Military Veterans Compete for a 7-Eleven Store

Contest invites the public to “like” their favorite veteran and video.

May 10, 2016

DALLAS – The field has narrowed, with seven military veterans competing for the opportunity to own a 7-Eleven franchise without the expense of a franchise fee. The video competition for the semifinalists in 7-Eleven's “OPERATION: Take Command” franchise giveaway contest began May 9 and runs through 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 22.

Seven semifinalists were selected from almost 1,900 applications received by 7-Eleven between Jan. 11 and Feb. 26, 2016. One especially qualified and talented military veteran will win a 7-Eleven store. But now, it is up to the voting public to narrow the field.

As part of 7-Eleven's contest to win a franchise, the seven contestants have posted their “Why I Should Win ‘OPERATION: Take Command’” videos at VeteransFranchiseGiveaway.com. Anyone can vote and vote more than once, but only one time per day per Facebook account through May 22.

7-Eleven is asking the public to choose the video and personal story they like the best. The top three contenders will be determined by the number of "likes" their video receives. These three finalists will then have one-on-one interviews with 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto, who is former military. The winner will be announced in June.

Every video "like" will also help U.S. military veterans. For every vote cast, 7-Eleven will contribute $1, up to $50,000, to Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that works with transitioning service members, veterans and spouses from military service into civilian success.

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 U.S. at the contest's culmination.

Here are the seven finalists:

  • Jean Cetoute from Richlands, N.C.
  • Scott Jackson from Chicago
  • Aditya Khurana from Harlingen, Texas
  • Estrella Martinez from Woodbridge, Va.
  • Robert Tutor from Sultan, Wash.
  • Stephen Valley from Fairfax, Va.
  • Randall Youmans from Fort Washington, Md.

To qualify for the contest, entrants had to be 21 years of age 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 went through the same qualification process as all 7-Eleven franchise applicants including interviews, credit evaluation, a leadership test, preparing a business plan and budget.

7-Eleven has been recognized by veterans' organizations and publications 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.

Read more about convenience stores hiring veteran military leaders in the upcoming June issue of NACS Magazine.

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