Initially, entrepreneurship wasn’t in Keri’s plans. However, a pivotal phone call ignited her determination to take control of her future. Investing $100,000 from her 401(k), she purchased two Filta territories on Long Island, launching her business amidst the challenges of the 2020 pandemic.

What followed was a testament to resilience and strategic growth. Leveraging the slower pace of business, Keri focused on securing corporate accounts and refining her operations. Within six months, her husband joined her, and together, they expanded to six territories.

Keri’s story highlights the power of seeking advice and embracing collaboration. By connecting with other Filta franchisees, she learned valuable insights and adapted best practices to her own business. She also emphasizes the broader impact of Filta’s services, understanding that maintaining cooking oil quality directly influences food quality and customer satisfaction.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Keri faced her share of challenges. However, she focused on her strengths, outworking the competition and proving that success is defined by hard work and seizing opportunities. Today, her Filta business has surpassed a million dollars in gross revenue, and she’s excited to explore the vast potential ahead.

Keri’s journey is an inspiring reminder that setbacks can lead to remarkable achievements. If you’re facing a turning point, take her advice: bet on yourself. You might just discover your own path to success with Filta.

Biz Woman – Keri Gardner Article

The post From Layoff to Leadership: Keri Gardner’s Million-Dollar Filta Success Story first appeared on Filta.

Trent Carlos, a Filta franchisee, is a prime example. Despite having no prior experience in the industry, he’s built a thriving $2.5 million business. His success story underscores Filta’s commitment to providing comprehensive training and support, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. From servicing major events like the Super Bowl to catering to local restaurants, Filta franchisees are making a significant impact in their communities.

So, what exactly does Filta do? We offer a unique and environmentally conscious service: on-site micro-filtration and vacuum-based cleaning of deep fryers, along with used cooking oil removal and recycling. This process not only reduces waste and promotes sustainability but also lowers costs and enhances food quality for businesses.

Filta’s proven business model, ranked #213 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking to break free from the corporate world and build a successful business. With dedication and hard work, franchisees can quickly grow their operations and transition from hands-on work to a leadership role. If you’re looking for a franchise opportunity that’s both profitable and environmentally responsible, Filta might be the perfect fit!

Entrepreneur Magazine – Trent Carlos Story

The post From Corporate Life to $2.5 Million Franchise: How Filta is Changed Franchisee Trent Carlos’ Life first appeared on Filta.

A major highlight of 2024 was reaching the incredible milestone of recycling over 1 billion pounds of used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. This phenomenal achievement underscores our dedication to environmentally responsible commercial kitchen services and our role as a leader in the industry. According to John Michals, Chief Operating Officer, this milestone is a “testament to our commitment to sustainability”.

Beyond recycling, Filta’s micro filtration programs provided substantial benefits to our clients. By extending the life of cooking oil, we helped our customers avoid purchasing nearly 30 million boxes of new oil. These efforts are estimated to have saved Filta customers over $1 billion in costs while simultaneously reducing their reliance on new oils and contributing to lower carbon emissions. This demonstrates the powerful combination of cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility that Filta delivers.

Despite market challenges, Filta experienced impressive growth by expanding its customer base and strengthening its franchise network. We welcomed over a dozen new franchisees and expanded our presence across numerous territories. This growth was supported by enhanced initiatives from Filta’s headquarters in operations, sales, and marketing, empowering our franchisees to achieve even greater success. Michals noted that “strategic tweaks within our sales efforts have infused new energy into our franchise owners, which has created a surge of opportunities for them to win business”.

Another exciting development in 2024 was the successful launch of our new FiltaClean service. This innovative offering provides clients with enhanced cleaning services and has quickly gained traction among our franchise owners, opening up additional revenue streams. Michals believes that “FiltaClean is set to be a potential ‘game changer’ for our franchise owners”.

Furthermore, Filta facilitated successful franchise resales, highlighting the strength and appeal of our business model. A notable example was the $2 million sale of a Jacksonville franchise location.

Looking ahead to 2025, Filta plans to further expand the FiltaClean service across our entire franchise network and introduce new initiatives in the fresh oil space. We will also continue to refine our franchise development process, seeking passionate individuals who share our vision for growth and sustainability. As Michals stated, “Filta is well positioned for continued success and growth” in the coming year.

Since our inception in 1996 and our establishment as a franchise concept in North America in 2002, Filta has been a pioneering leader in active fryer management and environmental kitchen sustainability. Our cornerstone service, FiltaFry, offers complete fryer management, including on-site micro-filtration, oil removal, recycling, and replacement. Additionally, we provide FiltaCool for humidity control in cold storage and FiltaDrain for grease-free drain maintenance.

Want to learn more about Filta’s record-breaking year and exciting plans for the future? Read the full story on CCR-Mag.com.

The post Celebrating a Year of Impact: Filta’s Record Growth and Green Future! first appeared on Filta.

Filta New Orleans, under the leadership of franchise owner Trent Carlos, has become an indispensable partner for a wide range of establishments, from high-profile venues like Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center to local restaurants and educational institutions such as Tulane University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Trent Carlos, inspired by the potential for an eco-friendly and operationally efficient oil filtration business that also offered a better work-life balance, launched Filta New Orleans in 2016. Starting with just one truck, the business has experienced exponential growth, now employing around 30 people with plans to expand further. This growth speaks volumes about the value and effectiveness of Filta’s services.

Filta offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the diverse needs of commercial kitchens, all with an emphasis on sustainability and safety:

• FiltaFry: This signature on-site oil filtration service can extend oil life by up to 50% and remove 99% of carbon from fryers.
• FiltaBio: A comprehensive oil recycling service that minimizes waste, ensures environmental safety, and reduces kitchen accidents.
• FiltaGold: Supplying high-quality oil in eco-friendly jugs, eliminating bulky drums for enhanced convenience.
• FiltaClean: Full-scale kitchen cleaning using steam-based techniques to ensure hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• FiltaCool: Implementing humidity control in cold storage to keep ingredients fresh.
• FiltaDrain: Non-toxic probiotic drain maintenance to prevent blockages and odors.

Filta’s impact goes beyond just operational improvements. In 2024 alone, Filta filtered a staggering 640,000 pounds of oil and conserved or recycled over 1.1 million pounds, converting used oil into biodiesel fuel. This significant environmental contribution highlights Filta’s commitment to a greener future.

Trent Carlos takes pride in the positive impact Filta has on his customers and their staff. By taking over the often dangerous and undesirable task of handling hot oil, Filta allows kitchen staff to focus on other crucial tasks. The company’s strong growth, even through challenging times, has enabled the introduction of new services and an expanded reach across Southern Louisiana, with future plans to extend into Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.

Want to learn more about how Filta New Orleans is revolutionizing commercial kitchens? Read the full story on Biz New Orleans.

The post New Orleans Kitchens Get a Boost: Filta Revolutionizes Efficiency, Sustainability, and Safety! first appeared on Filta.

In 2024, Filta demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainability by achieving a monumental milestone: recycling over 1 billion pounds of used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. This incredible achievement underscores Filta’s position as a leader in environmentally responsible commercial kitchen services.

But that’s not all! Through our innovative micro filtration programs, Filta also helped our valued clients avoid purchasing nearly 30 million boxes of new cooking oil. These efforts are estimated to have saved Filta customers over $1 billion in costs while simultaneously reducing their reliance on new oils and lowering carbon emissions. This directly translates to significant cost savings and a greener operation for your commercial kitchen.

Our success in 2024 was also fueled by the growth and strengthening of our franchise network. We welcomed over a dozen new franchisees and expanded our presence across numerous territories. This expansion means that more commercial kitchens will have access to Filta’s comprehensive suite of services. Enhanced support from Filta’s headquarters has empowered our franchisees to grow their businesses and better serve their local communities.

A significant highlight of 2024 was the successful launch of our new FiltaClean service. This innovative offering provides clients with enhanced cleaning services and has quickly gained traction among our franchise owners. FiltaClean exemplifies our ongoing commitment to innovation and provides an additional valuable service for commercial kitchens, while also creating new revenue opportunities for our franchisees.

Looking ahead to 2025, Filta is focused on expanding the FiltaClean service across our entire franchise network. We are also planning to introduce new initiatives in the fresh oil space, further enhancing the value we bring to our customers. We will continue to refine our franchise development process, seeking high-caliber individuals who share our vision for growth and sustainability.

Since its inception in 1996 and its arrival in North America in 2002, Filta has been a pioneering leader in active fryer management and environmental kitchen sustainability across the food and hospitality industries. As part of the UK-based Franchise Brands, Filta is well-positioned for continued success and growth.

Ready to experience the Filta difference in your commercial kitchen? Learn more about our achievements and future plans in the full article on Retail & Restaurant Facility Business.

The post Celebrating a Milestone and Looking Ahead: Filta’s Continued Growth in 2025! first appeared on Filta.

Filta’s arrival in Oklahoma City promises a range of benefits for commercial kitchens. Their core service, complete deep fryer management with on-site microfiltration, helps extend the life of cooking oil, potentially cutting oil consumption in half. This not only leads to significant cost savings but also contributes to a more sustainable operation.

Furthermore, Filta takes care of the messy and often hazardous task of fryer cleaning, eliminating the need for staff to handle this chore and addressing related safety concerns. When it’s time for an oil change, Filta guarantees that 100% of the used oil will be recycled into eco-friendly biodiesel, supporting environmental responsibility.

According to The Journal Record, Filta’s Vice President of Franchise Development, Rob Totten, noted that Oklahoma City is considered one of their top 10 prime markets for growth this year. While a Filta franchise previously operated in the city, its closure left a demand for these valuable services, with the Tulsa-based franchise even temporarily serving locations like the Paycom Center.

Filta serves a wide array of industries, including restaurants, amusement parks, colleges and universities, hospitals, hotels, and even stadiums and arenas. This demonstrates the broad applicability and value of their services for various types of commercial kitchens.

Want to learn more about Filta’s exciting expansion plans for Oklahoma City? Read the full story in The Journal Record.

Oklahoma City businesses looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance their environmental practices will soon have a valuable partner in Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions!

The post Good News for Oklahoma City Commercial Kitchens: Filta is Expanding! first appeared on Filta.

Are you a restaurant operator looking for ways to enhance efficiency, slash costs, and improve your sustainability efforts? Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine recently spoke with John Michals, COO of Filta Environmental Kitchen Services, to shed light on how better cooking oil management can help you achieve these crucial goals.

Many restaurant operators hold misconceptions about cooking oil’s impact. For instance, some believe their oil usage is too small to matter, or that disposing of used oil down the drain is acceptable. Others may not realize that different cooking oils have varying environmental footprints, or that sustainable oil practices don’t necessarily mean higher costs.

The reality is that effective cooking oil management offers significant advantages. As highlighted in the MRM article, there’s a strong connection between restaurant cooking oil practices and sustainability. Key aspects include:

• Used Cooking Oil Management: Properly recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact.
• Fresh Oil Sourcing: Choosing sustainably sourced oils supports ecosystems and local economies.
• Energy Efficiency: Recycling used oil contributes to renewable energy production.
• Consumer Awareness: Sustainable practices appeal to eco-conscious customers.
• Quality and Health: High-quality, sustainable oils enhance food quality.

So, what can your restaurant do to be more sustainable with cooking oil? The MRM article suggests focusing on:

• Oil Filtration over Replacement: Regularly filtering and cleaning fryer oil extends its life, reducing the need for frequent oil changes and minimizing waste. While this can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous for staff, services like Filta offer a convenient and safe solution.
• Proper Used Cooking Oil Disposal: Implementing strict standards for used oil disposal is crucial.
• Employee Safety: Training staff on safe oil handling practices minimizes waste and promotes sustainability.

By partnering with specialized service providers like Filta, your staff can focus on core operations, leading to increased efficiency and potentially boosting sales. Better oil management also translates to significant cost savings by extending oil life and reducing oil purchases. Furthermore, it leads to improved food quality and consistency, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Ultimately, as the MRM article emphasizes, better cooking oil management not only enhances efficiency and reduces costs but also supports your restaurant’s long-term sustainability goals.

Ready to optimize your kitchen’s oil management? Learn more about the benefits discussed in this article in Modern Restaurant Management.

The post Boost Your Restaurant’s Bottom Line and Go Green with Smart Cooking Oil Management! first appeared on Filta.

For over two decades, Filta has been a leader in the industry, transforming used cooking oil into a valuable resource. The Orlando-based company’s success is evident in its impressive revenue, generating over $28 million annually and exceeding $600 million since 2003.

Filta’s unique process involves on-site microfiltration, effectively performing “dialysis” for cooking oil. Their mobile filtration units use a three-stage process, combining suction and pressure to remove carbon and impurities, extending the life of the oil and reducing waste. This not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses save money and improve food quality.

Looking ahead, Filta has ambitious growth plans. The company aims to expand its operations fivefold over the next five years by developing 30 existing territories, increasing its fleet of mobile vans, and welcoming new franchisees. This expansion will further solidify Filta’s position as a leader in the cooking oil recycling industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Filta’s success story demonstrates the power of innovation and environmental consciousness. By turning what was once considered waste into a valuable resource, Filta is not only generating significant revenue but also making a positive impact on the planet.

Orlando Business Journal – Filta Story

The post Filta Hits Billion-Pound Milestone: Recycling Used Cooking Oil into Biodiesel first appeared on Filta.

We’re excited to shine a light on the fantastic work being done by a local Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise, managed by Eric Whitman and his family, serving restaurants and institutions in Bristol County and Rhode Island. As reported by The Herald News, Whitman’s Filta franchise is making a significant impact by helping kitchens operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Since May, Whitman has been providing essential services to a growing list of clients, including 64 restaurants, colleges like Stonehill and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and even the KRAVE poutine food truck. These businesses are benefiting from Filta’s core offerings, which center around cleaning commercial kitchen fryers and recycling used cooking oil into eco-friendly biodiesel fuel. Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions as a whole has already recycled its billionth pound of cooking oil since 2003, showcasing its long-standing commitment to the environment.

Whitman highlights the significant risks and grime that kitchen staff face when managing oil cleaning in-house. Filta’s services provide a safer and more efficient alternative, utilizing a unique “dialysis” process with a proprietary mobile filtration unit. This process filters out particulates down to the micron level, extending the longevity of cooking oil and returning the filtered oil to kitchens.

For oil that is too “corrupted” for further use, Whitman’s franchise ensures it’s properly carted away to partnering businesses like Mahoney Environmental, where it’s recycled and rendered into biodiesel, a fuel source for vehicles or heating systems. This process not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses manage their waste responsibly.

Beyond oil filtration and recycling, Whitman’s company also offers cleaning services for fryolators and can address drainage system issues. This comprehensive approach helps kitchens maintain a cleaner and more hygienic environment.

Whitman, a former Navy helicopter commander and MIT graduate, found Filta to have a “real obvious value proposition” with significant potential for growth. His business has grown through “word of mouth,” as customers appreciate the ability to outsource their high-level kitchen management. Whitman emphasizes that they “tailor services to the needs of the individual kitchen,” making it relatively simple to earn customers across various sectors.

Whitman encourages other veterans and individuals with a solid business background to consider entrepreneurship, drawing parallels between the military’s process-oriented and focused nature and the demands of running a business.

Ready to see how Filta can benefit your commercial kitchen? Learn more about Eric Whitman’s work and the positive impact Filta is having in the SouthCoast region by reading the full story here in The Herald News.

The post Local Business Spotlight: SouthCoast Kitchens Benefit from Filta’s Green Solutions! first appeared on Filta.

Since we began franchising in the U.S., our dedication to providing eco-friendly solutions has also driven significant growth, reaching $600 million in revenue. This success allows us to continually invest in better services and expand our reach, ultimately benefiting more commercial kitchens with our sustainable practices.

What does this mean for your kitchen?

• A Greener Operation: By choosing Filta, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Every gallon of biodiesel produced from recycled cooking oil prevents 16 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Our efforts over the past two decades are equivalent to planting 135 million trees in terms of carbon dioxide offset.
• Resource Conservation: Beyond carbon offsets, Filta’s services have saved nearly 1.3 million gallons of water, reduced pesticide use by over 2 million pounds, and conserved vast amounts of energy. These outcomes are crucial for a healthier planet.
• Efficient Kitchen Management: Our comprehensive approach includes micro-filtration, which extends the life of your cooking oil by removing impurities. This not only saves you money on oil purchases but also ensures that when the oil is discarded, it’s repurposed sustainably.
• Waste Reduction: Our bin-free waste oil collection prevents messy storage and potential leaks, ensuring 100% of collected oil is transported to biodiesel refineries.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Filta offers more than just fryer management. Our services include solutions for maintaining drains (FiltaDrain), dehumidifying cold storage (FiltaCool), and comprehensive kitchen cleaning (FiltaClean). These services help you maintain efficient and sustainable operations across your entire kitchen.
• Measurable Impact: We provide local environmental impact reports detailing the specific benefits of our services, allowing you to see and communicate your commitment to sustainability to your customers and stakeholders.

Our success is built on a strong franchise model, with dedicated franchise owners who are the backbone of our service delivery and expansion. We support our franchisees with extensive training and programs to ensure they can deliver exceptional service and grow their businesses, ultimately providing better service to you. The development of new services like FiltaClean, driven in part by our Brand Advisory Council of franchisees, ensures we continuously adapt to the evolving needs of the foodservice industry.

With nearly 10,000 clients across North America, from local restaurants to national chains, Filta is a trusted partner in achieving sustainability goals while maintaining efficient kitchen operations. We are committed to building on our momentum, expanding our franchise network, and enhancing our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the food service industry.

Ready to experience the Filta difference in your commercial kitchen and contribute to a more sustainable future? Learn more about our achievements and future plans in the full article on Franchising Magazine USA.

The post Celebrating a Milestone: Recycling One Billion Pounds of Cooking Oil first appeared on Filta.