Congratulations Jean Cetoute!
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jean Cetoute will be able to franchise any 7-Eleven store in the United States after winning the OPERATION: Take Command competition.
Cetoute, who currently lives in North Carolina, with his wife Tiegst Cetoute will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, which is valued at up to $190,000. He hopes to franchise a store near his family in New York state.
Cetoute was one of three finalists flown in to interview with the company’s president and CEO, Joe DePinto, at the 7-Eleven home office in Texas.
“I want to congratulate Jean, and thank all the veterans who entered. We are grateful for all our military veterans who selflessly give so much for our country,” DePinto said. “OPERATION: Take Command allows 7-Eleven to recognize and salute them. 7-Eleven is also a winner, as is any company that chooses to work alongside these men and women who have demonstrated the leadership skills, team approach and core values to succeed.”
Cetoute immigrated from Haiti and served in the U.S. Marines for 20 years, exiting as the Chief of Utilities. His military background also includes two deployments to Okinawa, Japan he retired in 2014. Since retiring, he has been working as an independent real estate agent. He has a business degree from the University of Maryland. Jean Cetoute knows that good character and humility can achieve great things.
“Winning a 7-Eleven franchise is a tremendous opportunity for my family,” Cetoute said. “I get to have a second career and be a part of an internationally known brand. I spent 20 years in the military, and now, with 7-Eleven, I can become a contributing member of a civilian community.”
Last year, Salil Gautam, a U.S. Army veteran from Chesapeake, was one of the three first-place winners. He now operates the 7-Eleven in the Campostella neighborhood of Norfolk.
Veterans have proven themselves as focused, hardworking and loyal franchise partners. They have the skills and attitudes we need to keep 7-Eleven a leading franchisor. That’s why we’ve offered special military incentives over the years.
7-Eleven has been recognized for its veteran-hiring practices and support of military families and was named among Top Military Friendly® Employers for 2016 by Victory Media and its G.I. Jobs magazine. The retailer also has supported military-assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend. The company has military veterans serving in every level from top management to field staff to store sales associates. Nineteen of the veterans that have franchised with 7-Eleven own more than one store, and one currently operates five locations.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven® operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, approximately 59,500 7‑Eleven stores serve customers in 17 countries. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.
If you’re a military veteran and are interested in learning more about what it’s like to franchise with the world’s first convenience store, visit www.franchise.7-Eleven.com