7-Eleven Franchise Fee-Free C-Store Contest Down to 10

Ten military veterans are competing for the public's favor and the opportunity to own a 7-Eleven franchise without the expense of a franchise fee in 7-Eleven Inc.'s Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway.

7-Eleven selected the 10 semi-finalists--collectively representing all branches of military service--from more than 1,700 applications the company received between Veterans Day last November and January 25.

As part of 7-Eleven's contest to win a franchise, the nine men and one woman have posted their "Why I Should Win Operation: Take Command" videos on 7-Eleven's Facebook page. To view the videos and vote (once per day), go to https://www.facebook.com/7ElevenFranchising and click on Operation: Take Command.

7-Eleven is asking the public to choose the video and personal story they like the best, which will determine the top three contenders. These three finalists will then have one-on-one interviews with 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto, who himself is former military.

DePinto will announce the winner of the contest in May.

Facebook voting runs from March 16 to March 29.

To give the voting even more impact, 7-Eleven will contribute $1 for every vote cast 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.

"We have been amazed at the huge interest and outstanding quality of those who have applied for a franchise fee-free 7-Eleven store in our Operation: Take Command contest," said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of franchise systems. "Choosing a winner will be tough because of the high caliber of these 10 individuals, and we are counting on the public to make the decision on who advances to the final round." 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.

The 10 candidates: Mark Boussy, San Antonio. A military college graduate and battalion commander.

Stephen Darlow, Hampton, Va. A former air crewman and police officer and Navy veteran.

Salil Gautam, Chesapeake, Va. Has served in the U.S. Army for four-and-a-half years.

Robert Kemna, Miami. A former Army captain.

Raymond Kempisty, Laurel, Md. A lieutenant commander in the Navy.

Mark Page, Granbury, Texas. Page has served in both active and reserve duty with the Navy.

Justin Price, Charlotte, N.C. An Army infantry leader and in supply-chain optimization.

Maximiliano Powell, Woodbridge, Va. Has spent 12 years in the Army.

Vaughn Sullenberger, Virginia Beach, Va. A Navy veteran.

Karen Woznicki, Grand Blanc, Mich. Served two years in the Army.

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.

Dallas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,500 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 55,100 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion.

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