CEO’s fight over giant American flags leads to shocking store closure—What happened?
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In a tale that intertwines patriotism with the rule of law, the CEO of Camping World, has found himself at the center of a controversial storm.
The reason? A battle over the size of American flags flown at his business locations.
Why did it turn into such a major flag fight?
The Stars and Stripes, a symbol of freedom and national pride, has become the crux of a legal dispute between Lemonis and local authorities.
The Greenville City Council has taken legal action against Camping World for flying an American flag that far exceeds the city's size regulations.
The flag in question is a behemoth, almost the size of a basketball court, and the pole it soars from stands—nearly twice the height permitted by local ordinance.
Marcus Lemonis, the Camping World CEO, who immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, has been vocal about his gratitude to the country that allowed him to achieve the American dream.
His decision to fly oversized flags is, in his words, a “love letter” to express his appreciation for the opportunities the US has provided him.
Lemonis says he had to close one of his North Carolina stores after clashing with local officials over the oversized American flags flown at the site. Herevealed that the Greenville, NC, dealership was shut down on April 18.
According to him, the smaller of the two stores in the area was forced to close following the legal action taken against Camping World—and the continued issuing of fines.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis told local radio station WTIB, as per 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.”
Camping World operated two locations in Greenville, North Carolina, where the large American flags were flown until the Greenville Boulevard store was closed, Lemonis told a local radio station.
He said the Greenville site had “been unfortunately impacted uniquely” by the city's actions.
Also read: Living the American Dream for less: Discover the most affordable US city that still requires a six-figure salary
According to Greenville officials, the flag measures roughly 3,200 square feet—close to the size of a basketball court—and is flown from a pole about 130 feet tall, nearly twice the height permitted under local regulations.
“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 argued that the city ordinances were in violation of North Carolina state law, though he did not specify which particular legislation.
Lemonis, who hails from Beirut, Lebanon, maintained his decision to keep the “Stars and Stripes” up, emphasizing the effort he put into moving to the US and building his business.
Source: @marcuslemonis / X.
“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 posted a video showcasing veteran customers and employees who expressed admiration for 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,” said Technician Michael Monday.
Lemonis captioned the video with the hashtag #NeverComingDown.
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In addition to Greenville, NC, Camping World is facing a lawsuit from the city of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Sevierville, located 30 miles from Knoxville, contended that the flag in its city could distract drivers.
“Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,” officials stated. “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 gained support from Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham.
Source: Franklin Graham / Facebook.
“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.”
Read next:
What are your thoughts on the balance between displaying patriotism and adhering to local ordinances? Have you ever faced a similar dilemma in your community? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
The reason? A battle over the size of American flags flown at his business locations.
Why did it turn into such a major flag fight?
The Stars and Stripes, a symbol of freedom and national pride, has become the crux of a legal dispute between Lemonis and local authorities.
The Greenville City Council has taken legal action against Camping World for flying an American flag that far exceeds the city's size regulations.
The flag in question is a behemoth, almost the size of a basketball court, and the pole it soars from stands—nearly twice the height permitted by local ordinance.
Marcus Lemonis, the Camping World CEO, who immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, has been vocal about his gratitude to the country that allowed him to achieve the American dream.
His decision to fly oversized flags is, in his words, a “love letter” to express his appreciation for the opportunities the US has provided him.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis was forced to close a store in Greenville, North Carolina over a dispute concerning a massive American flag. Image source: @marcoslemonis / X.
Lemonis says he had to close one of his North Carolina stores after clashing with local officials over the oversized American flags flown at the site. Herevealed that the Greenville, NC, dealership was shut down on April 18.
According to him, the smaller of the two stores in the area was forced to close following the legal action taken against Camping World—and the continued issuing of fines.
The local city council sued the company for violating a city ordinance due to the size of the flag and the flagpole, continuing to impose fines. Image source: @marcuslemonis / X.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis told local radio station WTIB, as per 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.”
Camping World operated two locations in Greenville, North Carolina, where the large American flags were flown until the Greenville Boulevard store was closed, Lemonis told a local radio station.
He said the Greenville site had “been unfortunately impacted uniquely” by the city's actions.
Also read: Living the American Dream for less: Discover the most affordable US city that still requires a six-figure salary
According to Greenville officials, the flag measures roughly 3,200 square feet—close to the size of a basketball court—and is flown from a pole about 130 feet tall, nearly twice the height permitted under local regulations.
“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 argued that the city ordinances were in violation of North Carolina state law, though he did not specify which particular legislation.
Lemonis, who hails from Beirut, Lebanon, maintained his decision to keep the “Stars and Stripes” up, emphasizing the effort he put into moving to the US and building his business.
Source: @marcuslemonis / X.
“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 posted a video showcasing veteran customers and employees who expressed admiration for 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,” said Technician Michael Monday.
Lemonis captioned the video with the hashtag #NeverComingDown.
You might be interested: America’s filthiest city? It’s not the one everyone expected
In addition to Greenville, NC, Camping World is facing a lawsuit from the city of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Sevierville, located 30 miles from Knoxville, contended that the flag in its city could distract drivers.
“Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,” officials stated. “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 gained support from Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham.
Source: Franklin Graham / Facebook.
“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.”
Read next:
- Holding onto the hot seat: Hooters’ daring move to dodge disaster
- What happens behind closed doors? Small-town mayor steps down after unexpected scandal
What are your thoughts on the balance between displaying patriotism and adhering to local ordinances? Have you ever faced a similar dilemma in your community? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
