Thousands of veterans have already registered for 7-Eleven’s second franchise giveaway.
7-Eleven Inc.’s Operation: Take Command is now in its second year, and the contest has already registered more entrants than last year’s contest. The registration deadline is Feb. 26, and more than 9,000 veterans have entered the contest, and hundreds of veterans are still applying. The 2016 contest is 7-Eleven’s second franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to U.S. military veterans.
The winner will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, valued at up to $190,000, to franchise any 7-Eleven convenience store 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 Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. The winner will be announced in June.
“This is a great opportunity for a veteran to take charge of his or her future,” said Larry Hughes, 7-Eleven vice president of Franchise Systems and himself a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran. “Veterans have a proven track record as 7-Eleven franchisees. Leadership and character, systems orientation, discipline, the ability to build teams … the qualities that are stressed in the military are the same ones that lead to success in our system.”
In addition to their military experience, many of the veterans who have entered this year’s Operation: Take Command competition hold bachelor’s and graduate degrees and possess business, retail and management skills.
The Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway is a multi-phased competition that includes meeting 7-Eleven’s franchising qualifications and successful interviews. The top 25 will be invited to submit a video on why they deserve a 7-Eleven franchise. Up to seven will be selected for the semi-finals round, which includes a Facebook video contest. The three getting the most Facebook votes will be interviewed by 7-Eleven’s franchise department and narrowed to one winner.
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 credit evaluation, a leadership test, business plan development, 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.
“Response to this year’s Operation: Take Command has already surpassed last year, I think in part because veterans recognize what a great opportunity owning a 7-Eleven franchise can be and that 7-Eleven is a military-friendly company on all fronts,” Hughes said. “Five of the top 10 finalists in last year’s contest are now 7-Eleven franchisees.”
7-Eleven was selected a 2014-2015 “Best for Vets” franchise by Military Times, a Top 100 Military-Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines in 2014, 2015 and 2016, one of U.S. Veterans Magazine Top 100 Veteran-Friendly Companies and MVE (Most Valuable Employer) by civilianjobs.com.
