7-Eleven is a corporation known for its support of veterans. In January, the company expanded its patriotism by launching the first ever corporation giveaway. The company invited veterans to apply to a contest called Operation: Take Command. The winner of the contest would be given his or her own franchise of 7-Eleven to manage without having to pay the franchise fee, which adds up to nearly $190,000. Over 1,200 veterans applied and went through an interview, leadership tests, Facebook video submissions and credit checks. Of those 1,200, the corporation narrowed it down to three finalists.
Out of the three highly qualified finalists, Navy veteran Mark Anthony Page of Gransbury, Texas, was declared the winner. Gransbury was awarded with the management of a 7-Eleven store in Burelson, Texas.
"Mark Anthony represents what we look for in a franchisee," Greg Franks, vice president of 7-Eleven Franchise Systems, told Military.com. "He's smart, hard-working and a servant leader. Mark Anthony also is one of many highly qualified, retired military veterans that are joining the 7-Eleven Franchisee ranks this year."
The 2015 Operation: Take Command contest was the first of its kind, and the corporation has plans to hold more in the future.