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August 20127-ELEVEN FRANCHISE OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGOLANDTHE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS
www.7-elevenfoac.com
Telephone: 312-501-4337
Fax Number: 877-387-FOAC (3622)
Email: [email protected]
Please call the FOAC Hotline with any problems that require immediate assistance: 312-253-7342
For More Information, Contact a Member of the FOAC Charity Golf Committee:
Invite Your Customers FORE a Great Day of Golf!As you know, the FOAC’s annual Charity Golf Outing is right around the corner, and plans are being fi nalized As you know, the FOAC’s annual Charity Golf Outing is right around the corner, and plans are being fi nalized for a great day of golf! for a great day of golf!
Please help us raise even more money by asking your customers to attend this year’s outing. You should have re-Please help us raise even more money by asking your customers to attend this year’s outing. You should have re-ceived the promotional fl yer along with last month’s newsletter. Please do your part by posting the fl yer on your ceived the promotional fl yer along with last month’s newsletter. Please do your part by posting the fl yer on your front door or window, or even better, consider placing it in a Lucite frame by your cash register for all to see. front door or window, or even better, consider placing it in a Lucite frame by your cash register for all to see.
The cost is only $125 per golfer and all proceeds benefi t the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of The cost is only $125 per golfer and all proceeds benefi t the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Gift of Hope: Organ & Tissue Donor Chicago and Gift of Hope: Organ & Tissue Donor Network. Not only will your customers have an op-Network. Not only will your customers have an op-portunity to play on a beautiful course, but they will portunity to play on a beautiful course, but they will also enjoy breakfast, lunch a cocktail reception and also enjoy breakfast, lunch a cocktail reception and
a $70 voucher to be used in the pro shop for Callaway merchan-dise....incredible opportunities for networking, too!
Once again, Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Champ Once again, Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Champ Dennis McKinnon, fondly known as “Silky D,” has Dennis McKinnon, fondly known as “Silky D,” has agreed to be part of the day’s events as our celebrity agreed to be part of the day’s events as our celebrity co-host. It’s sure to be a great day and one that you co-host. It’s sure to be a great day and one that you customers will surely enjoy!customers will surely enjoy!
Please do your part by helping us spread the word. Please do your part by helping us spread the word. The more people who attend, the more money we raise The more people who attend, the more money we raise for two very important organizations. Thank you!
Help Us Help Us Spread the
Word
Register Today! Please call the FOAC Golf Hotline at 312-253-7342 to learn more and/or to register for the outing.
Considering Staying Overnight?For your convenience, the FOAC has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Willowbrook, just a few
minutes away from Gleneagles Country Club. To make a reservation, please call 630-325-6400 and reference
“7-Eleven FOAC” for the best rates.
Only $125 per person!
Gary [email protected]
Liaqat [email protected]
Nizarali [email protected]
Hashim [email protected]
Purabi [email protected]
Guliz [email protected]
✓ Strong Ties with SEI✓ Experienced board members who care about you and your success✓ Networking opportunities to help you grow your business✓ Strong vendor relationships to help you get the best pricing and
the best products✓ Monthly board meetings to discuss important issues that truly
matter✓ Quarterly general meetings with guest speakers who share
valuable information, and ways to cut expenses and make you more money
✓ Discounted sanitation classes (4-6 times a year)✓ An annual trade show and holiday showcase with special product
discounts and deals
✓ A newly established FOAC hotline to help you with LON and Breech issues, should they arise
✓ Immediate E-Alerts to keep you up to date with the latest information that affects your store
✓ A monthly newsletter packed with “news you can use”✓ A Merchandising Committee to ensure the best product
assortment and pricing for all assortment and pricing for all The FOAC was founded back in 1980 and has been here FOR YOU for over 30 years. We will continue to work hard for you, our members, and are committed to your growth and success.If you have any questions, please contact Joe Rossi, FOAC president at [email protected].
FOAC Monthly Board Meetings✔ FOAC Monthly Board Meetings✔ FOAC Monthly Board Meetings
Thursday, August 16th✔ Thursday, September 27th✔ Thursday, October 18thHoliday Inn North Shore5300 W. Touhy Avenue - Skokie, Illinois10:00 am – 4:00 pm • Lunch will be served.
All 7-Eleven franchisees are invited to attend our monthly board meetings and to join us for lunch. As always, a variety of pertinent topics will be discussed and you will have an opportunity to network with top vendors, those from the 7-Eleven cor-porate offi ce, and other 7-Eleven franchisees. These meetings are very informative and will bring you up to date with the latest 7-Eleven news, so please do your best to attend. FOAC membership is not required in order for you to join us, but you must RSVP to Guliz Sonmez at [email protected].
Come see for yourself what the FOAC is all about and learn what we are doing to support each other’s goals and objectives. Board meetings are also a forum where you can express any concerns you may have about your store. We look forward to seeing you!
FOAC Charity Golf Outing✔ FOAC Charity Golf Outing✔ FOAC Charity Golf Outing
Wednesday, August 22ndGleneagles Country Club13070 McCarthy RoadLemont, Illinois
9:00 am Breakfast and Registration
10:00 am Shotgun Start
12:00 Taste of Chicago BBQ Lunch
3:00 pm Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction, Raffl e Drawings, Awards Ceremony and more!
Tickets: $125 per golfer
For more information, please call Guliz Sonmez, FOAC Executive Secretary, at 847-971-9457.
General Meeting ✔ General Meeting ✔ General Meeting
Thursday, September 13thLocation: TBD • 2:30 pm to 7 pm • Dinner will be served.
Save the Dates
Need Immediate Assistance? FOAC Hotline Helps with LON and Breach Issues
We’re Here for YOU!Have you ever received a Breach or LON? Were you nervous because you didn’t know what to do or how to get help? Well, you can put your worries aside! If you fi nd yourself in trouble and don’t know where to turn after receiving an LON or Breach, simply call the FOAC Hotline at 312-253-7342, and one of your FOAC board members will be able to assist you. If he or she doesn’t know the answers, you will immediately be directed to someone who does. Please keep this phone number on fi le for future reference. Our new hotline is just one more benefi t of your FOAC membership, so please use it whenever needed!
FOAC Hotline (312) 253-7342
know what to do or how to get help? Well, you can put your worries aside! If you
Breach, simply call the FOAC Hotline at 312-253-7342, and one of your FOAC board
number on fi le for future reference. Our new hotline is just one more benefi t of
*****Attention Vendors!*****
Limited Space Available for the
FOAC Holiday Trade ShowFirst Come, First Served - Register TODAY!
The FOAC will be hosting its 4th annual Holiday Showcase on Thursday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn North Shore in Skokie. Because so many vendors from last year’s event have already committed to exhibiting this year, space is defi nitely limited. Don’t be disappointed or left out. Showcase your products and services at one of the most well-attended FOAC events of the year!
In addition to franchise owners, 7-Eleven’s merchandising and opera-tion teams also participate and attend the show. With so many key decision makers in attendance, there’s no bet-ter way to promote your products or
share your holiday specials than the FOAC Holiday Showcase.
To reserve your space or for more information, please email the FOAC’s Executive Secretary, Guliz Sonmez, at email the FOAC’s Executive Secretary, Guliz Sonmez, at [email protected]. Remember, [email protected]. Remember, it’s fi rst come, fi rst served so if you it’s fi rst come, fi rst served so if you are interested, please contact us today. are interested, please contact us today.
Space is Limited.Contact Us Today!
Save the Date. Thursday,
November 8th
FOAC Newsletter Editorial Contacts
Planner/Art Director: Hashim Syed847-293-8551 • [email protected]
Editor: Alisa Bay847-266-9053
Graphic Designer: Jacquelyn Aven630-922-8500
Executive Secretary: Guliz Sonmez847-971-9457
The FOAC newsletter is printed by Semper Fi Printing, located in
Arlington Heights, Illinois.
www.7-elevenfoac.comTelephone: 312-501-4337
Fax Number: 877-387-FOAC (3622)Email: [email protected]
Please call the FOAC Hotline with any problems that require
immediate assistance: 312-253-7342
Vendor VisitsThe FOAC would like to recognize the vendors who’ve attended and pre-sented during our recent board meetings. Thank you for sharing important information about your products and services and for explaining how fran-chisees can benefi t by mak-ing your items available to their customers. So glad you could join us!
A Closer Look at Franchisee Morale
Sarah Jane Burke and Joe Bisacca, Rich’s Foods
ThankYou!
Sarah Jane Burke and Joe Bisacca, Rich’s Foods
Aaron Fenton and David Vartanian, Hershey’s Confectionary
David Smith, Arma Energy, SNX
Donald HagedornTillamook Country SmokersGordon Knipe
Cofresh/Irish Provenance
*****Attention Vendors!*****
By Bob Strauss, FOAC Board MemberPeople often ask about franchisee morale.
When those conversations come up, I often recall the insight-ful philosophy of a friend of mine, a former 7-Eleven offi cial, who described what he termed as “franchisee hierarchy of needs.” Years before my friend talked about his hierarchy of franchisee needs, I studied the root theory, as developed by Maslow (a highly respected Brandeis professor of psychology). Both Maslow’s theory, and that of my friend, were based on a belief that addressing basic and reasonable needs in people (or in this case, franchisees) helps deliver positive results.
Maslow described a human “hierarchy of needs.” He believed in benefi ts created from focusing on the positive in people. He published his theory, which explained that people live or perform best when their progressive need levels are satisfi ed; needs which begin with biological and psychological and progress to include safety, love, esteem and inner potential.
He also offered a variation, which was embraced by business academia during my college years. In the variation, Maslow explained that employee performance could be positively im-pacted when basic needs such as respect, income, health and self-esteem were satisfi ed. Not surprisingly, many dominat-ing-style business leaders ridiculed Maslow’s doctrine.
They saw little reason to consider the needs of others over the They saw little reason to consider the needs of others over the needs of their business. Big mistake!
I had the opportunity to watch that 7-Eleven friend of mine as he rose from store level in the Chicago area, to ultimately infl uencing actions and decisions in Dallas, to eventually retir-ing in Michigan. ing in Michigan.
He had a reputation for respecting franchisees and listening to their hopes, their wishes and their concerns. He put his “franchisee hierarchy of needs” into play, and it worked. When treated in an honest, respectful, trustworthy manner, franchi-sees responded positively with cooperation, trust, high-en-ergy, and enthusiasm for the job.
So, How’s Franchisee MoraleYou Ask?The real question is how are franchisee’s being treated?
When you became President of the FOAC for a second term, what were your top 3 goals for 2012?My top three goals as President of the FOAC My top three goals as President of the FOAC were to improve communication with the were to improve communication with the franchise community to make sure that franchise community to make sure that every member of the FOAC would receive every member of the FOAC would receive the information they needed in a timely and the information they needed in a timely and effi cient manner; to help franchisees make effi cient manner; to help franchisees make more GP dollars by providing them with the more GP dollars by providing them with the tools they would need to help lower their tools they would need to help lower their expenses; and to always make each and every expenses; and to always make each and every
FOAC event better than the one before.
How did you plan to accomplish these goals?➡ Better CommunicationWhen we were looking for ways to improve communication with our franchisees, we decided to move forward with an E-Alert system using a well-known service called MailChimp. MailChimp has worked extremely well for the FOAC, as it is quick and easy. With
one simple “click” our email messages reach every single franchisee in a matter of seconds. With MailChimp, not only do our email blasts look better and are easier to read, but they allow franchisees to register for events. In an effort to further improve communication, we also starting use Calling Post, which lets us record a
single voice mail message to be sent to our entire FOAC franchisee database. If you are not receiving either of these, please contact me at [email protected] so we can add you to our data base.
➡ More GP DollarsTo help franchisees make more GP dollars, we have improved the topics presented during our general meetings, giving them the tools they need to not only make more money, but to respond to our ever-changing system. Such topics have included how to CRP and creating custom promotions to better suit individual store needs. Other topics have included how to bid out and negotiate phone service or garbage collection and how to use outside service providers to reduce franchisee’s out-of-pocket expenses. We are constantly researching ways to help our franchisees make more money and reduce expenses.
➡ Improving our EventsAfter each event, we survey our board members and committee chairs while everything is fresh in our minds, so we can make notes for the following year and continue to become even more successful. This year, we also surveyed our vendors to see how we can improve the tradeshow. Their feedback was quite valuable and has already been put into place.
What regard to your goals, what kind of obstacles, if any, did you encounter along the way? And, how did you overcome them? We’ve hit some obstacles along the way, but nothing that can’t or hasn’t been overcome. With the improvements we’ve made to our communication systems, we’re receiving more feedback from our franchisees, which is a very good thing. Now we need to make sure that we get the franchisees the answers they need by reaching out to the right people in management who can address their issues and concerns.
The FOAC has an excellent system for responding to franchisees’ needs by having a chairperson in place for everything that the FOAC does. In doing so, we are fl owing information up the ladder rather than everyone making individual cases. Knowing who to speak with about specifi c issues has signifi cantly improved the response time and the results.
We understand that there were some confl icts with SEI’s Heartland Zone Management. What happened? As we all know, the reduced gas commissions has proven very diffi cult for those franchisees who own gas stores. In fact, it’s gotten to a point where many of them are having a tough time surviving. In an effort to express our concerns and in hopes of bringing forth change, the FOAC requested a meeting with the Heartland Zone management.
The meeting was arranged, but unfortunately, there was a difference of opinion as to who should be included. When many franchisees showed up at the meeting, but weren’t allowed in, they were very upset. The FOAC
published an article in our newsletter about the meeting, which caused the Heartland Zone management team to take offense and disengage from the FOAC. In response, the FOAC disengaged from them. It continued to snowball for several months to the detriment of everyone involved. Something needed to be done.
With one simple “click” our email messages reach
every single franchisee in a
matter of seconds.
As we all know, the reduced gas commissions has proven very diffi cult
for those franchisees who own gas stores.
database. If you are not receiving either of these, please contact me at The FOAC Board of Directors and the Heartland
Zone management team realized that something
needed to change.
400+ Years of Experience.
What did you do?After several months of little to no communication with each other, the FOAC Board of Directors and the Heartland Zone management team realized that something needed to change. Our FOAC Vice
President Ken Patel, Brian Trout and I decided it was time for a meeting to resolve our confl icts and put a system in place to ensure open and honest communication. For the sake of the franchisee community, something needed to be done. Ken and I were grateful that Brian felt the same way.
What was the outcome?Earlier this month, the FOAC Board of Directors, Brian Trout, and all of the market managers met to start the healing process and to re-open the lines of communication. I was very encouraged by the way in which everyone in the room handled themselves...very respectfully and professionally. Everyone who attended the meeting agreed that communication is vital to all of our success and we also agreed to meet regularly, so we can continue to do the work necessary to see positive results.
As we went around the room, it was clear that we are all on the same page and that we all want the same thing. Between all of us, we had over 400 years of experience! The knowledge that we all have to share makes for a powerful group, and I am confi dent that we can change things for the better.
Is there anything else about the meeting that you’d like the franchisees to know? Yes. In the meeting, the Heartland Zone management team clearly noted that the FOAC and its members are a well organized team and they expressed how much respect they had for all that we do. And, they are absolutely right! I want to take a moment to let every franchisee know how proud I am to serve all of you. You are true examples of how we can work together to move mountains.
I also want franchisees to know that the entire FAOC board is committed to their success and will do whatever is necessary to improve the system. I’ve always believed that communication must be a top priority. Thankfully, our relationship with Dallas is the best it’s ever been, and our relationship with the Heartland Zone is on the mend.
Anything else?In closing, I want to mention our golf outing, which is August 22nd. We are hoping to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet, with a goal of raising $75,000 for our charities. After our meeting with Brian Trout, he called me and said that 7-Eleven would be donating $10,000 to our event. What a wonderful surprise! He also informed me that his team would be helping with our golf outing...a true sign that the lines of communication are open and right where they should be.
7-Eleven Customers Love Belly!Belly is a customer loyalty program that lets customers earn points for one-of-a-kind rewards. Dozens of 7-Eleven locations around the Chicago-land area have been utilizing Belly to not only offer unique rewards, but to retain custom-ers and increase customer loyalty. Most recently, one valued customer (Kevin) redeemed the “Name Your Slurpee For 1 Month” Belly Reward. After 50 visits to 7-Eleven and checking in on the provided Belly iPad each and every time, Kevin (aka the “Slurpee King”) earned 250 Belly Points and created the Slurpee fl avor “I Play Grape.” He then invited several of his friends to join him as he celebrated this huge milestone. For more information on how you can use Belly at your store, check out www.bellycard.com.
Congratulations to Kevin!
Belly’s “Name Your Slurpee For One Month”Reward Winner. What a grape honor.I Play Grape!
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com.
30 Years! Congratulations to Liaqat Ali, as he celebrates his 30th year as a 7-Eleven franchisee. In addition to running his two stores, Ali has been an active member of the Franchise Owners Association of Chicagoland (FOAC) for seven years and is currently serving a second term as the FOAC’s treasurer. This is quite a milestone, and we all applaud his success. Congratulations, Ali!
the lines of communication. I was very encouraged by the way in which
The knowledge that we all have to share makes
for a powerful group
Ali has helped many others get started in the system. Thanks to him, many family members are now 7-Eleven franchisees, with almost 30 stores throughout the country.
400+ Years of Experience.
6
Simply complete the form below and FAX it to 877-387-FOAC (3622).Once received, a member of the FOAC Holiday Trade Show Committee will contact you to fi nalize your payment. All payments must be received 2 weeks prior to the day of the event. Please print clearly.
Today’s Date: ___________ Company/Broker Name: _________________________________________Representative Name: _________________________________________________________________Other Attendees: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________ City: __________________________State: __________ Zip Code: __________ Email (required): _________________________________Phone: _______________________ Cell: ______________________ Fax: _____________________Signature: _________________________________________ Title: __________________________Please check ( ) your selection: (Booth Size 8 x 10)
Gold Booth (Prime Spot) $5000 Silver Booth $2500Booth Fee Includes Standard Electrical 20 AMP Service – Need Electricity? – Yes or No
Raffl e Item: ______________________________________________________________Please contact the members of the 2012 Holiday Show Committee with any questions.
Incredible Vendor Opportunity!Incredible Vendor Opportunity!Incredible Vendor Opportunity!
Be Part of the 4th Annual
FOAC Holiday Trade ShowThursday, November 8thHoliday Inn North Shore
5300 W. Touhy Avenue • Skokie, Illinois
Share Your Holiday Specials!Showcase Your New Products!
Take Orders and Sell Directly to the Franchisees!
This is an EXCLUSIVE event with LIMITED SPACE.This is an EXCLUSIVE event with LIMITED SPACE.
First Come First Served. Don’t Miss OutFirst Come First Served. Don’t Miss Out
Register today to be one of the FEW VENDORS allowed to participate!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Attention Franchisees:You and a guest are invited to You and a guest are invited to
attend our annual Trade ShowTrade Show, followed by our
Holiday Dinner Party.
Festivities begin at 2 pm.
Jim BayciShow Coordinator
(815) [email protected]
Rick Boone
Show Coordinator(630) 710-5349
Guliz SonmezExecutive Secretary
(847) 971- [email protected]
Keep
Sel
ling
Thos
e Ti
cket
s...
It co
uld
be
you!Lucky
Winner!The Illinois Lottery handed out another check last month to a lucky winner! 7-Eleven customer Edwin Vallecillo of Chicago won a whopping $2,000,000 playing Lotto! He bought his ticket at the 7-Eleven store, located at 2401 North Milwaukee.
As Edwin recalls, it was an extremely hot day when he ventured out to fi ll up his car and buy his lottery tickets. Little did he know that his decision that day would change his life forever. Vallecillo could not believe his luck when he realized he had won big.
“I feel very happy and I’m starting to feel like this is not a dream. However, I won’t be one hundred percent convinced until I get my real check.” Vallecillo said. Vallecillo plans to buy his mom a house, take his fam-ily on vacation to Hawaii and Disney World and put some money away for his kids.
Congratulations to 7-Eleven #33636T on this great sale that earned the store a $20,000 bonus commission. Featured in this photograph is the ticket winner, Edwin Vallecillo & Jonathan Birk, 7-Eleven Store manager.
7-Eleven Named #1 for Their Use of Social MediaCSP magazine has named 7-Eleven as the #1 retailer when it comes to utilizing social media. Based on the number of Face-book fans and Twitter followers, 7-Eleven is far ahead of the #2 spot, which is held by Sunoco.
According to the magazine, as recently as 10 years ago, social media marketing was a foreign concept. But thanks to the more than 1.4 billion active users on sites like Facebook and Twitter, social media has now become one of the hottest ways to create buzz for a brand and connect with consumers.
And, what does this mean to you, the 7-Eleven franchisee?
With well over 2 million Facebook fans and Twitter followers, 7-Eleven is communicating very effectively with its customers via social media. This, in turn, ultimately strengthens the brand and brings more people to your stores. Social media, when done right, works wonders. And, obviously, 7-Eleven is doing it right!
7-Eleven - 2,185,226Sunoco - 1,037,460
Wawa - 878,441QuikTrip - 674,937
Hess - 267,185BP Products North America
266,298Chevron Corp. - 226,546
Sheetz - 221,640Cumberland Farms/Gulf Oil
163,413Casey’s General Stores
122,306
CSP’s Top 10 “Social” Chains (based on Facebook fans and Twitter followers)
1404 West Pratt Blvd.
Chciago, Il 60626
Keep Selling Those Tickets...It could be you!
