Archive for Items Categorized 'Avanti Magazine', only excerpts shown, click title for full entry.
There’s been quite bit of discussion (and controversy) regarding 7-Eleven’s program to assist low volume storeowners. Is this “new and improved” program any better than what franchisees had been offered in the past? Is the assistance being offered by 7-Eleven truly helping the low volume storeowner stay alive? No one really knew for sure, […]
After years of practically zero communications with SEI—during which time the company engaged in heavy-handed tactics, trampled on our independent contractor status, forgot all about servant leadership, almost wiped out Retailer Initiative with BT and other restrictive initiatives, introduced FIWs, Asset Protection, the new DVR security system and the gradual gross profit split, among […]
One of the main objectives of the National Coalition as we ended 2014 and headed into the New Year was to develop more open dialogue with SEI’s upper management so we could address our issues and concerns, and discuss ways we could work together to maximize profitability. After all, communication is a two-way street, […]
Our relationship with SEI has improved over the last several months, but franchisees are still cautiously optimistic about the sudden turnaround in corporate’s attitude and approach in dealing with franchisees. We want to believe that our corporate partners are sincere in establishing a positive working relationship with the franchisee community, but, as the old […]
One of the issues at the top of the agenda for the National Coalition for nearly a year has been the changes SEI made to its policies and procedures regarding Operating Expenses. In a letter to SEI dated June 17, 2014 and in an article published that month in this magazine, we made the […]
My last Avanti article—“Dawn of a New Era….Or Is It?”—generated much conversation and feedback. Some supported my thesis, while others criticized. In either case, it tells me folks read it. That is the mark of effective communication. The article got folks talking and some just plain mad! The intent of this piece is the […]
I truly believe that 7-Eleven franchisees want to work in harmony with SEI. Despite years of broken promises and, in many cases, unfair treatment, franchisees ultimately want to maintain peace with the powers that be. And, I can understand why. Their livelihoods depend on it. They don’t want to rock the boat or confront […]
Over the past seven years, 7-Eleven franchisees have experienced unprecedented attacks from our franchisor on our income and independent contractor status, so it amazes me when folks from SEI ask me why franchisees are upset. Where should I begin? Let’s start with the gasoline commission reduction to a ridiculous and unsustainable penny and a […]
A year ago, after I had been elected chairman of the National Coalition and before I officially took office, former NCASEF General Counsel Arnold Hauptman, a very wise man, wrote an article for the November/December 2013 issue of Avanti in which he offered a list of challenges I would have to resolve in my […]
Over the last few years, franchisees have had to deal with many changes within the 7-Eleven system that have affected our bottom lines. Credit card fees and gasoline commission changes are two that quickly come to mind. But there is one change on the horizon that will severely impact our businesses in the coming […]
