Arab Americans
Marcus Lemonis
As an impressionable youth, Lebanese American Marcus Lemonis read the description of Entrepreneur to his mother from the dictionary while working on a school project, which inspired him to challenge himself and make his dreams come true. His humble beginnings and journey through life represent the heart and soul of what true entrepreneurism is. Although he was not born in America, he is proud to be living the American Dream through hard work, determination and believing; striving to take risks and show initiative while motivating people to do their best not by telling them what to do, but rather by showing them how to do it. Those who have had the chance to hear his story through his moving speaking engagements would say that he is humble, down to earth and 100 percent brutally honest.
On CNBC’s reality series, The Profit, which airs Tuesday nights at 10pm ET, Marcus lends his business expertise to struggling businesses in various industries across the country while using his famous people-process-product principle. Through his 3P mantra, he analyzes every business by the quality people, whether they have an excellent and relevant product, and the best possible process for creating, delivering, and selling that product. Over 3 seasons of The Profit have aired since July of 2013 and more than $35 million dollars of his own money has been invested into helping these small businesses, and after experiencing tremendous success, his mission continues. While many people frequently call him the “business turnaround king,” he will be the first to say that he really helps people with tough love so they can use the experience to inevitably succeed.
Marcus was born in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon in 1973; and, at nine months old, was adopted by a Lebanese and Greek couple living in Miami, FL. As a young child, he was exposed to positive and prosperous business values at his family-owned business, Anthony Abraham Chevrolet. His entrepreneurial spirit bloomed at age 12 while attending Epiphany Catholic School, when he started a lawn mowing service in order to generate money to open a candy business while enlisting his friends for their help. He then graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami and moved to Milwaukee, WI to attend Marquette University, where he studied Political Science, Criminology and Economics.
He returned to Florida after graduation and ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. At age 22, with no political experience, he gained the endorsement of the Miami Herald. Though he lost the campaign, Marcus refocused and held several automotive sales and managerial roles. It was a conversation with family friend and former Chrysler CEO, Lee Iacocca, who advised him to get into the camping and RV business, which put him on the path to eventual chairmanship at America’s #1 source for RVs, camping accessories, RV maintenance and repair, Camping World and Good Sam.
Lemonis was recognized for having “more impact on the industry than any single individual or company in recent memory as an agent of change and retail consolidation,” when RV Business Magazine named him their 2007 Newsmaker of the Year. In addition, Crain’s Chicago Business featured him in their 2005 edition of “40 under 40,” and in 2008, Ernst & Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year. Prior to The Profit, he appeared on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice in 2011 and 2012, and was also featured on ABC’s television show Secret Millionaire in 2012.
Marcus is truly passionate about people. His philanthropy started in college, where he served as the president of Marquette’s Student Athletic Committee and planned a citywide clothing drive to help the homeless of Milwaukee. Over the years, he has also contributed time and money to various organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Esperanza Community Services and the Lollipop Theater Network.
He receives hundreds of emails on a daily basis from people seeking business advice and investments, but as you may have seen on The Profit, he is not a bank, consultant or the fairy godmother. Marcus spends time carefully scouting out the businesses he would like to add to his current portfolio such as fashion, wine, auto and RV, ice cream, candy, pet supplies, cosmetics, furniture, restaurants, music equipment stores and many more!
With multiple ventures on his resume, Marcus can be seen sharing his knowledge through numerous business and entertainment television programs, and is also regarded as one of the most sought-after industry experts and keynote speakers in the small business sector today. Marcus drives results through collaborations, partnerships and relationships. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: know your numbers, trust the process and remember that he’s 100 percent IN CHARGE!
source: marcuslemonis.com