7-Eleven wants to help retired veterans live the American Dream.
7-Eleven Inc. is working to provide more franchise opportunities to qualified men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The retailer has set a goal of recruiting 100 veterans and providing $2 million in discounts by the end of 2016.
Launched in the summer of 2009, 7-Eleven’s program offers discounted franchise fees to retired or separated military veterans who have been honorably discharged from the service within the past five years. Qualified veterans who become first-time 7-Eleven franchisees receive up to a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee for the first 7-Eleven store they franchise. This discount ranges from $1,000 to approximately $35,000, depending on the store.
“What better time to announce our intent to continue providing more opportunities in the coming year for those who served our country than around Veterans Day,” said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven franchise systems vice president. “U.S. military veterans have the skills, focus and dedication to achieve great success as franchisees.”
“We’ve been successful in making it a little easier for veterans to achieve the American dream of owning their own business. In the past six years, 82 military vets have received $1.5 million in franchise-fee discounts. An additional 10 have started on the path to becoming franchisees,” Franks added.
Just recently, 7-Eleven franchised stores to three winners in the company’s Operation Take: Command program. Some 1,700 military veterans competed for a franchise fee-free 7-Eleven store of their choice among available locations.
Mark Anthony Page assumed command of his Burleson, Texas, store in August; Salil Gautam franchised his pick in Norfolk, Va., in September, and Robert Kemna is expected to take control of a Miami 7-Eleven store in December.
7-Eleven has been recognized for its veteran-hiring practices and support of military families and was named among Top Military Friendly Employers for 2016 by Victory Media and its G.I. Jobs magazine. The retailer also has supported military-assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend. The company has military veterans serving in every level from top management to field staff to store sales associates.
