Roberta “Bobbi” Raffel is widely recognized as the wife of Marcus Lemonis, the entrepreneur and TV personality behind The Profit. But her story runs much deeper than being a celebrity spouse. She built her own fashion empire, made bold business moves, and became a major investor in some of America’s most recognized retail companies.
Born on September 21, 1953, Bobbi turned 72 in 2025 and brings decades of fashion industry experience to her partnership with Marcus. Her journey from boutique owner to co-investor in Camping World shows how she blends creative vision with sharp business instincts. Together, they’ve built a retail and lifestyle brand portfolio that spans fashion, home decor, and charitable giving.
Roberta Raffel Quick Bio Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Roberta “Bobbi” Raffel (Bobbi Lemonis) |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1953 |
| Age (2025) | 72 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Fashion entrepreneur, investor |
| Known For | Wife and business partner of Marcus Lemonis |
| Career Highlights | Owner of Runway boutique, Co-owner of ML Fashion Group, Investor in Camping World |
| Family | Two adult children; multiple grandchildren |
| Spouse | Marcus Lemonis (married 2018) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated around $50 million |
| Social Media | Instagram: @bobbilemonis |
| Notable Philanthropy | Co-donor of $15M to Marquette University; supports Erase Child Trafficking |
Early Life and Family Background
Roberta Raffel grew up as the eldest child of Kenneth and Millicent Fenchel in the United States. Her father, Kenneth, served as a World War II veteran and later spent over 30 years working in Chicago’s lamp industry. That dedication shaped Bobbi’s own work ethic early on.
She has two younger siblings: a brother named Stephen Fenchel and a sister, Mickey Fenchel Sima. Her mother, Millicent, passed away in November 2018. Bobbi has publicly honored her parents through Instagram tributes, keeping their memory alive.
Growing up watching her father’s disciplined career taught Bobbi that success comes from consistency. She credits these early influences for her later willingness to take risks in the competitive fashion world. Her upbringing gave her a grounded perspective that would serve her throughout her business career.
Roberta Raffel Building a Career in Fashion
Bobbi’s first role in the fashion industry was as a sales manager handling logistics for modeling agencies and runway shows. This hands-on experience gave her deep knowledge of how the fashion business actually operates behind the scenes. She learned the importance of timing, quality control, and building relationships with buyers.
She later founded her own fashion boutique called Runway in Deerfield, Illinois. The boutique reflected her eye for quality and her understanding of what customers wanted. Running her own business meant she controlled every decision, from inventory to customer experience.
Bobbi once said she “fell in love with fashion … but it wasn’t just the style that drew her in — it was the business behind the beauty.” This reveals her dual passion: creative design paired with financial strategy. That combination would define her approach to every venture that followed.
The Bold Business Move That Changed Everything
In 2016, Bobbi attended the COTERIE trade show, a major women’s fashion event. She spotted Marcus Lemonis in the crowd and made a move that would change both their lives. According to the 2018 cover story of People Magazine, she tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Hey, buy my business.”
Marcus took her seriously and his company, Gooberry, acquired Runway boutique in March 2016. The acquisition wasn’t just a sale; it marked the beginning of a professional partnership. Bobbi didn’t walk away after selling — she stayed involved in decision-making for the newly formed ML Fashion Group.
This level of influence shows the trust Marcus placed in her judgment from the start. It also demonstrates that her role was never symbolic — she was actively shaping the business from day one. Her willingness to approach a stranger with a pitch shows the confidence that defined her career.
Roberta Raffel Marriage and Personal Life
What started as a business relationship quickly became romantic. Marcus proposed to Bobbi on Christmas using a Secret Santa gift. The proposal was personal and playful, reflecting the chemistry they shared both professionally and personally.
They married on February 17, 2018, at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, as reported by People Magazine. Their original plan was to marry in Montecito, California, but mudslides and wildfires forced them to change venues. Marcus later said the wedding was “so beautiful and incredible” and that he cried during the ceremony.
The age difference between them — roughly 20 years — has been noted in media coverage but hasn’t defined their relationship. Their partnership is built on mutual respect and shared business goals. Both bring different strengths: she offers fashion expertise and trend insight, while he brings capital and operational scale.
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Roberta Raffel Family and Children
Bobbi has two adult children, a son and a daughter, from her previous relationship with Les Raffel. Her children are now married with families of their own. She is also a grandmother to multiple grandchildren, which she celebrates frequently on social media.
Her daughter works in the fashion industry, following her mother’s career path. This shows the lasting influence Bobbi has had as both a parent and a professional role model. Family remains central to her identity, even as her business responsibilities have expanded.
Marcus and Bobbi do not have children together. Their blended family dynamic appears strong based on public appearances and social media posts. Bobbi often shares photos of family gatherings, reflecting her commitment to keeping close ties across generations.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Bobbi and Marcus donated $15 million to Marquette University to establish the Lemonis Center for Student Success. The center provides academic coaching, tutoring, and career guidance to students across all majors. This gift represents their belief in education as a path to long-term opportunity.
They also support Erase Child Trafficking through its Emergency Response Division. Their charitable work extends to community rebuilding and disaster relief efforts. Bobbi’s giving philosophy emphasizes systemic change rather than one-time donations.
She and Marcus are listed as donors to God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that provides meals to people with serious illnesses. Bobbi’s approach to philanthropy mirrors her business mindset: she looks for sustainable impact. She wants her contributions to create lasting infrastructure, not just temporary relief.
Roberta Raffel Public Presence and Social Media
Bobbi maintains an active Instagram account under the handle @bobbilemonis. Her feed balances personal moments with professional milestones. She posts about new Shopmarc store openings and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their business ventures.
She is more private than Marcus but uses her platform to celebrate what matters most to her. She and Marcus travel together frequently, attending cultural, business, and fashion events. Her public persona reflects her values: family-focused, business-savvy, and grounded.
Bobbi stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blonde hair and dark brown eyes. While these physical details are publicly noted, her impact goes far beyond appearance. She uses her visibility to honor her family heritage and promote the businesses she believes in.
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Net Worth and Financial Standing
There is no publicly available Roberta Raffel’s net worth, it remains known. Her wealth comes from her fashion business, her stake in ML Fashion Group, and her significant shareholding in Camping World. These diversified assets give her financial independence alongside her partnership with Marcus.
Marcus Lemonis’s net worth is estimated between $500 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His roles include CEO of Camping World and Executive Chairman of Beyond, Inc. Together, their combined financial footprint makes them one of the more influential couples in American retail.
Bobbi built her career through business experience, alongside her partnership with Marcus Lemonis. She made smart investments and built valuable brands before meeting Marcus. Her story shows that wealth built on expertise and strategic risk-taking creates lasting value.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Bobbi’s career demonstrates that success in fashion requires both creative vision and business discipline. She didn’t just design clothes — she built brands, managed logistics, and made strategic investments. Her ability to balance artistry with commerce sets her apart in an industry known for high failure rates.
Her partnership with Marcus works because they respect each other’s expertise and share decision-making authority. She brings decades of fashion knowledge; he brings scale and operational systems. Together, they’ve created a business model that blends retail, lifestyle, and philanthropy.
Bobbi’s influence extends beyond the brands she’s built. She’s shaping educational infrastructure through major donations and supporting vulnerable communities through targeted charity work. She has contributed to educational and community initiatives, supporting students, survivors, and entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Roberta “Bobbi” Raffel’s story is one of bold moves, smart investments, and quiet power. She walked up to a stranger at a trade show and turned a business pitch into a life partnership. Her journey from boutique owner to investor reflects her experience in fashion and business.
Her marriage to Marcus Lemonis brought her into the public eye, but her own accomplishments stand on their own. She built businesses, made strategic investments, and used her wealth to create lasting community impact. At 72, she remains actively involved in fashion, retail, and philanthropy.
Her career demonstrates how creative vision and business strategy can work together in fashion and retail. She proves that expertise, timing, and courage can build both financial success and meaningful legacy. She remains actively involved in the brands she co-manages and supports charitable initiatives.
FAQ’s about Roberta Raffel
What is Roberta Raffel’s full name?
Roberta “Bobbi” Raffel, also known as Bobbi Lemonis after her marriage.
How old is Roberta Raffel?
She was born September 21, 1953, making her 72 years old as of 2025.
How did Roberta Raffel meet Marcus Lemonis?
She approached him at the 2016 COTERIE trade show and pitched her fashion business.
Does Roberta Raffel have children?
Yes, she has two adult children from a previous relationship and is a grandmother.
What is Roberta Raffel’s net worth?
Public estimates place her net worth at approximately $50 million as of 2025.
What businesses does Roberta Raffel own?
She co-owns ML Fashion Group and Shopmarc with Marcus, and holds a significant stake in Camping World.
What is the age difference between Bobbi and Marcus?
There is roughly a 20-year age gap, with Bobbi born in 1953 and Marcus in 1973.
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