best. Having all these services under one roof is a game-changer.
How Do You Benefit from a Family-Owned Giant Like La Mesa RV?
Here’s the practical side: choosing a family-owned company often means you get both the scale of a big dealership and the heart of a local shop.
With La Mesa RV, you get access to a massive inventory across multiple states.
That means better chances of finding the exact floor plan, model, or budget option that works for you. But because it’s still family-run, the focus stays on building trust instead of just pushing sales.
If you’re new to RV life, that balance makes a difference. Buying your first rig can feel overwhelming. Having a dealership that takes the time to educate you—not just sell you—goes a long way.
FAQs About La Mesa RV
Who owns La Mesa RV?
La Mesa RV is owned by the Kimbrell family. It was founded by Jim Kimbrell in 1972 and is now led by his son, Jason Kimbrell, as CEO.
Where is La Mesa RV headquartered?
The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, but it started in La Mesa, California.
Does La Mesa RV only sell RVs?
Nope. They also offer parts, accessories, and certified repair services so you can keep your RV in top shape.
Why should I buy from La Mesa RV instead of another dealership?
Because it’s family-owned, La Mesa RV blends the trust and care of a small business with the scale and resources of a national dealer network. That’s a rare combo in today’s RV world.
Wrapping It Up With a Gear Junkie’s Take
So, the next time you wonder who owns La Mesa RV, remember this: it’s not a corporate giant pulling strings.
It’s still the Kimbrell family, with Jason steering the company as CEO and Jim keeping a watchful eye as Executive Chairman.
I love that. It means the company’s growth hasn’t come at the cost of its roots. For RVers like us, that translates to a dealership that gets it—because they’ve lived it.
If you ask me, that family-owned backbone is one of La Mesa RV’s greatest strengths.
My tip? Whether you’re shopping for a rig or just scoping service options, look for companies that balance innovation with heart. La Mesa RV nails that balance, and it shows.
