"This is the first time we have offered a reduction like this in our franchise fees, [image-nocss] and I can't think of a better group to receive this benefit than the men and women who have so selflessly served to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America," said 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto. A graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, DePinto served five years as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Retail locations available for franchising are available in 30 states across the United States. An interactive map atwww.franchise.7-eleven.com indicates stores available for franchising.
"The experiences and expertise gained in the military are ideal for succeeding as an independent businessperson," said Jeff Schenck, senior vice president of national franchising and real estate. "A career in the military fosters leadership, a strong work ethic, teamwork and team-building, and teaches system management skills and how to effectively execute plans."
Todd Ferguson, a 20-year veteran of 7-Eleven franchising who previously served with the 82nd Airborne of the U.S. Army, saluted the new program. "The 7-Eleven franchise business is perfect for people coming out of the military," he said. "It's a 24-hour business and something is always happening. There's a real sense of mission in the store. Maintaining customer focus is not much different than the mission focus required in the military."
Ferguson said he and his wife, Chinsuk, are franchising their "third - fifth store" in the Las Vegas area. "We have opened other new franchises and then sold them so this will mark the third time we're up to five stores. It gives us an opportunity to spread the American dream around."
The franchise couple just returned from Normandy, France, where they visited the American D-Day Memorial. 2009 marks the 65th anniversary of the battle.
7-Eleven has military veterans serving in every level of the company from top management to field staff to store associates. With a growing number of veterans facing a difficult job market, veteran entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to start a successful business in which retired service personnel can use their skills to control their financial destiny.
Dallas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses approximately 7,800 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 36,200 stores in 15 countries. During 2008, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion.
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