Overview
Red Monkey CB was a long-running CB radio and communications business originally established in California’s Central Valley. The company became widely known among CB radio enthusiasts and truck drivers for CB sales, radio repair, tuning, antenna installations, and mobile communications services.
The business became especially associated with Fresno, California during the height of the CB radio era and remained active long after many independent CB shops disappeared.
History
Red Monkey CB was founded in 1968 by Don Johnson in Tipton, California as a small home-based CB radio business.
As CB radio popularity rapidly expanded during the late 1960s and 1970s, the company grew from a home operation into a full retail and service business serving both hobbyists and the trucking industry.
In 1980, Red Monkey CB relocated to Fresno, California. The Fresno operation expanded significantly and eventually employed multiple family members along with additional staff. The company became well known throughout California’s Central Valley trucking community for CB installations, tuning, repairs, antennas, and radio accessories.
Bill Johnson later assumed operation of the business and continued expanding services while maintaining a strong focus on CB and mobile communications equipment.
Unlike many CB radio dealers that disappeared after the late-1970s CB boom declined, Red Monkey CB continued operating for decades by adapting to the needs of truck drivers and communications users.
During the late 2010s, the company relocated operations from California to Wyoming. The move was reportedly influenced by California operating costs and business conditions. Following the relocation, Red Monkey CB continued operating primarily as a mobile radio installation and service business supporting truckers and communications customers throughout the region.
Historical Timeline
- 1968 — Red Monkey CB founded in Tipton, California by Don Johnson
- 1970s — Expanded during the nationwide CB radio boom
- 1980 — Relocated operations to Fresno, California
- 1980s–2000s — Operated as a major Central Valley CB radio shop and service center
- Late 2010s — Relocated business operations from California to Wyoming
- 2020s — Continued operation as a mobile communications service business
Services
Red Monkey CB services included:
- CB radio sales
- CB radio repair
- Radio alignment and tuning
- SWR testing and adjustment
- Antenna sales and installation
- Mobile radio installations
- Truck communications systems
- Amateur radio equipment support
Historical Addresses
Tipton, California
Original home-based operation established in 1968.
Fresno, California
Red Monkey Electronics
5367 N. Golden State Blvd #100
Fresno, CA 93722
Red Monkey Electronics
3439 S. Chestnut Ave
Fresno, CA 93725
Wyoming
Later operated as a Wyoming-based mobile communications service business.
Technical and Industry Significance
Red Monkey CB became part of the long-running CB radio culture associated with California Highway 99 and Interstate 5 trucking corridors. Fresno served as an important regional center for trucking communications and CB radio activity during the 1970s and 1980s.
The company survived well beyond the original CB boom era by continuing to serve truck drivers, radio hobbyists, and mobile communications users.
References
- Red Monkey CB About Page — Official company history and background information.
- Cowboy State Daily Article — News article discussing the Wyoming relocation and continued CB radio business operations.