Lauren Wanco, a Las Vegas entrepreneur, has carved a unique entrepreneurial path with commercial and restaurant kitchens through her Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise. Her journey, which has been driven by a focus on sustainable practices and innovative opportunities, has allowed her to make waves in the Sin City culinary scene, bringing safer, greener options to kitchens from casinos to sports venues.

Wanco's story began in the culinary world, where she worked as a chef and later transitioned to nutrition science, becoming a director of nutrition and dietary programs at various hospitals. Her familiarity with commercial kitchens and their challenges led her to appreciate Filta's services, particularly its focus on safety and efficiency in fryer cleaning, as she was a client herself.    

In 2016, Wanco and her husband decided to acquire the Las Vegas Filta franchise that she had previously engaged for service in her hospital roles. The pair had long thought about entrepreneurship, and when Wanco learned the existing owner was looking to exit, it just made sense. When she took over the business, she had big growth plans, but her dedication — combined with the growing demand for greener, cleaner processes — made it possible.

Filta's comprehensive services have found a perfect home in Las Vegas, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important. The company offers a suite of eco-friendly solutions, including FiltaFry (micro-filtration of cooking oil and vacuum-based fryer detailing), FiltaBio (removing used cooking oil and converting it to biodiesel), FiltaCool (eco-friendly refrigeration and unit moisture control) and FiltaDrain (non-toxic, probiotic drain cleaning).

"There's been a definite shift in attitudes," Wanco said, "with larger facilities like casinos and stadiums actively seeking sustainable solutions."  

Filta’s diverse range of services, along with its comprehensive environmental impact reports, have resonated with this trend, attracting environmentally conscious clients. While the competitive landscape in Las Vegas has intensified with several organizations vying for market share, Wanco remains confident in Filta’s ability to stand out. 

This differentiator has allowed Wanco to secure major accounts in the market, including the Harry Reid International Airport. Furthermore, she has several casino opportunities in the works in Mesquite, Nevada.

With a focus on sustainability and a commitment to transparency, Filta offers an elevated experience. 

"Our real-time data reporting system and technician app provide a level of transparency that our competitors lack," Wanco said. "We also pride ourselves on our ethical practices, unlike some competitors who resort to only dumping used oil."    

Looking ahead, Wanco is excited about new partnerships and the opportunity to continue driving sustainability in her market. 

"Beyond the environmental benefits, we help clients save money on oil consumption through increased filtration," Wanco said. "It's a win-win situation both financially and environmentally, and because we have professionals completing the work, we’re also reducing the risks to restaurant staff handling hot oil.”

As Las Vegas continues to evolve as a culinary destination, Wanco and her Filta franchise are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable kitchen solutions. Her success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities while building a thriving business.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/filta/info

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Morgan Wood

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Morgan Wood

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