Former employee finds success in C-store franchise

MANILA, Philippines - Effective managers require strategic skills and a good business to start with. But for Jhermie Fernandez, choosing to capitalize on a proven franchise business model such as 7-Eleven is a guaranteed step towards professional growth and financial success.

As a Service Agreement (SA) franchise partner of Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) — the local licensee of the world-renowned convenience store giant, Fernandez counts himself as among those who were privileged to be part of a dependable corporate organization. Admittedly pursuing a newfound career as a young businessman, the 27-year-old Automotive Technology graduate of La-Salle Dasmariñas says that being part of the growing 7-Eleven franchise system has been both financially and personally a rewarding experience. “Fulfillment and pride as a budding partner is what currently drives me to reach my goal, which is to be a successful store operator of a rapidly growing c-store franchise family.”

Starting with a five-year contract and an initial investment of only P1 million, his first venture as full-time SA franchisee of 7-Eleven-Bangkal outlet has proved to be a striving business even for a neophyte entrepreneur like him. “Apart from PSC’s attractive start-up package, the SA franchise scheme has also perfectly fitted with my small start-up capital. Though it’s only been a year and five months since I managed the outlet, I can already see the high-performance potential of my store,” Fernandez said. “With a highly recognizable proprietary name and merchandise already in place, keeping stable customer count and sales has never been a major concern even during the economic crisis,” he stressed.

Under the Service Agreement, or popularly known as “S-A”, it puts the operator in the front seat of the business by allowing him to directly run the store as the designated Store Manager. 

“As for the site selection and rent, PSC has it all mapped down to the very littlest detail, including store opening support to regular creative in-store promotional marketing activities,” Fernandez said.

He moreover states that applying his previous hands-on experience as a store staff and effective operations training under PSC made him more equipped and knowledgeable in various tasks such as managing financials,   staffs, and customer relations. “The company’s two-month training likewise strengthened my confidence in making my 7-Eleven franchise a successful investment,” he said.

Also part of PSC’s comprehensive preparatory training course and support services include Retail Information System inventory management, research and development and inventory methodologies.

PSC’s strong franchise support, Fernandez added, also doesn’t end after the turnover. “In fact, the company’s constant rapport stays with its franchisees, such as regular visits from the Operation Field Consultants and the area manager assistance. This shows its commitment to deliver mutual growth, for the benefit of the whole business organization.”

Now fast- shifting from novice to experienced store manager, Fernandez, who disclosed planning to operate another 7-Eleven outlet in Cavite within the year, is optimistic that he is well on-track of his career goals.