The winner of the nationwide contest will have nearly $200,000 in franchise fees covered to help them get started. The group of semi-finalists were selected from more than 1,700 military hopefuls.
Now, 7-Eleven is looking for your help to narrow the field by voting to pick the last three finalists.
The competitors — nine men and one woman — each have posted their “Why I Should Win Operation: Take Command” videos on 7-Eleven’s contest Facebook page. To view the videos and vote, go to 7-Eleven’s Facebook page.
Voting runs through March 29. The three finalists will get a one-on-one interview with 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto, a former Army officer.
The company will announce the winner in May.
“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, in a news release.
“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,” Franks said.
Voting will help in more ways than one. 7-Eleven will contribute $1 for every vote cast, up to $50,000, to Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit group working to help service members, veterans and spouses find jobs.
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.
The contenders include:
Mark Boussy, an active-duty Army colonel, says it’s time to settle down in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and three children, and put his military experience to good use.
Stephen Darlow grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he learned the importance of customer service and training others as the son and grandson of franchise business operators. A former Navy air crewman and police officer, Darlow is currently working toward his bachelor’s degree in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Salil Gautam of Chesapeake, Virginia, served in the Army for 4 years. When he came to the U.S., the Nepal native’s first job was with a 7-Eleven store in northern California. With a deep commitment to giving back, he wants to open his own store so can mentor others and assist veterans.
Robert Kemna, a former Army captain from Miami, says it’s time to pass on what he has learned and stand up for his future. He lists his qualifications as being a committed hard worker with leadership skills.
Raymond Kempisty, a former Navy officer from Laurel, Maryland, comes from a family with a strong military heritage. He says he’s ready to start a new family tradition of operating a 7-Eleven franchise. Perched on a mechanical bull in his video, Kempisty says he’s “ready for the ride.”
Mark Page of Granbury, Texas, served in both active and reserve Navy units. He believes a 7-Eleven franchise is just the ticket to be closer to home and family.
Justin Price, a former Army infantryman from Charlotte, North Carolina, says he’s proud of his sales and leadership qualities.
Maximiliano Powell, from Woodbridge, Virginia, is an Army veteran who tells of his work ethic, at one time holding down two to three jobs while raising three kids by himself. He enjoys helping people and currently serves as a nurse.
Vaughn Sullenberger, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a Navy veteran who went on to manage 17 bank branches after using the GI Bill to get two degrees.
Karen Woznicki of Grand Blanc, Michigan, served two years in the Army, where she learned that through great training and leadership, one can accomplish anything. In the years since, she’s helped turn around several convenience stores. Don’t miss her rendition of “Tiny Bubbles” in her video.
