Chicago, IL – May 17, 2012 – Camping World and Good Sam have announced today that Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis will be featured on an episode in the upcoming season of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire” this summer. This will be Lemonis’ third philanthropic appearance on television in the past year. Lemonis has also appeared on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice”(March 2011) which helped to raise over a million dollars for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He also appeared in this season’s (2012) run of “Celebrity Apprentice.” Marcus also made an appearance on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
Lemonis will be returning to his hometown of Miami for the specific episode of “Secret Millionaire” where he will be working with three charity organizations to help provide the resources for them to succeed. As Chairman & CEO of Camping World and Good Sam, Lemonis has made significant philanthropic efforts the past few years and was thrilled to be able to give back to his own hometown on ABC’s “Secret Millionaire.”
Specific details for the Lemonis episode of “Secret Millionaire” will be announced soon by ABC (air date; the specific charities Lemonis worked with, etc.)
“After being a part of ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ twice and seeing the great things that are done on that show for various charitable organizations, I knew the right fit for me to be involved in a show that revolves around helping charities was ‘Secret Millionaire,’ said Lemonis. “When we had the chance to work with Zodiak (the production company) and ABC for an episode of ‘Secret Millionaire’ I knew it would be something special and it definitely is.”
About Marcus Lemonis
Marcus Lemonis came from a notable beginning. He was abandoned in Beirut, Lebanon during the chaos of civil war and foreign invasions. At 9 months old, Lemonis was adopted and raised in Miami, Florida. He discovered the power of imposing his will at an early age. He liked to create action in people, places and things with the expectation to influence, evolve or improve the original. As Chairman & CEO of Camping World & Good Sam, Lemonis has been recognized as 2007 “Newsmaker of the Year” by RV Business Magazine; was named one of Crain’s Chicago “40 under 40” in 2005; and the 2008 Ernst & “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” Lemonis’ charisma and drive to succeed have put him among the top leadership in the business world. Lemonis leaves not just an impression but an imprint on everyone he meets and he’s never soon to be forgotten. Lemonis has the charisma that few possess. This magic formula is uncommon even among top leadership in the business world. With all his accomplishments, his most rewarding are those involving his charity and community involvement.
About Camping World/Good Sam:
Both founded in 1966, Camping World is America’s #1 source for RVs, camping accessories, RV maintenance and repair and The Good Sam is the world’s largest RV owners organization offering helpful technical tips, vacation planning, extended warranty, magazine subscriptions, roadside assistance and more to serve the outdoor enthusiast. Partnered together, Camping World and Good Sam offers more to those who love the RV lifestyle by offering one- stop shopping and resources for everything RV and outdoor. For more information, visit www.CampingWorld.com and www.GoodSam.com
About Secret Millionaire
The secret’s out! Some of America’s most successful self-made millionaires are embarking on a truly incredible journey. They will spend a week in the country’s poorest areas and ultimately reward some unsung community heroes with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money.Based on the hit UK series of the same name, each episode of Secret Millionaire follows one of America’s most successful business people for a week as they leave the comforts of home behind. They’ll keep their true identities hidden while living in some of the country’s most impoverished neighborhoods.
Residing in local housing on welfare-level wages, these “secret millionaires” will try to find the most deserving people within the community. We’re talking about those selfless individuals who continually sacrifice everything to help anyone in need, and ultimately encourage others to do the same. Throughout this incredible experience, the millionaires will come face-to-face with some truly extraordinary people who put their own needs aside for the sake of others. At the end of the journey, they’ll reveal their true identity and donate their own money to these local heroes. It’s a life-changing moment you won’t want to miss.
Good Sam Camping
Yes, the program covers travelers internationally.
Anonymous
We have a question! We signed up with TravelAssist and ask you, if we are covered on a trip to Europa?
harold oquinn
Mr. Lemonis.
I ordered a new Trailer Life Directory on 11-8-12, received it on 11-13-12.
My problem, i thought the order was for the 2013 edition, i received the
2012 edition???
I don’t need the 2012 edition, but do want the 2013 edition.
Can you offer a solution to resolve my problem, short of me paying again??
Thank you very much.
Harold O’Quinn
Good Sam says: Harold I will be contacting you Via e-mail to get your infomation so we can fix this for you.
J. Meyers
Mr. Lemonis,
On our way home from a week at the coast we had a blow-out on the back inside rear tire of our 32 ft. Bounder class A motorhome. We called our Good Sam roadside assistance to have someone sent out to fix this for us (we do carry a spare). After thoroughly quizzing us as to what our problem was and what kind of vehicle we were driving the dispatcher sent out a tow truck that was not equipped to help us with our problem. We then had to wait another hour for the proper help to be sent out.
I believe your dispatchers should be trained to send out the proper help the first time. They know exactly what kind of vehicle we have and what the problem is.
We ran into this trouble a few years ago when we stupidly locked ourselves out of our motorhome, called Good Sam to explain the problem, and they sent out someone with a ‘slim-jim’ to pop open a locked car door, not someone able to deal with a locked coach door. Again, they knew what our trouble was and what kind of vehicle they would be dealing with, but sent out the wrong kind of help.
J. Meyers, Colfax, California
Good Sam says: We are sorry to hear that you had this trouble with Good Sam Roadside Assistance. We are looking into this right now and someone will be back in touch with you soon.
Good Sam follow up: It was good to speak with you today and I am glad we could find a solution for your issues and helped restore your faith in Good Sam Roadside Assistance.
Sam Rainwater
I have a question for you. I ordered some tablecloth weights for my wife for about $10 total. They came in yesterday in TWO 10″X10″X8″ boxes. Each box was stuffed with a sheet of brown wrapping paper that was 30″ wide and 8 feet long. In each box was a small 8″X8″ card with 4 small weights on it. The postage was over $11 and my question is WHY do I have to pay such exhorbant prices for such as this when each card could have been mailed in an 8″X8″X1′ bubble wrap envelope?
I look forward to your answer. Thank you.
Good Sam says: We are sorry to hear about your troubles. I have gotten in touch with our Camping World Team to have them contact you and provide assistance.
Good Sam follow up: Hello it was nice we were able to assist you with the shipping troubles you had. We look forward to being able to provide service for you again in the Future.
melody schleicher
we have gmac ins, it is the pay as you go for our motorhome. (we are part timers) and they don’t know what they are going. Good Sam has our phone #, i would love to hear from you our membership # is 54020540 We need some help with this ins. co We got the ins because we trusted Good Sam, they are giving your company a bad name. Thank-you for your time. melody
Good Sam Says: We are sorry to hear your having trouble with GMAC. I will be sending you an e-mail, as I would like to discuss this issue further with you.
Manuel Angel Jr
I bought a wireless back up Hitch camera for my Travel trailer back in 07/25/ 11 at Camping Word in New Braunfels Texas. I paid 184.99 dollars for it . I used only two times before I had problems with it. On the third time I went to use it, I could not get it to charge the portable monitor. February or March of this year I went to that store to inform them that I was having problems with it.. The cashier clerk told me that they could not do anything about it because it was beyond 90 days ,( “electronics”) it was out of warranty. I ask to speak to the manager. He went to get the manager, but the manager send word back with him that there was nothing he or she could do about it for the same reason. I ask him if he could get me the information who manufactures it so I can see about getting it repair or replace. He could not find any thing in the computer what company makes it. He gave me the phone number to Camping World main office. I call them and the lady was able to give me the venders phone number. The vender told me that if the camera did not have the brand name” Discovery” on it that it was not their product. The camera that I bought does not have a brand on it and it did not have a catalog or information about warranty or who makes it. All it had in the box (which was mark “Tow World” but is not a brand for the camera) that it came in was a small pamphlet on the contents, how to charge it and how to use it. I am at a loss and don not know how to solve this matter. I am hard of hearing and wear hearing aids and can not communicate over the phone very well. I was going to let this issue go but the more I thought about it I had to do something about it. I would like to get it repair if a last resort but nobody seems to know where they got the cameras to sell to the Camping World customers . There are other products that I like to buy from Camping Wold but I am afraid . For the amount of money I paid for it I would think they would go the extreme to help me out. I found myself doing all of the lay mans work when they should be doing some of it. Can you help me resolve this problem? I’ll wait for your answer. Than you. PS The sales slip was mark with a series of numbers referring to the sale of the camera : # 00047686000.
Good Sam Says: Thank you for letting us know. Mr. Angel can you please e-mail all your direct contact information to [email protected] and I will make sure we get this to our Camping World customer resolutions team, so that they can contact you and provide more assistance.
michael gier
I have been a good sam member for many years two months ago I up graded to a life member. I am also a retired member of the us navy. I was very pleased to see the new military good sam decal, the problem is not all camping world stores have only the supercenters. It doesn’t seem right that I would have to drive 250 miles or more out of my way just to get this new decal. I hope those that can get them enjoy them and the rest of us are just out of luck
Good Sam SaysPlease email me your Good Sam member number and I will get those decals mailed out to you [email protected]
alvin crusan
I have not received an e-mail from good sam about my problem al crusan
Good Sam says: I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t receive my email. On 8/20/2012 at 3:08 PM, I sent an email to [email protected] asking:
“What problem are you having, with what company? I would be happy to forward this email to the right department.
If you are in need of further assistance please contact us at [email protected] or call our Member Services at 1-800-234-3450 all day, every day.”
If you can’t find this email, you may contact us by email or phone, listed in the above email.
Update: This issue seems to be pertaining to a warranty that’s sold with Camping World tire purchases. I have forwarded this email to their executive resolutions department for further assistance.
Edward Hertzing
Mr Lemonis
I had taken my class A in for repairs at your Fountain store (colorado Springs, Co) on 8/2/12 for repairs. I drive by that store atleast every other day. It sat there for six days in the same spot. I had to call the service writer to find out the status of my vehice. No one calls you to give an update on any regular basis. I had to go to your store on day six to request that the store manager change my service writer to someone that cared about my business. He did change the service writer and I actually got someone who cared about me as a customer. I spend alot of money each year with your company 3 to 5 K. I had very good service in Wheatridge, Colorado and New Mexico stores. I’m looking at other Rv repair shops to take my business in the future.
The biggest problem you have at this store is customer service. You can be standing in line at the service desk with four other customers and have three service writers burying their face in a computer screen and not acknowledge and one standing in line. This makes goverment employees look like angles. Perhaps alot of training dedicated to customer service training. If I had the time I could show these employees what it means to care for the customer. A little consideration goes along way in the pocket book.
Good Sam says: Please accept our most sincere apologies for the difficulties you experienced and be assured that your email has been forwarded to our Camping World department for further investigation. We value your feedback and greatly appreciate that you took the time to make us aware of the situation and assure you that we will do all that we can to resolve it to your satisfaction.
alvin crusan
What about the problem I’m having regarding tire insurance?
Good Sam says: I have contacted you by email for further assistance.
Bill
I received a $15 certificate as a refund for camping world. The problem is i need to drive a 100 miles to save$15? Why can’t I use it on line, I have a couple of things in shopping basket. O well I know it a little little thing? Bill
Good Sam says: Unfortunately, since the certificate must be submitted at the time of redemption, we wouldn’t be able to redeem it online.
alvin crusan
Sir I have been a member of good sam since 1988. I bought a 2003 hawkeye camper from camper world on 2/29/12 I have received extra years with good sam club, extra years on my platinum roadside assistance plan,,and a 5 year wheel and tire protection plan. On my way home from pa. I had a tire blow out due to debree on the highway [interstate I-26] I had my wife and 3 grandaughters with me so instead of waiting on roadservice I changed the tire myself, meanwhile my called the wheel and tire people and talked to Kimberly told her we were trying to locate discount tire she said either discount tire could handle the waranty or we could take old tire to camper world.We have been dealing with camper would since we bought the camper we decided to go to camper world after we got home.On 7/30/12 we went to camper world with the tire to make a long story shorter the two women that tried to help us did an outstanding job but after at least 4 calls and a couple of e-mails and 2.5 hours of my,my wife, and my 3 grandaughters time A mister denied the claim he said he was going to talk to kimberly because the call was rocorded but he was to denie the claim any way.I believe this is a very poor way to run a business and I think I shoult be paid for the tire and compensated for my family’s time Alvin Crusan
Carol Gregson
In February we purchased a 38ft Montana 5th Wheel from Camping World in Syracuse. We were concerned from the beginning because they have had a terrible reputation regarding service. The sale person said that was when it was Myers. (I think it’s still Myers). We love our coach BUT..we had a problem with the front landing gear…the bathroom sink leaks and other items. We took the coach up with the list of items that needed to be corrected. (When we bought it there was a problem with the landing gear and they just took one off another coach…but the one they put on was bad also). They said they had to order the part for the bathroom sink, we still have not received that part. My husband took the coach back and wanted the landing gear checked (it sounds like metal is rubbing against metal). They said they fixed it. Unfortunately he didn’t check it up there (we are two hours away from this facility). When he got it home and was setting it up, the same noise happened. He immediately called them and they commented it was fine when it left here. He has called several times to talk with them again and also to check on the part for the sink. They continue to ignore our phone calls. We called the manufacturer of the landing gear and they have now recommended that we take it to another dealer which is further away in Pennsylvania. What is your recommendation for us to get this problem taken care of. Since we pull with a diesel vehicle…it has cost us a lot to take it to Syracuse. The other unfortunate item is the sales person was a part time employee and they never assigned us to a permanent person in their facility so we have no one to turn to. This is by far the biggest nightmare we have ever had with buying a camper…and we have had many…we have camped for over 45 years.
Thank you for any assistance.
Good Sam says: Please accept our most sincere apologies for the difficulties you experienced and be assured that your email has been forwarded to Camping World’s resolutions department for further investigation. We value your feedback and greatly appreciate that you took the time to make us aware of the situation and assure you that we will do all that we can to resolve it to your satisfaction.
Update: We’re so glad that we getting this corrected for you.
mark calvanese
I puchased a grill at store # 58 when we were camping in gulf shores , al. When I got it I bought the warranty 3yrs . The salesman told my wife and me that it would cover anything that happened to the grill, accidents , mech. whatever . We had a big tree limb fall on it , we had it covered with a cover we also bought from you .It ruined the grill . I am back in fl. now and called camping world about it , the person I spoke with said yes it was covered and I could go to my nearest camping world and it would be replaced , so I went to the Ocala fl. store with my ruined grill which by the way is about 25 mi. one way from where I live. They told me , I could not get another grill the warranty would not cover a limb falling on the grill , the sales person was nice about it but I ask to speak to the manager , he refused to come out of his office telling the sales person to tell me what she had already told me . I am very dissatisfied with this warrany as I was told it would be replaced if there was a storm or anything that damaged it , I also feel the manager there should have talked to me . We do a lot of camping and have always been satisfied with your stores but I have never had to use a warranty on anything and if this is how it is I will never buy another warranty . I would appreciate your input on this matter .
Thankyou Mark and Carolyn Calvanese
Good Sam Says Mark and Carolyn, Please accept our sincere apologies, I have forwarded your comments to Camping World’s Customer Resolution team.
Richard E. Berman
Dear Mr. Lemonis: On July 18,2012 I took my wife,Sandra Berman,to the E.R. at Battle Mountain General Hospital in Battle Mountain,Nv. with severe abdominal pain. After performing a C.T. Scan Dr. Peters,the attending physician,diagnosed her with gallstones and told her she had to have her gall bladder removed. The B.M.G,H. does not have an O.R. so Dr. Peters contacted a surgeon,Dr.Ward, in Elko Nv. which is 70 miles away. Dr. Ward said he could not do the surgery there because of previous complications of congestive heart failure etc. Dr.Ward and Dr. Peters decided that the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City should handle it. In the meantime an I.V. with a morphine drip was started. Salt Lake City is 300 miles away. I contacted The Good Sam EA Plus Program,of which I am a member #BERR30641A at 1-866-922-1929. I was told this was not covered because it was not life threatening. I told the person my wife was on an I.V.with morphine and Dr. Peters authorized a care flight transportation. The person said he would call his doctor and have them confer with Dr. Peters. As I held on the line the person told me he could not get a response from his doctor. After confering with Dr. Peters the person from the EA+program said he would try to arrange transportation but it might take 2 hours or more. Dr. Peters said this was unacceptable and the person said it was the best they could do. The B.M.G.H. called Summit Air Ambulance,which is the only air ambulance that services this area,and within 20 minutes she was on her way to S.L.C. We chose EA+ because of its connection to Good Sam. I have not received a bill yet,but I have no qualms going to the Nevada State Insurance Commision,B.B.B.,and the District Attorney. Can you please help me. Sincerely Richard E. Berman
Good Sam says: Please accept our most sincere apologies for the difficulties you experienced. I have forwarded this comment to Marcus at [email protected]. We value your feedback and greatly appreciate that you took the time to make us aware of the situation and assure you that we will do all that we can to resolve it to your satisfaction.
STEVE ERICKSEN
WHERE IS MY MOTORHOME, ITS BEEN AT YOUR SERVICE CENTER AT 10255 W PAPAGO FRWY AVONDALE ARIZONA. FOR 8 WEEKS AND HAS NOT MOVED EXCEPT THE MOTORHOME THAT HAVE COME AND GONE THAT WHERE PARK NEXT TO MINE, I HOPE YOU CAN REMEDY THIS PROBLEM, I DONT THINK YOU NEED ANYMORE NEGITIVES ABOUT YOUR SERVICE, I SHOULD HAVE GONE TO LE MESA ACROSS THE STREET FOR YOUR NEW SERVICE DEPT, I JUST NIGHT BE ENJOYING MY INVESTMENT RATHER THAN LOOKING AT IT SITTING ON A FLAT TIRE AT THAT SERVICE CENTER. I THINK YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR SERVICE PEOPLE ON THERE PROMISES. THIS IS THER DIRECT NUMBER PH 623-239-3337. TWEETER IS NEXT
Good Sam says: Steve, please accept our most sincere apologies for the delay. We will check into this right away. Thanks for your patience and for being a Good Sam member.
STEVE ERICKSEN
SIR MY MOTORHOME HAS BEEN AT YOU AVONDALE ARIZONA SERVICE CENTER FOR 8 WEEKS FOR THE REPAIRS, FOR A AWNING SPRING REPLACEMENT HYDRALIC JACK SEALS FRONT ONLY. AND A CONTROL RELAY IN MY BREAKER. MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALREADY APPROVED THE REPAIRS TO BE FIXED. AND ALL I GET IS A RUN AROUND ABOUT ORDERING THE PARTS TAKING SO LONG. WELL I HAVE DONE MY OWN REASEARCH ON THESE PARTS HERE IN ARIZONA, ALL THE ABOVE PARTS COULD BE SHIPPED TO MY HOME IN 2 DAYS. FROM POWER GEAR FOR SEALS AND POWER TEK FOR A RELAY, SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM, THE SERVICE MANGER ARRON, I THINK IS MORE INTRESTED IN GET IN MORE WORK THEN HE CAN HANDEL AT MY EXPENCE, I HAVE BEEN A GOLD MENBER FOR MANY YEARS. BUT I THINK THIS WILL END REAL QUICK. SOME ONE IS DROPPING THE BALL AT THIS DEALER. SERVICE ADVISOR AARON PEWNEW PH# 623-239-3337 MAYBE IF YOU CALL I JUST MIGHT SEE MY MOTORHOME SOME TIME SOON, IT IS NOW SITTING THERE WITH FLAT TIRES IN THE PARKING LOT, WHEN MY WIFE AND I SEE IF IT HAD BEEN EVEN MOVED, PLEASE DO SOMETHING.
Good Sam
Nunzi – please accept our most sincere apologies. We hear several complements from members about the great service at Camping World so this is certainly very unusual. We will pass this along and get this resolved. Thanks for your patience.
______________________________________________
Nunzi- we received an update from the manager at this Camping World location. We’re so glad that they were able to reach out to you resolve your issue in such a positive way. Thanks for your patience and for being a Good Sam member!
Nunzi Panetti
Camping World Inc.
650 Three Springs Road
Bowling Green, KY. 42104-7520
Sir,
When the generator on my 2003 Monaco McKenzie Rogue Class “C” motor home wouldn’t run I took it to Camping World, 4100 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. They had worked on it before when they changed the control board, control module, stator and rotor. After which, we had numerous events that caused me a lot trouble because it never ran right.
In November 2011 I took it to Camping World, 4100 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge, Colorado for the same problem. They found a bad carburetor and “sparking” behind the generator. They changed the carburetor and fixed the sparking. I paid $853.75 and I ran the generator for about 15—20 minutes on the way home and I put the motorhome into storage for the winter.
In April, while preparing for a trip I found that it would not run (again/still). When I contacted Camping World I was told they could not get to it for another 2 weeks. This was not acceptable so I asked where I could take it. They directed me to Rocky Mountain Cummins, 8211 East 96th Ave., Henderson, CO., the authorized Onan service center. They looked at it and told me they found the choke was installed backwards. When I got it home I saw that they had signed it off only as “adjusted”.
I am now wondering if the replacement of the carburetor in November was actually needed. The choke being installed backwards caused me a lot of time and expense. If we had been out on the road it would have been worse.
I called and talked to a Danny Wagner who seemed to be interested in my claim. However, he transferred my call to “Chris” and “Buddy” at Camping World. I had gone back to Cummins to have a statement of what they had found put in writing. The service adviser, April Andrews, wrote on the invoice, “When customer’s unit was inspected choke was on unit backwards. If you have any questions please call. Thanks, April”.
Since I had already submitted the original invoice from Cummins, they acted like I was trying to defraud them and that some how had falsified the invoice from Cummins. Chris said, “I am not comfortable with your amended invoice.” Then they spent a lot of time telling me that the choke, because it is internal, cannot be backwards, and what would happen if it was. I questioned them about the linkage possibly being crossed. They ignored the question.
When I talked to them the first time I was told that they could refund the $193.50 for the labor on the carburetor but had to make a call first and would get back to me. I never got a call. The last time I talked to them, Chris said they had already refunded the $193.50 to my credit card. (I would not have agreed to that because I feel the remainder of the $853.75 should be refunded.) and if I wanted to take this issue higher, good luck.
Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time,
Nunzi Panetti