Public to Pick Top Three Among 10 Semi-Finalists

Vying for Franchise Fee-Free 7-Eleven® Store

Contestants’ videos on 7-Eleven Facebook

And now there are 10. Ten military veterans or those soon to leave the U.S. Armed Forces are competing for the public’s favor and the opportunity to own a 7-Eleven® franchise without the expense of a franchise fee. The Facebook video competition for the semi-finalists in 7-Eleven’s Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway starts today and runs through March 29. Here’s the link for voting: https://www.facebook.com/7ElevenFranchising/app_403834839671843

And the D.C.-metropolitan and surrounding areas fared very well so far in this contest!

• Five of the 10 semi-finalists (50%) are from the states of Virginia and Maryland combined.
• TWO of the top 10 semi-finalists are from the DC-metropolitan area: Laurel, Maryland, and Woodbridge, Virginia.
• Collectively representing all branches of military service, the 10 semi-finalists were selected from more than 1,700 applications received by 7-Eleven between Veterans Day last November and Jan. 25.

Here is a brief introduction to the two local area finalists:

Raymond Kempisty of Laurel, Md. -- Kempisty, having achieved the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, comes from a family with a broad, strong military heritage. He’s ready to start a new family tradition of owning a 7-Eleven franchise. Perched on a mechanical bull in his video and referring to his next phase of life, Kempisty says he’s “ready for the ride.”

Maximiliano Powell from Woodbridge, Va. – Powell 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. Having spent 12 years in the Army, he describes himself as a person of values, compassion and integrity possessing a “go-getter” attitude.

Voting link here: https://www.facebook.com/7ElevenFranchising/app_403834839671843

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.

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 through March 29.

To make the voting even more impactful, 7-Eleven offers to 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 .To learn more about the organization, visit www.hireheroesusa.org.