NORFOLK, Va. – 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, 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 Marines for 20 years, retiring in 2014. Since retiring, he has been working as an independent real estate agent. He has a business degree from the University of Maryland.
“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.
