It is ranked by Forbes as the 16th largest privately held company in the U.S.[3] Founded in 1968 by James M. (Jim) Moran, JM Family has grown from a core distribution business importing Japanese cars into a diversified automotive corporation whose principal businesses focus on vehicle distribution and processing, financial services, finance and insurance products, retail sales and dealer technology products and services.

[6][7] JM Family marked their 50th year in business by announcing a $150 million makeover for their corporate headquarters.

[11] As opportunities presented themselves, Moran created other automotive businesses under the JM Family Enterprises "umbrella".

[12] A 2006 article in InformationWeek magazine discussed how JMFE transitioned from a service provider to a business partner: "Wring Profits Out Of IT".

[13] Products included JMsolutions RetailSuite and Mobile Auto Xchange, a wireless appraisal program.

[24][25] JM&A Group provides finance, insurance and warranty products for sale by any automotive dealer.

[8] JMFE purchased Irvine, California-based Home Franchise Concepts from Trilantic North America in 2019.

[27] JMFE purchased Boise, Idaho-based Futura Title & Escrow from Seidler Equity Partners in 2022.

With more than 70 branch operations serving 60-plus counties throughout Idaho and Oregon, and parts of Montana, Washington, and Wyoming.