The Camping World CEO claims he was forced to close down one of his North Carolina stores as he defied local politicians over the massive American flags flying over the locations.
Marcus Lemonis made the shocking revelation that one of the national RV dealerships in Greenville, NC, was shuttered on April 18.
Lemonis says he was forced to shut down operations at the smaller of the two locations after the city council sued him and the company for violating city ordinance with the larger-than-life flags, and continues to impose fines.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis told local radio station WTIB, according to WITN. ” I think it’s also wrong council members have been working very actively to disparage my business and on Friday I had to consolidate modification of 2 dealerships in town.”
The unexpected closing of Camping World’s Forest River RV retail comes as Lemonis continued his legal battle against the Greenville City Council and defied lawsuits to fly the massive “Old Glory.”
Camping World had two stores in Greenville, North Carolina, where the controversial flags flew outside until the Greenville Boulevard site was shut down, Lemonis told the local radio station.
Lemonis said the affected Greenville store had been “been unfortunately impacted uniquely” by the city.
Greenville notes that the flag is almost the size of a basketball court, spanning 3200 square feet. The pole it flies from is around 130 feet tall, almost double the current allowance.
“This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag. It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code,” Greenville Communications Manager Brock Letchworth said. “We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not violate local laws.”
The 51-year-old CEO suggested the city ordinances violated North Carolina state law, but didn’t specify an exact legislation.
Lemonis, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, stood firm in his decision not to take down the “Stars and Stripes,” citing the hard work he put in moving to the US.
“I wasn’t born in this country. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Came here to Miami, Florida and had an opportunity to live the American dream in this country. I’ve put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country. And it’s my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am this country provided me an opportunity where it didn’t have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America,” he wrote.
On Thursday, he shared a video that featured veteran customers and employees who praised the flag and the company’s patriotism.
“I am a veteran and I served for three years in the US Army. I stand over the bay every morning and look at the flag waving. Just makes me proud to work here,” Technician Michael Monday said.
Lemonis captioned the post with the hashtag NeverComingDown.
Along with Greenville, NC, Camping World is facing a lawsuit from the city of Sevierville, Tenn.
Sevierville, located 30 miles outside Knoxville, argued the flag in its city can be a distraction to drivers.
“Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,” officials wrote. “Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, pose potential safety hazards, and impact the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Camping World received the backing from Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham.
“These American flags are HUGE—and I love it! The bigger, the better! Shame on the city governments that are trying to sue Camping World and get CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flags he has flying over his businesses,” Graham wrote on Facebook.
“Yes, his flags and flagpoles exceed the city codes, but the American flag should be an exception.”
