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7-Eleven recruits Western New York-area military vets to enlist in franchise store competition

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Tue, Jan 12th 2016 10:55 am

Winner's franchise-fee waiver worth up to $190,000

Attention Western New York veterans: If you are looking to open a franchise and be your own boss, 7-Eleven Inc. has something in store for you.

Dallas-based 7-Eleven is recruiting qualified men and women from around the country who have served in and been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces to enlist in the company's second "Operation: Take Command" competition. One deserving and lucky veteran will be awarded a 7-Eleven fee-free franchise, a value of up to $190,000.

The winner can choose any of the company's 7-Eleven convenience stores available in the continental U.S. at the contest's culmination. Of the 84 7-Eleven stores currently in the Buffalo area, approximately 90 percent are available for franchise.

Interested veterans can view complete competition rules and enter online at www.VeteransFranchiseGiveaway.com now through Feb. 26. The winner will be announced in June.

"More than 6,000 ex-military men and women applied last year, and 1,700 were vetted in our first 'Operation: Take Command campaign,' " said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of franchise systems. "The finalists were outstanding, and many who didn't win still took command of their careers and moved forward through our normal qualification process to own their own 7-Eleven franchise."

"A big 'Thank you' to the 7-Eleven organization for creating and implementing the 'Operation: Take Command' program, which is a golden opportunity for all veterans, since veterans tend to hire other veterans," said Wayne P. Sorrentino, commander, Erie County, The American Legion, Department of New York. "Our veterans need our full support every day. Without our veterans and the sacrifices they gave, unselfishly, the world would be a much different place. Congratulations and much success to the eventual winner of this franchise."

The "Operation: Take Command" initiative is a multiphased competition that includes meeting 7-Eleven's franchising qualifications and successful interviews. The top 25 will be invited to submit a video as to why they deserve a 7-Eleven franchise. Up to seven will be selected from this pool for the semifinal competition.

Through votes on 7-Eleven's Facebook page, the public will select three finalists to be interviewed by 7-Eleven's franchise department management and narrowed to one winner.

To qualify for "Operation: Take Command," 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 credit evaluation, a leadership test, business plan development, budget and store location preferences.

 Last year's winners in 7-Eleven's inaugural "Operation: Take Command" are now in business for themselves in stores of their choice. Mark Anthony Page, a Navy veteran, franchises a 7-Eleven store in Burleson, Texas. Salil Gautam, formerly with the U.S. Army, operates his store in Norfolk, Virginia, while Army reservist Robert Kemna recently took the reins of his new 7-Eleven store in Miami.

7-Eleven already offers qualified veterans who have left the military within the past five years a discount of 20 percent on the franchise fee for their first 7-Eleven store (a value of up to $50,000), along with preferred interest rates and special financing. Those who have been out of the military longer than five years receive a 10 percent franchise fee discount.

According to the U.S. Census (http://www.census.gov/library/infographics/veterans.html), veteran-owned businesses generate $1.2 trillion in receipts and employ 5.8 million people.

Multiple veterans' organizations continue to recognize 7-Eleven for its military-friendly business opportunities, hiring practices and philanthropic support for military families. This year marks 7-Eleven's 52nd year of franchising. Today, franchisees operate approximately 85 percent of 7-Eleven's nearly 8,000 U.S. stores. An interactive map at http://www.franchise.7-eleven.com indicates stores available for franchising.

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The Fine Print: The contest is not open to eligible veterans who are legal residents of Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota and where prohibited. All participants must read and agree to the official rules at www.veteransfranchisegiveaway.com. This is not an offer to sell a franchise, which will be made by 7-Eleven Inc. only in a state if 7-Eleven Inc. is first registered, filed, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if 7-Eleven provides an appropriate franchise disclosure document. A credit of up to $190,000 toward the initial franchise fee will be awarded. The winner will be required to pay any portion of the initial franchise fee over $190,000 for the store they select, along with other initial fees, including but not limited to a $29,000 down payment on inventory, cost of all licenses and permits, expenses to attend training and other fees described in our franchise disclosure document. The 20-percent franchise fee discount for veterans is for qualified applicants and only on the first store franchised.

7-Eleven Inc. is a premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7-Eleven stores in North America. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

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