More than 1200 Veterans Enter Operation-Take Command To Win 7-Eleven Franchise

Enlistment has been brisk for Operation:Take Command, 7-Eleven, Inc.’s first franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to U.S. military veterans.
With the Jan. 25 deadline less than two weeks away, more than 1,200 veterans have completed the contest application, exceeding company expectations for the first-time promotion.

The winner will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, valued at up to $190,000, to franchise any of the company’s 7-Eleven® convenience stores available in the continental U.S. at the contest’s culmination. Interested veterans, who are first-time 7-Eleven franchise applicants, can enter online at www.VeteransFranchiseGiveaway.com through Jan. 25. The winner will be announced in April.

“Response to Operation: Take Command has been enthusiastic across the country,” said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of Franchise Systems, “but especially so in states that have a large military presence like Texas, California, Florida and Virginia. Not only have we received a high number of applications, but also high-caliber candidates that I think will/would make great franchisees for 7-Eleven. From our veterans, I would expect nothing less.”

Besides their military experience, many of the veterans who have applied have earned bachelor’s and graduate degrees and possess business, retail and management skills.

Online buzz has picked up on 7-Eleven’s franchise Facebook page with comments like:
• “So very interested. This would change lives.”
• “This has been my ultimate goal since I saw the episode of Undercover Boss … this excites me to know that they are really a good company to be a part of.”
• “Noooo!!! I don’t get out for 2 years! God I would love to win this. Owning a 7-11 (sic) would be out of this world!”

“We have already had veterans who are so enthusiastic to start their own business, they don’t want to even wait to see whether they win,” Franks said. “They are already going through the 7-Eleven franchising process to select and open a store. And in the true military tradition of selfless service, some have said they want to give up their chance at winning to a vet who might need the franchise fee waiver more than themselves.”

The Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway is a multi-phased competition that includes meeting 7-Eleven’s franchising qualifications, interviews, a Facebook video contest among the 10 preliminary finalists and an interview with 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto for the three finalists.

To qualify for the contest, an entrant must be age 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an honorably discharged veteran, have excellent credit and at least three years of leadership, retail or restaurant experience. Contestants will go through the same qualification process as all 7-Eleven franchise applicants including interviews, credit evaluation, a leadership test, preparing a business plan and budget, and location preferences.

7-Eleven has been recognized by veterans’ organizations for its military-friendly business opportunities, hiring practices and philanthropic support for military families. Military veterans serve in every level of the company from store sales associates to headquarters personnel. The retailer also has supported military assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend.

7-Eleven just published on its website an infographic highlighting how entrepreneurial and successful veterans have proven to be in the workplace, specifically in franchise businesses. That news is available for publication (jpeg accompanies this news release) and also can be found at http://Franchise.7-Eleven.com/franchise/infographic.

Highlights include:
• $1.2 trillion is generated annually by veteran-owned businesses. (Source: U.S. Census)
• In the past 4 years, more than 203,000 new veterans and military spouses have started franchising careers. (Source: International Franchise Association, IFA)
• In the past one year, 50,000+ veterans have found employment in the franchise industry (Source: IFA’s “Veterans in Franchising Report”)
The company was selected a 2014-2015 “Best for Vets” franchise by Military Times, a Top 100 Military-Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs, one of U.S. Veterans Magazine Top 100 Veteran-Friendly Companies and MVE (Most Valuable Employer) by civilianjobs.com.

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About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses more than 10,400 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 54,600 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; #1 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2014 Top Global Franchise list; #10 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2015, and #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine’s 2013 list of the “World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail.” 7-Eleven places among Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2014 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and is among GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.