The Tenting World CEO claims he was compelled to shut down considered one of his North Carolina shops as he defied native politicians over the huge American flags flying over the places.
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 compelled to close down operations on the smaller of the 2 places after town council sued him and the corporate for violating metropolis ordinance with the larger-than-life flags, and continues to impose fines.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis informed native radio station WTIB, in accordance with WITN. ” I feel it’s additionally incorrect 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 huge “Old Glory.”
Tenting World had two shops in Greenville, North Carolina, the place the controversial flags flew exterior till the Greenville Boulevard website was shut down, Lemonis informed the native radio station.
Lemonis stated the affected Greenville retailer had been “been unfortunately impacted uniquely” by town.
Greenville notes that the flag is sort of the scale of a basketball court docket, spanning 3200 sq. ft. The pole it flies from is round 130 ft tall, virtually double the present 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 Supervisor Brock Letchworth stated. “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 advised town ordinances violated North Carolina state regulation, however didn’t specify an actual laws.
Lemonis, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, stood agency in his choice to not take down the “Stars and Stripes,” citing the exhausting work he put in transferring 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 prospects and workers who praised the flag and the corporate’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 stated.
Lemonis captioned the publish with the hashtag NeverComingDown.
Together with Greenville, NC, Tenting World is dealing with a lawsuit from town of Sevierville, Tenn.
Sevierville, situated 30 miles exterior Knoxville, argued the flag in its metropolis could be a distraction to drivers.
“Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,” officers 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.”
Tenting World acquired the backing from Evangelical chief 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 Fb.
“Yes, his flags and flagpoles exceed the city codes, but the American flag should be an exception.”
