Raising $350,000 for Growth and Expansion of an Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Company
Executive Summary
Kismet Enterprises, an independently owned Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise, has established itself as a thriving million-dollar operation in Las Vegas, Nevada over the past seven years. Under the visionary leadership of Lauren Wanco, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a struggling business with merely nine accounts to a market leader in environmental kitchen solutions. Now, Kismet Enterprises is strategically positioned for expansion into UT-4, a collective of territories encompassing St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, leveraging its comprehensive suite of services and cutting-edge technologies.
The company offers an extensive array of services meticulously tailored to meet the diverse needs of commercial kitchens. These include active fryer management, fresh oil supply, drain management, walk-in cooler dehumidification, ceiling tile cleaning, and general kitchen cleaning. This holistic approach enables clients to streamline their operations by working with a single vendor, significantly simplifying invoicing and management processes. Kismet Enterprises' unwavering commitment to service excellence and adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, such as the Symphony Operations platform, has been instrumental in driving consistent year-over-year growth.
The expansion strategy involves launching a full-service Filta Environmental franchise in the St. George and Mesquite areas, where there is currently no competition in oil filtration or fryer management services. This presents a unique opportunity to establish a strong market presence. Concurrently, the growth strategy in the Las Vegas market centers around a new partnership with Boyd Gaming, a prominent casino group with ten local properties. The combined potential revenue from both the territorial expansion and new strategic partnerships is projected to more than double the current gross revenue, propelling sales to over $2.5 million in annual revenue.
At the helm of Kismet Enterprises is a robust management team led by CEO Lauren Wanco, who brings 27 years of hospitality management expertise and a unique blend of culinary arts and nutrition knowledge. The leadership team is further strengthened by Demetri 'Blue' Wanco as Director of Operations, leveraging 32 years of hospitality industry experience, and Sam Choi as Director of Sales, whose diverse background in healthcare and sales drives business development initiatives.
The company's growth trajectory is bolstered by strategic partnerships, including collaboration with Cultivate Advisors for mentoring and expert business guidance, and TK Accounting for professional bookkeeping and fractional CFO services. These alliances ensure Kismet remains at the forefront of industry trends while maintaining robust financial health and operational efficiency.
Kismet Enterprises' expansion is underpinned by a solid track record of success, with revenue skyrocketing from $79,000 in the first year to $973,000 in 2023. Projections indicate a run rate of $1.2 million for 2024, showcasing the company's exponential growth potential. The company's unique value proposition, which often results in a net-zero expense for customers due to extended cooking oil life, positions it favorably against competitors like RTI and Jani-King.
As Kismet Enterprises embarks on this ambitious expansion, it aims to replicate its Las Vegas success in new markets, offering unparalleled service quality, innovative solutions, and comprehensive kitchen environmental management. With a strong foundation, experienced leadership, and a clear growth strategy, Kismet Enterprises is well-positioned to capitalize on the untapped potential in the St. George and Mesquite locations. This strategic move will further solidify its position as a trailblazer in the environmental kitchen solutions industry, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Opportunity
Problem & Solution
Problem Worth Solving
Kismet Enterprises, an independently owned Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise, has been thriving in the Las Vegas, Nevada market for seven years. Once struggling with only nine accounts, the business has been revitalized under Lauren Wanco’s leadership, transforming into a million-dollar operation. Throughout her tenure, Lauren has embraced innovations in Filta technology and expanded service offerings. She quickly adopted the Symphony Operations platform, streamlining all business processes through the Symphony app. During the pandemic, Lauren was instrumental in launching Filta Shield, a disinfecting service, and securing the largest disinfection contract within the network. As a member of the research and development team, she played a key role in shaping the Filta Clean service line and has trained numerous franchisees interested in adding it to their businesses. Additionally, Lauren serves as a mentor and brand ambassador, advocating for standards that elevate the Filta brand. Despite intense competition, Kismet Enterprises has consistently achieved year-over-year growth in the Las Vegas market. With apromising casino opportunities on the horizon for Q1 2025, the franchise is poised to gain further market share. As Las Vegas continues its steady growth, Kismet Enterprises is now exploring expansion into a new key market: The UT-4 territories. By maintaining a strong commitment to quality service across all offerings, Kismet Enterprises positions itself for continued success.
Kismet Enterprises is committed to serving as your comprehensive solution for commercial kitchen needs. Whether you require active fryer management, fresh oil supply, drain management, walk-in cooler dehumidification, ceiling tile cleaning, or general kitchen and restaurant cleaning, Filta Environmental offers a wide array of services to tackle the challenges facing commercial kitchens. By choosing Filta, you simplify your operations with a single vendor and streamlined invoicing, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple suppliers
The UT-4 territories are comprised of five different areas surrounding Southern Nevada, including Mesquite and Laughlin, Nevada, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu, Arizona, and St. George, Utah. Each city is within a two hour drive of the Southern Nevada headquarters and they are grouped together in this manner by the Filta franchisor. Currently, there are no companies providing oil filtration or fryer management services in these territories. Commercial kitchens in this area have only two options for grease disposal: local farmers or Empire Waste Services. While the purchase of UT-4 does come with exclusive access to operate in each city, Kismet Enterprises will roll out service in each area in phases, focusing forst on Mesquite, Nevada and St. George, Utah.
Our Solution
Kismet Enterprises is poised for significant expansion through the strategic acquisition of the UT-4 franchise, introducing our comprehensive service lines across multiple markets. The company will launch a full-scale Filta Environmental franchise, starting with the vibrant St. George and Mesquite markets. This new franchise, headquartered in St. George—one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States according to Smart Asset—will offer a complete suite of environmental kitchen solutions to meet the burgeoning local demand.
While the St. George/Mesquite franchise embarks on its growth trajectory, the Las Vegas market is set for its own remarkable expansion. Beginning March 1st, Kismet Enterprises will commence services at Boyd Gaming properties, a prominent national casino group boasting ten locations in Las Vegas. Our comprehensive service package will include daily fryer cleaning, oil filtration, fresh oil supply, and oil recycling. This significant new account is projected to boost annual gross revenues by an impressive $1.5 million.
By implementing this multi-faceted approach, Kismet Enterprises aims to solidify its position as a leader in the environmental kitchen solutions industry. This strategic expansion will not only diversify our service offerings but also create a robust foundation for sustained growth across the Southern Utah and Nevada markets. Our commitment to providing top-tier services, coupled with our targeted expansion strategy, positions Kismet Enterprises for long-term success and increased market share in these rapidly growing regions.
Target Market
Commercial kitchens often operate under challenging conditions, with staff frequently underpaid and overworked. This demanding environment can lead to critical tasks, such as fryer maintenance, being overlooked. Typically, the responsibility for cleaning fryers falls to the lowest-paid employees, often dishwashers. Many kitchens lack proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe fryer cleaning and adequate oil filtration systems. Moreover, demanding workloads frequently prevent staff from performing thorough deep cleaning of the equipment. These factors make any commercial kitchen, from quick-serve restaurants to stadiums and universities, a potential target for Filta's comprehensive fryer management services.
St. George, Utah and Mesquite, Nevada, with a combined population of approximately 134,000, present a unique and promising opportunity for Filta. Despite their relatively small size, the proximity to Zion National Park makes this area a popular tourist destination, creating a robust market for food service establishments. The cluster of casinos in Mesquite offers a closer gambling center to Utah residents, eliminating the need to drive the extra distance to Las Vegas. Currently, there are no companies offering fryer management services in the area, with waste oil disposal limited to local waste management or farmers.
The region is ripe with potential customers, including a developing golf resort community that will bring fifty new fryers online over the next three years, serving as an anchor account. Additionally, the market includes hospitals, universities, hotels, golf courses, breweries, and over 75 restaurants, all presenting significant growth potential for Filta's services. This diverse customer base ensures a stable and expanding market for our comprehensive fryer management solutions.
A particularly promising opportunity lies with Boyd Gaming, which includes the daily service of 151 fryers spread across ten property locations. In addition to requiring daily fryer cleaning, oil filtration, fresh oil supply, and oil recycling, Boyd is also interested in hood exhaust cleaning services and equipment cleaning. Boyd is looking to bundle all of the services in the Filta portfolio, enabling one vendor to supply a multitude of solutions. This presents an excellent opportunity for Kismet Enterprises to showcase the full range of Filta's services and establish a strong foothold in the market.
Competition
Current Alternatives
In the fryer management services industry, competition is limited. The primary competitor, RTI, specializes in hard-piped tank systems that dispense fresh oil and collect waste oil. While RTI has a national presence, their service primarily focuses on oil delivery and collection, without emphasizing fryer cleaning or oil filtering. As a result, RTI tends to cater to quick-service restaurants like McDonald's. The main challenge for Filta is competing against commercial kitchens that handle their own fryer cleaning and oil disposal. However, these kitchens typically lack the ability to micro-filter cooking oil as effectively as Filta, which significantly extends oil life.
In the cleaning sector, Jani-King stands out as the largest national provider of janitorial services. While they offer kitchen equipment cleaning alongside traditional janitorial maintenance, their pricing tends to be higher than Filta's. Based on the success of the Las Vegas Filta Clean operation, we anticipate gradually capturing market share from Jani-King by offering more competitive pricing and superior service. Beyond Jani-King, the primary obstacle in the cleaning space is businesses that opt to clean their equipment and kitchens in-house.
Filta's unique selling proposition lies in its comprehensive approach to fryer management and kitchen cleaning. By combining efficient micro-filtering techniques, thorough equipment cleaning, and competitive pricing, Filta is well-positioned to address the limitations of both RTI and Jani-King. This integrated service model not only extends the life of cooking oil but also ensures a higher standard of cleanliness and efficiency in commercial kitchens, making Filta an attractive alternative for a wide range of food service establishments.
Our Advantages
Filta's value proposition centers on our innovative filtration services, which significantly extend the life of cooking oil. This extension not only saves our clients money but often offsets our service cost entirely, resulting in a net-zero expense for our customers. Moreover, Filta offers a comprehensive service that rivals competitors like RTI, providing fresh oil supply and waste oil removal. However, our service goes a step further by thoroughly cleaning the fryers, creating additional savings through our advanced filtration process.
A key advantage of partnering with Filta is our ability to serve as a one-stop solution for commercial kitchens. Many establishments struggle with managing multiple vendors for various services, leading to a complex web of contacts and invoices. Filta simplifies this process by offering a wide range of services under one roof, including:
• Fryer cleaning
• Cooking oil filtration
• Fresh oil provision
• Waste oil removal
• Drain cleaning
• Walk-in cooler dehumidification
• Kitchen equipment cleaning
• Hood exhaust cleaning
• Ceiling tile cleaning
Filta sets itself apart with industry-leading customer communication. Our technicians utilize a state-of-the-art service app that provides immediate, detailed service summaries. These reports offer full transparency, including before and after photos, giving our clients a clear understanding of the services provided. This level of detailed communication is unmatched by competitors in the cleaning and oil management sector, further solidifying Filta's position as a leader in the industry.
Execution
Marketing & Sales
Marketing Plan
Kismet Enterprises' marketing strategy for its expansion into UT-4 is meticulously designed to capitalize on unique market opportunities while leveraging the company's established strengths. The plan employs a dual approach: direct sales for core service lines and targeted digital marketing for the innovative Filta Clean service.
For the direct-sale service lines, including Filta Fry, Filta Bio, Filta Drain, Filta Gold, and Filta Cool, Kismet Enterprises will recruit a seasoned Sales Director. This pivotal role will be instrumental in driving revenue growth across both the St. George and Mesquite markets. The Sales Director's responsibilities will encompass:
• Crafting and implementing market-specific sales strategies
• Providing comprehensive training to the sales team, enhancing their ability to articulate the unique benefits of Filta's services
• Identifying and pursuing high-value accounts, with a particular focus on emerging opportunities such as the burgeoning golf resort community in St. George
• Nurturing existing client relationships to facilitate cross-selling of additional service lines
The Filta Clean service line presents a distinct opportunity for digital marketing exploitation. This strategy is rooted in the observation that decision-makers actively seek online resources when searching for restaurant, equipment, and ceiling cleaning services. To capitalize on this trend, Kismet Enterprises will launch targeted digital marketing campaigns, initially focusing on St. George and Mesquite to boost brand awareness. In the third quarter, these efforts will expand to encompass other areas within UT-4. The comprehensive digital marketing strategy will include:
• Advanced search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to enhance visibility for industry-specific keywords
• Strategic pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns across search engines and social media platforms
• Engaging content marketing through informative blog posts and compelling video content showcasing Filta Clean's unique benefits
• Precision-targeted email marketing campaigns to reach decision-makers in the hospitality and food service sectors
By implementing this multifaceted approach, Kismet Enterprises aims to swiftly establish a robust presence in new markets while maximizing the potential of each service line. The company anticipates significant growth in brand recognition and client acquisition across all target markets, positioning itself as the premier provider of comprehensive kitchen environmental solutions throughout the UT-4 territories.
This strategic marketing plan is designed to be flexible and responsive to market dynamics, allowing Kismet Enterprises to adapt quickly to emerging opportunities and challenges. By combining the power of direct sales with cutting-edge digital marketing techniques, the company is well-positioned to capture a significant market share and drive sustainable growth in its expanded service areas.
Sales Plan
Kismet Enterprises will implement a comprehensive and dynamic sales strategy across all service lines. The company will establish a high-performing sales team led by an experienced Director of Sales, who will oversee dedicated sales managers in the Las Vegas and UT-4 markets. This team will employ a multi-faceted approach to maximize direct sales growth, including:
• Leveraging and expanding national account relationships
• Efficiently converting and nurturing incoming leads
• Proactively targeting new 'green space' opportunities with Filta Clean
A primary focus will be on engaging all current national accounts, educating them about Kismet Enterprises' expanded capabilities across multiple service lines. To drive larger contracts, the company will introduce an innovative bundled services package, offering substantial cost savings to clients who opt for multiple services. This strategic approach not only provides enhanced value to customers but also significantly increases the company's revenue potential per client.
The sales team will emphasize Kismet Enterprises' unique position as a comprehensive, one-stop service provider capable of addressing diverse needs within the environmental kitchen solutions space. By highlighting this competitive advantage, the company aims to differentiate itself in a crowded market and secure a larger share of business from both new and existing clients. This approach will be particularly effective in the expanding markets of UT-4, where Kismet Enterprises is establishing a strong presence.
To ensure consistent growth and market penetration, the sales team will utilize cutting-edge CRM software, enabling them to track leads, manage customer relationships, and analyze sales data effectively. Regular training sessions and performance reviews will be conducted to keep the team updated on industry trends, product knowledge, and sales techniques, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the environmental kitchen solutions industry.
Operations
Locations & Facilities
Kismet Enterprises Expansion has strategically selected three key locations for its warehouse facilities, each meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of their respective markets:
In St. George, Utah, the warehouse will be centrally located in downtown St. George, offering convenient five-minute access to the interstate. This 1,100 square foot facility includes a 300 square foot office and a restroom. The warehouse boasts a 6,300-gallon waste oil storage capacity and space for five pallets of fresh oil. The office area will serve as a collaborative workspace for both operational management and the sales team, fostering efficiency and teamwork.
The Las Vegas market will see an expansion of its facility footprint to accommodate the Boyd Gaming contract, which requires fresh oil delivery. To comply with the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan, which limits oil storage to 10,000 gallons in one space, an additional warehouse will be leased adjacent to the existing 1,200 square foot facility. The current warehouse, officially permitted as a waste oil storage facility, houses 6,300 gallons of waste oil storage and a bathroom. The new warehouse will feature 8,000 gallons of fresh oil storage, an automated filling machine, and a sanitization station for reusable jibs. This expansion will enable Kismet Enterprises to reduce their oil acquisition costs by 25%, significantly improving profit margins.
Following the successful implementation of the Boyd Gaming project, the Mesquite casino roll-out, and the St. George Black Desert Resort accounts, Kismet Enterprise will systematically expand into the remaining UT-4 territories. A 1,200 square foot warehouse facility will be secured to serve the closely situated Laughlin and Bullhead City locations. This facility will accommodate 6,300 gallons of waste oil storage and space for five pallets of fresh oil. The Lake Havasu territory will be supported by a smaller, satellite location with 3,000 gallons of waste oil storage and space for five pallets of fresh oil.
These carefully planned facilities will enable Kismet Enterprises to efficiently serve their expanding markets, maintain optimal inventory levels, and provide comfortable working environments for their teams. The strategic placement and design of these warehouses underscore the company's commitment to growth and operational excellence within the Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise network. By investing in these tailored facilities, Kismet Enterprises positions itself for sustainable expansion and improved service delivery across its diverse market areas.
Technology
Filta operates using an advanced software system called Symphony, which serves as the backbone of our operational efficiency. This comprehensive platform manages all aspects of customer data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and account details. Once a customer profile is created, Symphony's robust functionality extends to schedule creation and route optimization.
The system seamlessly integrates with our technician app, providing real-time information to our field staff. Technicians utilize this app for various essential functions:
• Clocking in and out of shifts
• Viewing daily schedules and optimized routes
• Tracking services performed at each account
• Documenting fryer services with before and after photos
• Recording whether fryers were filtered or dumped
This detailed information is then compiled into a comprehensive service summary, which is automatically sent to the account contact. This summary provides a clear, itemized report of all services performed, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction.
Symphony's integration extends further by pushing this data into our accounting software. This automation pre-populates invoices, significantly reducing the time required for manual data entry and minimizing the potential for human error.
Beyond its operational capabilities, Symphony serves as a robust data management system. It securely stores all necessary information, including critical data such as the chain of custody for waste oil. This feature ensures we maintain compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards.
Furthermore, Symphony functions as a powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. It not only stores existing customer data but also manages incoming leads from various sources, including:
• Web inquiries
• Referrals
• Leads generated from marketing campaigns
This centralized lead management allows us to efficiently track and analyze our sales funnel process, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize our marketing and sales strategies.
By leveraging Symphony's comprehensive capabilities, Kismet Enterprises ensures streamlined operations, enhanced customer service, and data-driven growth as we expand into Southern Utah and Central/South Texas markets.
Equipment & Tools
Filta Fry, a core service of Kismet Enterprises, utilizes proprietary equipment called Mobile Filtering Units (MFUs). These state-of-the-art machines are designed to filter cooking oil efficiently, extending its usable life. When the oil is no longer filterable, the MFUs also serve as collection devices for proper storage and disposal. To complement this service, Filta Fry employs commercial-grade vacuums and branded dollies to thoroughly remove crumbs and debris from fryers, ensuring optimal cleanliness and performance.
Filta Bio, another key offering, focuses on the collection and recycling of used cooking oil. Each service van is equipped with a 250-gallon tank for oil collection. Once full, the oil is transferred to a 6,300-gallon storage system at the company warehouse. This waste oil is then collected by a third-party refiner who converts it into biodiesel, creating a profitable sustainability loop. Every 6,000-gallon collection generates approximately $16,000 in revenue, contributing directly to the company's bottom line and supporting environmental initiatives.
Filta Drain, a highly profitable service in the company's portfolio, utilizes a specialized $120 foaming sprayer. This cost-effective equipment allows for efficient application of drain foam, addressing common kitchen drainage issues with minimal investment and maximum return.
Filta Clean rounds out the service offerings with a comprehensive cleaning solution. This service requires a range of professional-grade equipment, including:
• Electric chemical sprayers for precise application of cleaning agents
• Industrial steam cleaners for deep sanitization
• Floor scrubbers for thorough surface cleaning
• Wet vacuums for efficient liquid removal
• Ancillary tools such as scrapers and razors for detailed cleaning tasks
This diverse array of equipment enables Kismet Enterprises to provide a full spectrum of kitchen maintenance services, positioning the company as a one-stop solution for commercial kitchen cleanliness and efficiency.
Milestones & Metrics
Success metrics will be tailored to each market's unique characteristics. The plan is to systematically roll out service to all of the UT-4 territories within the first year, starting with the St. George and Mesquite markets. Filta considers a van to be "full" with revenue once it achieves $120,000 in annual fryer service revenue. We will measure success by achieving an average monthly revenue of $10,000, triggering the need for a second van. Based on the sales inquiries from Black Desert Resort in St. George and the Eureka Casino group in Mesquite, we anticipate reaching this milestone in the first month of operation.
Simultaneously, Filta Clean will be growing in sales revenue, utilizing the van during off-hours to build market presence. Success for this service will be measured by achieving $6,000 in monthly sales, necessitating the acquisition of a dedicated van solely for the growth of Filta Clean in this market.
To expand operations to the remaining UT-4 territories, the St. George and Mesquite markets will need to generate $25,000 in monthly revenue. Filta will then strategically phase in service to additional markets, starting with Laughlin, a casino town located on the edge of the Colorado River. With each casino having a minimum of ten fryers, success in Laughlin will be measured once that market is generating monthly revenue of $10,000, indicating the need for an additional van to accommodate growth. Once Laughlin has been stabilized, the sales team will begin their approach to Bullhead City and Lake Havasu, aiming to increase monthly sales in each market to $10,000.
The Las Vegas market will measure success by monitoring five key performance indicators (KPIs):
• Weekly gross sales for the Boyd Gaming properties: $16,912
• Weekly fresh oil sales: $9,600
• Weekly oil collection profits: $4,452
• Total weekly profit: $9,327
• 25% increase in weekly fresh oil sales
These metrics will help us track our progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure we're meeting our growth objectives across all markets. Regular review of these KPIs will allow us to make data-driven decisions and adjust our strategies as needed to maximize our success in each territory.
Company
Overview
Ownership & Structure
Kismet Enterprises, LLC is an S-corporation jointly operated by a husband and wife team. The ownership structure is strategically divided, with Lauren Wanco holding a majority stake of 51% and Demetri Wanco owning the remaining 49%. This arrangement not only reflects their partnership in life but also in business, allowing them to leverage their combined expertise and shared vision for the company's growth and success.
As an S-corporation, Kismet Enterprises benefits from pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation on corporate income. This structure also provides personal asset protection for the owners while maintaining the flexibility of a partnership. The 51/49 ownership split ensures that Kismet Enterprises qualifies as a woman-owned business, potentially opening doors to certain contracts and opportunities that support diversity in entrepreneurship.
Company History
Kismet Enterprises was established in June 2017 when Lauren Wanco and her partner Demetri acquired the Filta franchise. Lauren's background as the Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, coupled with her experience as a chef, had instilled in her a deep appreciation for Filta's services. She consistently employed their superior safety standards for kitchen staff in every kitchen under her management.
While at Desert Springs, Lauren observed a decline in Filta's service quality. Technicians were occasionally absent, and oil leaks from fryers became a recurring issue. Coincidentally, Lauren and Demetri were exploring franchise opportunities, having already attended a discovery day with Capriotti's, a sandwich chain. This prompted Lauren to investigate the availability of the local Filta franchise. The favorable royalty structure - 6% of monthly sales compared to Capriotti's 12% - ultimately influenced their decision to acquire Filta.
At the time of acquisition, the Filta franchise had dwindled to a mere nine clients. Lauren and Demetri made it their mission to rebuild Filta's reputation in the region. Lauren initially took on the role of technician, personally operating the service van to demonstrate the potential for excellence. After three months of hands-on work, she hired her first technician, who remains with the company and has since been promoted to operations manager, showcasing the company's commitment to employee growth and retention.
Lauren then transitioned to a sales manager role, driving remarkable growth through strategic client acquisition and relationship management. Revenue surged from $79,000 in the first year to an impressive $250,000 in the second year, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, the company has consistently increased its annual sales, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
In 2023, Kismet Enterprises achieved a remarkable milestone, generating $973,000 in revenue. Building on this success, the company further expanded its operations and client base, resulting in revenues of $1.1 million in 2024. This consistent trajectory of growth and unwavering commitment to service quality has positioned Kismet Enterprises as a thriving Filta franchise, poised for further expansion and success in the coming years.
Team
Management Team
CEO: Lauren Wanco
Lauren Wanco brings over 27 years of hospitality management expertise to the Filta team. A classically trained chef, she graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 2001. Lauren's career trajectory showcases her versatility and leadership skills, having worked as a chef in renowned restaurants across New York and New Jersey before transitioning to front-of-house operations as a restaurant general manager.
Her corporate experience includes serving as Director of Restaurants for Marriott for three years, followed by management roles with the Soby's Restaurant group in Greenville, South Carolina, and Craftsteak at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Driven by a passion for nutrition, Lauren pursued further education, obtaining a BS in Nutrition Sciences. This unique combination of culinary arts and nutrition expertise allowed her to revolutionize food service in hospital settings.
Lauren's extensive background in managing schedules, overseeing multi-unit operations, and driving innovation in diverse culinary environments has equipped her with the foundational skills necessary to lead Kismet Enterprises to success in the competitive Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise landscape.
Director of Operations: Demetri 'Blue' Wanco
With over 32 years in the hospitality industry, Demetri 'Blue' Wanco brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his role as Director of Operations. Blue's journey began at UNLV's Hospitality program, which he attended for two years before joining the MGM Grand team in 1994 as a busboy at the Brown Derby. His dedication and work ethic caught the attention of Kirk Kerkorian, who personally promoted him to food server after five years of exemplary service.
Blue's background as a tradesman during his high school years has proven invaluable in his current role. His technical aptitude and problem-solving skills have been instrumental in maintaining equipment and facilities in Las Vegas for the past seven years. This unique combination of hospitality experience and technical know-how positions Blue as an ideal leader for overseeing the operational aspects of Kismet Enterprises' expansion into Southern Utah and Central/South Texas.
Director of Sales: Sam Choi
Sam Choi brings a diverse and unconventional background to his role as Director of Sales at Kismet Enterprises. A graduate of West Point with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Sam spent 15 years in private practice as a licensed physical therapist in California. His desire for new challenges led him to Las Vegas during the pandemic, where he discovered a passion for sales while working in the window industry.
As a self-described 'foodie,' Sam's enthusiasm for exploring new restaurants naturally led him to invest in various restaurant opportunities. This combination of sales acumen and genuine interest in the culinary world made him an ideal fit for the Filta team, which he joined in August 2024. Since then, Sam has been leveraging his extensive network of hospitality connections to drive growth for the Filta business.
Sam's unique background in healthcare, coupled with his sales expertise and passion for the food industry, provides Kismet Enterprises with a multifaceted approach to business development and client relations. His ability to understand the diverse needs of potential clients in the Southern Nevada and UT-4 markets is proving to be a valuable asset in the company's expansion efforts.
Advisors
Kismet Enterprises strategically partners with Accountability Now to provide comprehensive mentoring and expert business guidance as the company continues to expand. This collaboration ensures that Kismet remains on the cutting edge of industry trends and best practices. Additionally, we leverage the expertise of TK Accounting for professional bookkeeping and fractional CFO services. Their specialized financial oversight helps maintain our fiscal health, optimize cash flow, and support data-driven decision-making processes essential for sustainable growth.
Financial Plan
Forecast
Key Assumptions
As Kismet Enterprises Expansion embarks on its growth journey in Southern Nevada and the UT-4 territories, we have developed key assumptions to guide our financial forecasts. These assumptions are rooted in our successful track record in Las Vegas and our comprehensive understanding of the new markets we are entering.
For revenue projections, we anticipate a growth trajectory similar to our Las Vegas operation, which saw a remarkable increase from $79,000 in the first year to $1.1 million in 2024. Our key revenue assumptions include:
• The St. George and Mesquite markets will achieve an average monthly revenue of $25,000 within the first year of operation, totaling $300,000 annually.
• The Las Vegas market will increase monthly sales by $104,000, equating to $1.24 million in additional annual revenue.
• The remaining UT-4 markets will each generate $10,000 in monthly revenue, contributing an additional $360,000 in annual revenue.
Our operational cost assumptions are as follows:
• Payroll expenses will be maintained below 27% of gross revenue across all markets, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Initial setup costs for each UT-4 location, including warehouse facilities and equipment, are estimated at $81,800.
• Marketing expenses will be higher in the first year for new markets, accounting for 3% of revenue, to establish brand presence and acquire customers. This percentage will be adjusted in subsequent years based on market penetration.
• The Boyd Gaming account will require initial set-up costs of $288,600, which includes specialized equipment and training.
Market penetration and service adoption rates are crucial to our forecast. We project the following:
• In St. George and Mesquite, as the sole provider of fryer management services, we will capture 30% of the commercial kitchen market within two years.
• In Laughlin, we will secure 100% of the casino business in the first year, leveraging our expertise in the Las Vegas market.
• In Bullhead City and Lake Havasu, we will capture 30% of the business in the first two years, focusing on both commercial kitchens and local casinos.
These assumptions form the foundation of our financial projections and will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as we gather more data from our expansion efforts. We will conduct quarterly assessments to ensure our projections align with actual performance and market conditions, allowing for agile decision-making and strategy refinement.
Revenue by Month
Expenses by Month
Net Profit (or Loss) by Year
Financing
Use of Funds
The start-up loan will be strategically allocated to acquire the UT-4 territory, significantly expanding Kismet Enterprises' operational footprint. The primary investment of $350,000 will be utilized for essential start-up costs required to commence operations with the Boyd Gaming account, as well as to secure the necessary equipment to service St. George and Mesquite. This capital will be specifically allocated towards:
• Inventory acquisition
• Purchase of service vehicles
• Procurement of specialized equipment
• Leasing of warehouse space
• Establishment of a payroll fund
Kismet Enterprises has developed a phased roll-out plan for expansion into the additional UT-4 territories. This strategic approach allows for a manageable distribution of financial obligations over time, ensuring a sustainable growth trajectory for the company. By carefully timing these investments, Kismet Enterprises positions itself to capitalize on emerging market opportunities while maintaining robust financial stability.
This methodical expansion strategy not only mitigates financial risks but also allows the company to adapt its operations based on real-time market feedback and performance metrics. As Kismet Enterprises establishes its presence in each new territory, it can refine its approach, optimize resource allocation, and build a strong foundation for long-term success in the Southern Utah market.
Sources of Funds
Kismet Enterprises has forged a strategic partnership with Diego Montoya of Guardian Business Consulting Services to secure the necessary funding for its ambitious expansion plans. This collaboration leverages Mr. Montoya's extensive expertise in financial planning and business development to identify and pursue optimal funding sources. By working closely with Guardian Business Consulting Services, Kismet Enterprises is strategically positioning itself to attract potential investors and secure the capital required to support its growth initiatives in Southern Nevada and the UT-4 territories.
This partnership brings several key advantages to Kismet Enterprises' funding strategy:
• Access to Mr. Montoya's network of investors and financial institutions
• Professional guidance in crafting compelling investment proposals
• Expert analysis of various funding options to determine the most suitable for Kismet's needs
• Ongoing support throughout the fundraising process
By aligning with Guardian Business Consulting Services, Kismet Enterprises demonstrates its commitment to a professional and strategic approach to securing funding. This partnership not only enhances the company's credibility in the eyes of potential investors but also increases the likelihood of successfully obtaining the necessary capital to fuel its expansion into new territories.
