DALLAS -- Enlistment has been brisk for Operation: Take Command, 7-Eleven Inc.'s first convenience store franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to U.S. military veterans, the company said.
With the Jan. 25 deadline less than two weeks away, more than 1,200 veterans have completed the contest application, exceeding company expectations for the first-time promotion.
The winner will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, valued at up to $190,000, to franchise any of the company's 7-Eleven convenience stores available in the continental United States at the contest's culmination. Interested veterans who are first-time 7-Eleven franchise applicants can enter online at www.Franchise.7-Eleven.com/franchise through January 25.
The company will announce the winner in April.
"Response to Operation: Take Command has been enthusiastic across the country," said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of franchise systems, "but especially so in states that have a large military presence like Texas, California, Florida and Virginia. Not only have we received a high number of applications, but also high-caliber candidates that I think will/would make great franchisees for 7-Eleven. From our veterans, I would expect nothing less."
The Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway is a multi-phased competition that includes meeting 7-Eleven's franchising qualifications, interviews, a Facebook video contest among the 10 preliminary finalists and an interview with 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto for the three finalists.
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 interviews, credit evaluation, a leadership test, preparing a business plan and 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.
7-Eleven has published an infographic (click here to view larger size) highlighting how entrepreneurial and successful veterans have proven to be in the workplace, specifically in franchise businesses.
Based in Dallas, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses more than 10,400 7-Eleven convenience stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 54,600 7-Eleven c-stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven c-stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion.
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