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 companys 7-Eleven convenience stores available in the continental U.S. at the contests 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 bachelors and graduate degrees and possess business, retail and management skills.
Online buzz has picked up on 7-Elevens 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 dont get out for two 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 dont 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?Elevens 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 and can be found at
Highlights include:
$1.2 trillion is generated annually by veteran-owned businesses. (Source: U.S. Census)
In the past four 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: IFAs 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.
