Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and students at First Commerce Credit Union’s 2026 Power Forward Speaker Series heard Marcus Lemonis deliver a clear message: Success in business means little without strong relationships.
Lemonis, a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and reality TV personality known for helping struggling businesses achieve stability and growth, served as the 12th keynote speaker to take the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall stage for Power Forward.
“What has historically motivated me remains the same today: relationships. Seeing people grow, develop, and become the best version of themselves,” Lemonis said.
Power Forward strengthens the business community by bringing some of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurs to Tallahassee to share cutting‑edge insights and actionable strategies with business leaders and aspiring professionals.
Lemonis, who was named CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. earlier this year, is also the co‑founder and former CEO of Camping World, which he helped scale into the nation’s largest RV retailer. He has revitalized numerous struggling businesses as the star of CNBC’s The Profit and now FOX’s The Fixer.
His highly interactive talk energized the audience. In his direct and candid style, Lemonis encouraged attendees to visualize their own “mountain” — their personal pinnacle of success — and then asked them to consider where they stand on their journey. Audience members responded based on their progress toward achieving their long‑term goals.
But Lemonis emphasized a people‑first perspective: pursuing the top of the mountain alone is the wrong destination.
“Here’s what I learned after losing relationships, businesses, and friendships: the top of the mountain was the wrong place to aim for,” Lemonis said. “Over time, I realized the right place to aim for was actually the bottom. Because my job, and your job, is not to leave everybody else behind.”
As Tallahassee’s largest annual business event, Power Forward reflects First Commerce Credit Union’s mission to Empower Generations and Transform Communities.
First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison opened the event by highlighting the essential role businesses play in supporting the local economy.
“Small businesses create opportunity, employ our neighbors, and keep our local economy moving. And because we live and work here too, we understand this marketplace — the opportunities, the pressures, and the pace at which you operate,” Homison said.
The speaker series is made possible through First Commerce’s long‑standing partnership with the Florida State University Division of Research, which serves as Power Forward’s co‑presenter.
As part of the credit union’s mission to Empower Generations and Transform Communities, First Commerce also introduced Elevate, a comprehensive wellness solution designed to help businesses and organizations support their employees. Elevate helps organizations of all sizes reduce financial stress, including through no-cost financial education programming, and expand wellness access to improve team longevity and create a foundation for long-term business growth.
Elevate is rooted in the same principles that stood out throughout the 12th installment of Power Forward: Organizations thrive when they support the people who power their success.
“When people are supported, businesses thrive,” Homison added.
For more information about the Power Forward Speaker Series and past speakers, go to FirstCommerceCU.org/PowerForward.
To learn more about Elevate, visitFirstCommerceCU.org/Elevate.
Marcus Lemonis headlines First Commerce Credit Union’s 2026 Power Forward Speaker Series
