First Commerce also introduces Elevate, comprehensive wellness solutions designed to support businesses and their employees
Tallahassee, Fla. — Marcus Lemonis delivered a clear message to a packed audience of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and students at First Commerce Credit Union’s 2026 Power Forward Speaker Series: 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, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/Elevate.
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About First Commerce Credit Union
First Commerce Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities for more than 85 years. First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including national awards for FCCU’s #LocalStrong initiative, which helped local businesses and people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. #LocalStrong sparked a movement that infused more than $1 million into communities in the Southeastern U.S. and beyond, including Canada. First Commerce also created the #FlamingoChallenge benefiting local breast cancer patients throughout the region. The annual fundraiser has raised $640,000+ since 2020. As Tallahassee’s largest locally based credit union, First Commerce is a not-for-profit cooperative with more than $1 billion in assets, owned by the more than 70,000 business and consumer members it serves. Anyone who lives or works in 40 counties in the North Florida/South Georgia region or their immediate family members are eligible to join First Commerce. First Commerce has 14 financial centers – six in Tallahassee, one in Panama City, and one in Marianna, Fla., one in Thomasville, Adel, Nashville and three in Valdosta, Ga. First Commerce offers comprehensive best-in-class business and consumer products and services along with the latest technology, and is the longest-running No. 1 auto lender in our region. Business products and services include checking and savings accounts; a full suite of treasury management services; loans and lines of credit including real estate, SBA, vehicle & equipment, and credit cards; and more. The credit union also offers free financial literacy resources online and in person through the FCCU Foundation, as well as comprehensive financial planning and investment services through its subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors, and commercial and personal insurance through First Commerce Insurance Agency. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.488.0035. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.
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