"Undercover" 7-Eleven CEO Uncovers a Gem

(CBS 11/TXA 21)  By going undercover, Joseph DePinto actually uncovered a diamond in the rough. The 7-Eleven CEO was paired with Igor Finkler; a Russian immigrant who came to this country 16 years ago and with him, a work ethic that Finkler attributes to his time spent in the Soviet Army.

"In the army, there are only two rules. First, your commander is always right. Second, if your commander is not right, see rule number one."

Finkler lives in Plano, but spends his nights delivering fresh food to 7-Elevens all over North Texas.

In an episode of Undercover Boss, DePinto portrayed a mild-mannered trainee under the guidance of Finkler.

"First of all, he did slow me down, so I didn't like it because you have to be on schedule."

During their one night together, Finkler's love of America, his enthusiasm and his work ethic left an indelible impression with DePinto.

"Working with Igor, you see that he is a can-do guy. He wants to get stuff done. He's loyal to the company and I really enjoyed working with him" said the CEO in disguise.

Finkler was led to believe his job was being filmed for a documentary. Imagine the surprise, when the 48-year-old discovered that his boss had gone undercover.

"It was a total knockout. The most shocking moment in my life."

But here's where hard work and attitude paid off. The two once again reunited on the Oprah Winfrey show, where DePinto handed Finkler the keys to his very own 7-Eleven store.

"If you are a leader, you must be an example. All your other employees must see you as a role leader. Otherwise, how can you ask them to do a good job, if you are not a good worker yourself. It's a big responsibility."

Finkler's new store is being built in Richardson. He hopes to open it by late spring.

Local Video from CBS 11 / TXA 21 in Dallas/Fort Worth

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[hardwork2u]

Let's see how long this experiment lasts? I give the guy 6 months running a store. That'll give 7-11 enough time before they craft some kind of excuse of why he didn't make it. Driving a truck for delivery is a long way from driving profits! Believe me....they'll let him know. I hope he has a clause in his contract that says, if this don't work out is my truck still out there? lol

[hardwork2u]

Saw the episode and came away with a few things. I liked the idea of the boss coming down to where the troops are, but I'd prefer that the troops know. Why wouldn't you want the line folks to know that you can get your hands dirty, too? I know...this is TV. But its also sneaky and can have a negative effect (spying). But I guess that makes it all the more appropriate that a Russian immigrant should be profiled. Did he say he was former military (KGB)? Could be a plant, in the plant. No...that was the CEO! Were there not enough good Americans to profile at 7-11? Or was CBS and 7-11 perhaps afraid of what might be found?
And oh yeah...when this guy takes over he will find that being in charge in America is a lot different than being in charge in the Russian military. Maybe he's thinking....Ve Hav Vays of making you Vork! Afterall, every 7-11 has a freezer in the back.

[illinigood]

Igor is the epitome of what Ronald Reagan spoke about in his City Upon the Hill speeches. Our citizens have grown gluttonous on the wealth of our nation. Many of our citizens sit on the unemployment roles day after day, yet, there are a multitude of jobs that need to be done unfilled because they are beneath our citizenry these days. We should take a look at the legal immigrants to our country and see how they are making their way. I doubt it is off the backs of the citizens who pay taxes.

BTW - although it was eluded to in this article, the military of the USSR played a significant role in Igor's life while the USA military played a significant role in Mr. DePinto's. This fact is always slighted on the major networks though.

Gary
www.goodwrites.com

[pete_in_az]

Heay, when unemployment pays more then working at 7-11, why do you think someone who has bills to pay and kids to feed stays on unemployment?

[rfp1959]

Didn't it used to be that the Unemployment Office would help place people in jobs and not just hand out tax payer money? I thought that people on unemployment had to be actively looking for a job or they lose the benefit. And why are tax payers required to pay for other peoples housing? In my HOA community we have too many section 8 housing and the area is becoming unlivable. With so many states and counties suffering from huge deficits why are we wasting money to pay for peoples housing while they destroy the neighborhood? If you don't believe me then just look up Hidden Valley in Charlotte, NC on the internet and see what happened there.

[run2jazz2]

This is what American's have forgotten is how to earn an honest day's work! I was a General Manager of a warehouse a few years ago and everyone wants to earn a paycheck but dont' want to work for it. You got a forklift with an RF gun to scan and if you are smart you are using the forklift to load a truck.

People still complained! This is hard while their ***** are getting wider on that lift. I came out one day and worked the entire day of many on the dock just to let them know that this work is not hard. If GOD gave you the ability to be a forklift operator then be the best! Then I heard it from those who think I was just trying to show them out.

I reminded them that I was not one of these Managers who earned a degree and sat on his butt all day, but many years ago was one of them who had to earn a living on a forklift. We need more television like this rather than seeing a bunch of kids from Jersey, Flavor-Flav and his non-attractive self and Mom with many kids.

[riv686]

None of the 7-11s in my area are even 1/2 as clean as any of those on that show.

[Leaderless]

All the best to Igor......wish he could go to work for me, his work ethics and attitude are outstanding.
Some of the people who bashes Igor reminded me of a few "deadwoods" that I terminated, they think the company/world/country owed them something, never really wanted to earn anything.

[nordeck52]

In Soviet Russia, you do not perform job, you are the job!

[sheila1346]

I happened to see the show so I am shocked at seeing so many negative comments about this part of the show. First if you read the article (did not even have to watch the show) it explained the cameras. Second there is absolutely no reasons to bash immigrants,as they are just like us, some good people, some bad people, but mostly they are just hard working people trying to support a family like you and I. Where in this article did you find a reason to bash anyone to the left of Attila the Hun. I am a sixty something retired grandmother who has been a member of the communist party my whole life. I love my country and only want to see the best for the people living here. I may not always agree with the choices our goverment makes but thats why I vote to make my voice heard. I may like Cuba but I am first and for most a US citizen and this is the country I support. When it comes to corporations there are good ones and bad ones like anything else. What I dislike is CEO's that have managed to bleed the wealth from the middle over the last 30 years for their own mansions and toys leaving the rest of us with far less then a living wage, health care or pensions. The things that our grand Parents fought for. This was about a hard working man who was given a leg up in life. He was rewarded by a CEO of a company who thought it was the right thing to do. I think that is commendable and more CEO's and companies should think like that. This article seems to be a magnet for people who did not read the whole thing and get the actual story but used it as a means to batter us with there negative words about there own hatred about anything that doesn't support their sad and hostile view of life.

[hardwork2u]

shoulda picked and American.....period

[lirocky]

I guess you have to be an immigrant to be a hard worker? Wow!

[CompletelyFrustrated]

This is a sad comment but very true.

In the area where I live there are perfectly health folks that are more than willing to collect welfare than get off their lazy arses and go to work.

[fariborzzak]

wonderful