7-Eleven(R) Is Looking for a Few Good Vets

By: 7-Eleven | 0 Shares 138 Reads

Retailer Offers Discounted Franchises to Retired Military

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For those who have given so generously to their country by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, 7-Eleven, Inc. wants to make it a little easier to reach the American dream of owning one's own business.

This month, the convenience retailer is launching a new military veterans franchise program that offers discounted franchise fees to retired or separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged from the service. Qualified veterans who become first-time 7-Eleven franchisees will receive a 10-percent discount on the initial franchise fee for the first 7-Eleven® store they franchise. This discount can range from $1,000 up to approximately $35,000, depending on the store.*

"This is the first time we have offered a reduction like this in our franchise fees, 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 U.S. An interactive map at www.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, salutes the new program. "The 7-Eleven franchise business is perfect for people coming out of the military," Ferguson 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 tide-turning battle of World War II.

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.

* Please refer to 7-Eleven's Franchise Disclosure Document for a complete description of the terms of the military veterans franchise program and the calculation of the initial franchise fee. An offer to sell a franchise can only be made upon delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 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. For 15 consecutive years 7-Eleven has been listed among Hispanic Magazine's Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S., and is expanding through organic growth, acquisitions, and its Business Conversion Program.

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