Stand Up. Take a Chance on Yourself! Marcus Lemonis of The Profit Challenges Ferndale High School students to excel at business and at life.
Story by Jill Lorie Hurst
Photos by Bernie Laframboise & courtesy of Ferndale Schools
Marcus Lemonis, star of CNBC’s The Profit, partnered with Ferndale High School to take on “The Entreprenurial Challenge,” a special contest. He visited FHS on January 26 for the announcement of the winners. Choosing “winners” wasn’t easy, said Pam Bellaver, one of six judges, because all of the projects were so impressive.
Before the announcements, Lemonis spoke to the students about challenges he’d faced at their age, not knowing what to do with his life. “You’ve gotta do something that you like.” He is a straight shooter, compassionate, confident, the supportive boss who wants your best work, understands honest mistakes, but tough enough to cut you loose if you are screwing around or just not right for the job.
Lemonis encourages support and collaboration. He brought student Avery Benner up front to share her beautiful voice. He asked others to share a fear or something they don’t like about themselves. “You guys have to protect each other…the kid you’re sitting next to right now might hire you someday. Might save your life…” He keeps the people who were around at the beginning close. Money and a successful career don’t make everything okay. “I still don’t have a lot of friends. I find things that help me cope, keep my head on straight.” If his current success evaporated? He’d sell cars because they’re something everyone needs! Wait tables at night to make ends meet. “It’s all about survival.”
Second place in the “Entreprenurial Challenge” went to Cameron Blackwell, Nadia Shoot and Brianne Holt, who presented a plan to revitalize the Royal Oak Township Recreation Center, which would expand services, provide career readiness classes, youth sports and a home base for local charities. First place was awarded to Zach Simpson, Jalan Thomas, Leo Sweeney, Jacob Keller, Jack Michalak and Nathan Sherman. They developed a smart phone app called “Parkit,” helping locals find parking and allow residents to rent out their driveways.
The winners go to Universal Orlando Resort, where they will participate in the groundbreaking “Business Learning Series.” Marcus Lemonis also presented a check for $10,000 to the Ferndale Schools. Assistant superintendent Dina Rocheleau: “The entire experience was incredible for our students, staff and community…teaching students to be explicit thinkers, problem solvers and creative. Students, when given the opportunity to organize, explore, research and be creative will blow our minds.” Yes!
At the end of day, Marcus Lemonis headed to Rosie O’Grady’s, where owner Brian Kramer offered a free meal to every Ferndale student in honor of Lemonis’ visit. A man approached Lemonis as he was leaving. He and his wife had driven across Michigan for a chance to talk to him. Lemonis could’ve politely moved along but didn’t. He stayed, listening to the man pitch an idea. Marcus Lemonis really is good with people. He walks the walk. Ferndale High School students, here’s hoping you’ll all stand up and take a chance on yourselves.
“The Profit” follows serial entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis, who puts his own money on the line to help save and grow struggling businesses across the country. “The Profit” airs Tuesdays at 10:00 P.M. on CNBC. To learn more about “The Profit,” visit http://theprofit.cnbcprime.com
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