The CEO of Campworld claims he was forced to close one of his North Carolina stores.
Marcus Lemonis made a shocking revelation that one of the national RV dealers in Greenville, North Carolina, was closed on April 18th.
Lemonis says that after the city council violated his and company’s ordinances, he and the company continued to violate the lawsuit and fined the case, they were forced to close operations in a smaller location of the two locations.
“I think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis told local radio station WTIB. According to Witn. “I also think that council members have worked very aggressively to disgrace my business. On Friday, I had to consolidate the modifications of two dealers in town.”
The unexpected closure of Camp World Forest River RV retail comes as Lemonis continues his legal battle with Greenville City Council and refuses to sue to fly a massive “old glory.”
Camping World has two stores in Greenville, North Carolina, where the controversial flags flew outside until the Greenville Boulevard site was closed, Lemonis told local radio stations.
Lemonis said the affected Greenville store was “unfortunately uniquely influenced” by the city.
Greenville points out that the flag is roughly the size of a basketball court, spanning 3,200 square feet. The pole it flies on is about 130 feet tall, almost twice the current allowance.
“This wasn’t about removing American flags or flag types, it’s about leading the flag to city code compliance,” said Brock Letchworth, Greenville’s communications manager. “We look forward to finding solutions in a way that leads to ongoing display of flags but does not violate local laws.”
The 51-year-old CEO suggested that the city’s ordinance violated North Carolina law, but did not specify the exact law.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Lemonis stuck to his decision not to defeat “stars and stripes,” citing his efforts to move to the United States.
“I wasn’t born in this country. I moved from Beirut, Lebanon. I came here in Miami, Florida, and had the opportunity to live my American dreams in this country.
“I’m a veteran and I worked in the US military for three years. I stand on the bay every morning, waving my flag. I’m proud to work here,” said engineer Michael Monday.
Lemonis captioned the post on Hashtag Nevereoddown.
Along with Greenville, North Carolina, Camp World is facing a lawsuit from the city of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Sevierville, located 30 miles outside Knoxville, claimed that the city’s flag could be a distraction for drivers.
“Let us be clear: the city of Sevierville is not opposed to patriotism and will never happen,” the official wrote. “Over-tall structures create visual distractions for drivers, pose potential safety hazards and affect the scenic scenery, an important part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors.”
Campworld received support from the Rev. Franklin Graham, evangelical leader.
“These American flags are huge. I love it! I love it! Bigger, better! The shame of the urban government trying to sue the camping world and order CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flag he has flew his business.” Graham wrote on Facebook.
“Yes, his flag and flagpole are beyond the city code, but the American flag must be the exception.”
