Kimberly Kobey-Pretto is the youngest daughter of Monte Kobey, founder of Kobey’s Swap Meet. She currently serves as President and CEO of The Kobey Corporation, operators of the Swap Meet. She is married to Charles Pretto, Kobey’s legal counsel and past President of Rotary Club 33.
A graduate of San Diego State University, Kobey-Pretto took over the lead role of the family business after Monte contracted the AIDS virus from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. He later died from the disease in 1989. As she was already familiar with every aspect of the family business from sweeping the parking lot to running the day-to-day operations, she became President and CEO of The Kobey Corp. in July 1988.
Under Kobey-Pretto’s management, Kobey’s Swap Meet solidified its reputation as a clean, family-oriented outdoor marketplace. Over the years she’s been able to keep the numbers stable despite increased retail competition and shifts in the local economy. In recognition of Kobey-Pretto’s achievements, the U.S.-Mexico Foundation named her Entrepreneur of the Year in 1992.
Kimberly and Charles have two children, Anthony and Liza Pretto.