MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Opening a business can be a challenge, particularly the costs behind running it, and it's especially hard when some of your sales walk out the door. Despite a number of thefts, the owner of a 7-Eleven store on Milwaukee's east side is hoping he can make a positive impact in the community by giving thieves a second chance. 

Located right next to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the owner of 7-Eleven on Oakland Avenue -- Manjeet Singh Mangat -- feels like he's part of the college town. 

"It's been a great experience," Singh Mangat said. "This is one of the best neighborhoods... I feel like I'm back to college with these guys. They're like brothers and sisters to me. If it's somebody's birthday, I buy them pizza." 

For a few weeks now, Singh Mangat has noticed some people take things without paying. 

"I see a lot of people. Is it perfect? No. But most of the people around here are good people," Singh Mangat said. "Every now and then we get people who are ignorant to you, rude to you, but I want to focus on the good because this neighborhood, this country has given me more than I deserve so I want to focus on the love, affection, not just the negativity." 

Manjeet Singh Mangat CBS 58

Singh Mangat says he's not turning in security video to the Milwaukee Police Department because he believes in second chances. 

"Even if I lose it all, I'll never do that because if one student gets expelled, I'd never be able to live with that for the rest of my life," Singh Mangat said. "So, I don't want to do that because I want to build relationships."

Instead, Mangat is on a quest to talk to the supposed thieves and show them he's working to make the store and community a better place. 

"Let's all work together, love each other and if anybody around here needs anything I'll feed everybody from my paycheck. Don't worry," Singh Mangat said. 

Singh Mangat believes with a positive attitude, he'll make a positive impact. 

"Money you can make but to make a difference you need to have a heart," he said.