La Mesa RV Center has announced the recent promotion of Jason Kimbrell to the role of CEO for the corporation. Kimbrell most recently held the position of president with the company.
Kimbrell grew up in the RV business, starting by pushing a broom at an early age at the original RV dealership located in La Mesa, Calif.. Since his start in the industry, Kimbrell has held a variety of positions within the La Mesa RV organization, including salesperson, finance manager, sales manager, general sales manager and new inventory manager.
“I have had an incredible opportunity to grow, learn and be part of our family business,” Kimbrell said. “Our industry as well as our footprint of stores has dramatically changed over the past 50 years, yet we will strive to provide an atmosphere of family while always being on the forefront of innovative retailing methods in our quest to be the premiere RV retailer in the nation.”
With Kimbrell accepting the role of CEO, another change is occurring as Bob Upton will be resuming the role of president for La Mesa RV. Upton has held the CEO position for the past two plus years but will now be focusing on specific projects and operations for the next year. Upton stated that he is “not stepping down, just stepping away from the CEO role,” and will be actively supporting Kimbrell during the transition period.
Bob Upton joined La Mesa RV 25 years ago, handling roles as diverse as salesperson to vice president of sales and service.
With these recent changes, Jim Kimbrell, founder of La Mesa RV, will continue in the post he’s held for two plus years as executive chairman of the board. Jim Kimbrell said, “as a family business, you always hope your children will eventually want to be part of the company and take on the reins. I’m pleased that Jason has taken the challenge to remain with the company and to be the next generation of family that will continue to offer the RVers new and exciting ways to spend their recreational time.”
Jim Kimbrell founded La Mesa RV in 1972 in a suburb of San Diego, Calif. The company currently counts 10 locations across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida.