Steering a franchise business to sustainable growth and profitability is an arduous process as there is no guaranteed formula to success. Which is why reaping the fruits of success is indeed sweet—a much-deserved culmination of all the hard work, dedication and aspirations by those who strived hard to achieve it.
This is what 7-Eleven franchisee Froilan Manotok prides himself on after he was named 2015 Franchisee of the Year in the recent Franchise Excellence Awards by the Philippine Franchise Association.
Dubbed the country’s first and only industry award for the franchising sector, the Franchise Excellence Awards is a prestigious recognition given to the home-grown and foreign franchisors and franchisees who showed excellence and meritorious leadership in business growth and franchise operations.
To be nominated for the award, honorees must exhibit exceptional performance in all aspects of their business throughout the year. As per stores, these must demonstrate excellence in operations, marketing, product and service offerings, sales and customer satisfaction, among others.
In the first years since he started running his own 7-Eleven franchise store in Taguig in 2012, Manotok saw and felt the thrill of personally providing patrons in the community—mainly residents, students, BPO employees and office workers in nearby business vicinities—with highest levels of quality products, convenience and customer service.
“It’s a great challenge and privilege to go above and beyond customers’ expectations while maintaining the global standards and systems set by the 7-Eleven franchise in everyday store operations. I’m so honored to be chosen as Franchisee of the Year,” Manotok said.
The 46 year-old Manotok is a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Administration graduate from the University of the Philippines. He is also the third Filipino to earn the Certified Franchise Executive certification from the International Franchise Association University (Institute of Certified Franchise Executives) in Washington, D.C.
Apart from being an award-winning franchisee, Manotok is also currently the assistant vice president for Foodcourt Operations of SM Malls. Together with his wife and sister, Manotok manages three C-stores.
Manotok shares what he has learned about thriving as a franchisee. “I believe that what sets great businesses apart from others lies from the very choice of franchise opportunity, followed by the franchisee’s solid commitment, how he or she should add a personal touch in helping grow the business through strategic management direction,” he said.
For individuals looking to make that career transition by investing in a franchising opportunity, Manotok shared the following pieces of advice: “First, research carefully about what the franchise has to offer and research more if it indeed delivers on its promise, like how it has expanded through the years.”
Having previous background as a franchise business development head for two top local fast food chains, Manotok said it highly important for aspiring franchisees to evaluate their “readiness”.
“It’s very important that you invest on a business that you are naturally passionate about and have basic knowledge about. Be hands-on. Of course, well-placed support and mentoring systems are vital in the success of the franchise,” he said.
“Investment-wise, 7-Eleven is a strong brand and definitely a more ideal business option. In terms of potential, the C-store business is booming and it continues to stay relevant among Filipino consumers. With my recent award, I hope to inspire fellow franchisees to make their stores also successful,” Manotok said.
Francis Medina, business development division manager of Philippine Seven Corp., the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the country, said the group is tremendously honored to have Manotok as a solid partner in growing the business organization and the brand.
“We are so proud of Mr. Manotok for earning this award. It is really an incredible honor that one of our true and dedicated assets was recognized by the PFA as one of the country’s best and brightest franchisees,” Medina said.
Apart from the prestige, Medina said Manotok’s award also highlights the kind of entrepreneurial drive of every Filipino 7-Eleven franchisee. It also reaffirmed the brand’s industry leadership and PSC’s mission to attract franchisees who are truly dedicated in growing the business.
“His accomplishment also gives tribute to the strength of our brand. This is what inspires PSC further in providing aspiring franchise partners with the essential support and assistance they need to achieve and exceed their goals,” said Medina.