New 7-Eleven [image-nocss] franchisees say that owning a proven, successful business while receiving support and training from the world's largest convenience retailer can make for a rewarding business venture even in a challenging economy, said the report.
Because Florida is one of the last states where Dallas-based 7-Eleven is converting its company-operated stores to franchises, some new owners have moved to the Sunshine State to take advantage of what they see as an opportunity to be their own bosses. Local residents are also considering the opportunity to become part of one of the world's most recognized brands.
7-Eleven provides the land, building, equipment and a turnkey operation for its franchises. The average upfront, total investment for a 7-Eleven franchise is between $175,000 and $250,000, although the cost may vary by store and region.
The Fort Myers/Naples area has several new franchisees such as Dashmesh Sethi and Nitish Malik, the report said. Dashmesh Sethi, 28, had grown up working in his family's sandwich franchise shops in Pennsylvania and Florida, but he always wanted to be an independent businessman. He also wanted to get a business that offered a larger variety of products. He was researching several companies when he heard about the franchising opportunity with 7-Eleven.
"I wanted to do something on my own," Dashmesh told the newspaper. "And 7-Eleven had such a great support system for the franchisee."
He franchised his first store in Fort Myers in November of 2008. He said that he really enjoys testing new 7-Eleven products with his customers to see what suits their needs and tastes. He recently started offering fresh-cooked pizza through a new 7-Eleven program. "It's long hours at the beginning," Dashmesh said. "But if you're smart and can organize your crew, the benefits are great."
He hopes to get his second store very soon, said the report.
Nitish Malik was thinking seriously about going to graduate school for an advanced degree in business when he realized he could get experience and become a store owner right away. Nitish, 24, had grown up working in his father's 7-Eleven stores in New York. His uncle also is a franchise owner in that area. "They were my inspiration," Nitish told the paper.
He had researched many different business possibilities and was mulling over his next move when he heard about the Florida franchising program. "I thought this was as good a training for business as school would be, and it was an opportunity that I couldn't say 'no' to."
He franchised his store in Naples in October 2008.
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