Marcus Lemonis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcus Lemonis
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Lemonis in 2019
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| Born | November 16, 1973 Beirut, Lebanon
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| Alma mater | Marquette University |
| Occupation | Businessman, television personality, philanthropist |
| Television | The Profit (on CNBC) Let's Make a Deal |
| Spouse(s) |
Roberta "Bobbi" Raffel
(m. 2018) |
Marcus Lemonis, born on November 16, 1973, is a well-known businessman, TV star, and someone who helps others (a philanthropist). He is the main boss (CEO) of big companies like Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises. You might also know him from his TV show The Profit on CNBC, where he helps small businesses that are having a tough time. He also helps run a company that owns the famous game show Let's Make a Deal.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Marcus Lemonis was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1973, during a time of war there. Just a few days after he was born, he was left at an orphanage.
When he was almost one year old, on July 29, 1974, he was adopted by Leo and Sophia Lemonis. They lived in Miami, Florida. His adoptive father was Greek, and his adoptive mother was Lebanese.
Growing Up Around Cars
As Marcus grew up, he learned a lot about cars. His great uncle, Anthony Abraham, owned two of the biggest Chevrolet car dealerships in the United States. A family friend, Lee Iacocca, who was a very famous car executive, helped Marcus learn about business. Iacocca even invested money to help Marcus start a business that sold recreational vehicles (RVs).
School and College Years
Marcus went to Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, and graduated in 1991.
In 1995, he earned a degree in political science from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After college, he tried to become a politician, running for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. However, he didn't win, so he decided to focus his career on the car business instead.
Business Career
Marcus Lemonis has had a long and successful career in business, especially in the automotive and RV industries.
Starting in the Car Business
Marcus first worked at his great uncle's car dealership in South Florida. Later, a big company called AutoNation bought that dealership. Marcus stayed on and worked in different sales and management jobs there.
Then, his family friend Lee Iacocca suggested that Marcus should create the biggest RV chain in the country. Iacocca helped Marcus start and buy Holiday RV Superstores. From 2001 to 2003, Marcus was the CEO of Holiday RV Superstores.
After that, he helped start a company called FreedomRoads. This company began buying many RV dealerships. In 2006, FreedomRoads joined with Camping World, and Marcus became the CEO. In 2011, Camping World then joined with Good Sam Enterprises, and Marcus continued to lead both companies.
Leading Camping World
As the CEO of Camping World, Marcus Lemonis helped the company grow a lot.
- Sponsoring NASCAR: Camping World became a big sponsor in NASCAR racing. In 2008, they started sponsoring the NASCAR East Series, which was renamed the NASCAR Camping World Series. They also sponsored the Craftsman Truck Series, which became the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This made Camping World one of the top three sponsors in the sport.
- Company Growth: In 2016, Camping World started selling its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. This meant the company was worth about $2 billion.
- Buying Other Companies: Camping World also bought other businesses. In 2017, they bought Gander Mountain, which sold camping, fishing, and hunting gear. They also bought The House Boardshop, an online store for bikes, skateboards, and outdoor equipment.
Television Shows
Marcus Lemonis is also famous for his appearances on TV.
- Early TV Appearances: He was on two episodes of NBC's Celebrity Apprentice. In 2012, he appeared on ABC's Secret Millionaire. On that show, he went back to his hometown of Miami to help local charities.
- The Profit: In 2013, Marcus started his own reality show on CNBC called The Profit. On the show, he tries to help small businesses that are struggling. He invests his own money in these businesses and takes a part ownership to help them become successful.
- The Partner: In 2017, Marcus also starred in and helped produce another CNBC show called The Partner. In this show, he looked for a business manager to help him run all the businesses he invests in through The Profit.
- Let's Make a Deal: In 2021, Marcus and Nancy Glass bought the rights to the classic game show Let's Make a Deal.
- The Renovator: In 2022, Marcus started a new show on HGTV called The Renovator. On this show, he helps people fix up their homes.
Helping Others (Philanthropy)
Marcus Lemonis believes in giving back and helping people.
- Lemon-AID Foundation: In 2020, he started the Lemon-AID Foundation. This foundation helps women and minority business owners, as well as small businesses.
- Business Learning Center: He also created the Business Learning Center. This is an online platform with tools and resources for businesses that are struggling, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Fighting Food Insecurity: His foundation launched 'Plating Change' to help fight hunger. They worked with Grubhub and World Central Kitchen on this project.
- Donations to Schools: Marcus has given money to his old schools, including Christopher Columbus High School and Marquette University. He gave $15 million to Marquette University. In 2021, he gave $3.1 million to the staff of Christopher Columbus High School, giving $18,000 to each staff member.
- Supporting Communities: He has also supported the Joffrey Ballet Bridge Program for public schools in Chicago. After a bombing in Nashville in 2020, he set up a fund to help businesses affected by the event.
Personal Life
Marcus Lemonis married Roberta "Bobbi" Raffel in 2018. They live in Lake Forest, Illinois.
See also
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