Tenting World CEO Marcus Lemonis pressured to close down North Carolina retailer amid battle over huge American flag

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The Tenting World CEO claims he was pressured to shut down one in every of his North Carolina shops as he defied native politicians over the huge American flags flying over the areas.

Marcus Lemonis made the surprising revelation that one of many nationwide RV dealerships in Greenville, NC, was shuttered on April 18.

Lemonis says he was pressured to close down operations on the smaller of the 2 areas after town council sued him and the corporate for violating metropolis ordinance with the larger-than-life flags, and continues to impose fines.

A big American flag flies over a Tenting World dealership. Tenting World

“We predict the ordinance is fallacious,” Lemonis advised native radio station WTIB, based on WITN. ” I believe it’s additionally fallacious council members have been working very actively to disparage my enterprise and on Friday I needed to consolidate modification of two dealerships on the town.”

The surprising closing of Tenting World’s Forest River RV retail comes as Lemonis continued his authorized battle towards the Greenville Metropolis Council and defied lawsuits to fly the large “Previous Glory.”

Tenting World had two shops in Greenville, North Carolina, the place the controversial flags flew outdoors till the Greenville Boulevard web site was shut down, Lemonis advised the native radio station.

Lemonis stated the affected Greenville retailer had been “been sadly impacted uniquely” by town.

Greenville notes that the flag is sort of the scale of a basketball courtroom, spanning 3200 sq. ft. The pole it flies from is round 130 ft tall, nearly double the present allowance. 

“This has by no means been about eradicating an American flag or the kind of flag. It’s about bringing the flag into compliance with Metropolis Code,” Greenville Communications Supervisor Brock Letchworth stated. “We anticipate finding a decision that may consequence within the continued show of the flag, however in a means that doesn’t violate native legal guidelines.”

Marcus Lemonis speaks at TSP Recreation Plan 2023 at The Resort at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia on Jan. 27, 2023. Getty Photos

The 51-year-old CEO recommended town ordinances violated North Carolina state legislation, however didn’t specify an actual laws.

Lemonis, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, stood agency in his resolution to not take down the “Stars and Stripes,” citing the arduous work he put in transferring to the US.

“I wasn’t born on this nation. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Got here right here to Miami, Florida and had a chance to dwell the American dream on this nation. I’ve put plenty of sweat and tears into constructing this enterprise for my folks, for the nation. And it’s my love letter to inform all people how grateful I’m this nation offered me a chance the place it didn’t need to. To earn money, to be a capitalist, to supply jobs in America,” he wrote.

The 51-year-old CEO recommended town ordinances violated North Carolina state legislation, however didn’t specify an actual laws. @marcuslemonis/X

On Thursday, he shared a video that featured veteran prospects and staff who praised the flag and the corporate’s patriotism.

“I’m a veteran and I served for 3 years within the US Military. I stand over the bay each morning and take a look at the flag waving. Simply makes me proud to work right here,” Technician Michael Monday stated.

Lemonis captioned the submit with the hashtag NeverComingDown.

Together with Greenville, NC, Tenting World is dealing with a lawsuit from town of Sevierville, Tenn.

Staff assist elevate the enormous American Flag at one of many firm’s dealerships. Tenting World
On Thursday, he shared a video that featured veteran prospects and staff who praised the flag and the corporate’s patriotism. @marcuslemonis/X

Sevierville, situated 30 miles outdoors Knoxville, argued the flag in its metropolis could be a distraction to drivers.

“Allow us to be clear: the Metropolis of Sevierville is just not, and by no means will probably be, towards patriotism,” officers wrote. “Excessively tall buildings can create visible distractions for motorists, pose potential security hazards, and affect the scenic views which can be an important a part of what makes Sevierville a vacation spot for residents and guests alike.”

Tenting World acquired the backing from Evangelical chief Rev. Franklin Graham.

“These American flags are HUGE—and I find it irresistible! The larger, the higher! Disgrace on town governments which can be attempting to sue Tenting World and get CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flags he has flying over his companies,” Graham wrote on Fb.

“Sure, his flags and flagpoles exceed town codes, however the American flag needs to be an exception.”

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