Under his guidance, the company moved to Daytona Beach in 1979. By 1990, Lemerand had transformed the corporation into the largest insulation contractor in the nation, with more than 100 locations in 23 states. He sold Gale Industries to Masco Corp. in 1995, but stayed on as CEO and president until 2000. Lemerand is the subject of the book “To Win in Business... Bet on the Jockey,” that tells the remarkable and inspiring story of his life as an entrepreneur.

In addition, Lemerand is the immediate past chairman of the board and co-founder of Stonewood Grill & Tavern restaurants. He owns major interest in 29 restaurants, including Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Peach Valley Café, Houligan’s, Perkins Family Restaurant and Bakery, The Dish and Ormond Wine Company.

Ernst & Young named Lemerand the Florida Entrepreneur of the Year in 1995, and his generosity has greatly benefited Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Florida and organizations across the state. Lemerand actively serves on numerous local community boards, including SunTrust Bank, WDSC PBS 15, Ormond Beach Memorial Hospital and his alma mater, Escanaba High School, in Michigan. He also supports local groups and charities, such as Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, March of Dimes and the United Way.