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This is What Made FiltaCon2022 – “All Systems Go” an Unforgettable Experience!

As we reported a couple of weeks ago, FiltaCon2022 was a huge success. “All Systems Go” was the theme and all pistons were surely firing as Franchisees developed new skills, refined business practices, and learned tips and techniques to improve Filta’s operations coast to coast.

But FiltaCon is much more than all business and, as we promised in our previous article, we’ll report on the “extracurriculars” in this blog.

Beyond the sessions, networking, and 75+ well-deserved and hard-won awards, the 100 or so Filta Franchise Owners in attendance had an opportunity to let their hair down just a bit.

There was spirited bidding at the silent auction which raised a staggering $10,000 for the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida, doubling Filta’s previous support. Lauren Wanco (NV) and Leandro Fonseca (Filta’s Operations Director) hosted BAC Shark Tank, offering out-of-the-box thinkers 10 minutes to present their innovative idea with the audience deciding the winner – this year it was Scott Clark from GA. The Filta Super Quiz returned by popular demand and Ethan Cohen’s (CA) team won the grand prize of $500 for being the most knowledgeable of the Filta’s ins and outs.

Getting hands on with Filta equipment was as popular as ever and Franchisees said they appreciated not having to choose between an indoor session and the opportunity to “get their hands dirty” learning the latest and greatest about equipment from support staff.

Other informative speakers which Filta brought in included Jones Loflin, the FiltaCon2022 headliner, who shared powerful ideas and practical organizational solutions to overcome exhaustion and burn out from overwhelming to-do lists – a seemingly pervasive challenge to Filta’s Franchise Owners experiencing more tasks than time. Dr. Farnaz Namin spoke on overcoming employee isolation and burnout from a work-life point of view, and Chris Baker from Franchise Flippers gave insight on how to know when you should sell (or buy) a business – when is the right time, how do you prepare, where to start? Carlos Burruezo, an attorney with more than 30 years of expertise in labor and employment law, offered up valuable suggestions and insights to ensure workplace violations don’t happen, and if they do, how to avoid lawsuits.

One stand out session enjoyed by all was the “Panel of the Pros – Building a Solid Foundation for Success.” This featured three of Filta’s own Franchisees – Terry Walkerly (OH), Keri Gardner (NY), and John Michals (NJ) who represent distinctly different phases of their Filta journey and who generously offered tips and tricks to handle staffing, facilities, support network, next hires, and other business planning priorities.

Perhaps the “extracurricular” highlight of FiltaCon2022 was the Saturday night party at K1 Speed in Orlando – a fast and furious session of indoor go-karting. The fun atmosphere was enjoyed by Franchise Owners, corporate staff, and their families, and the need for speed did not disappoint. The dancing and karaoke after the driving also provided plenty of fodder to colleagues, friends, and the extended Filta family.

All in all, FiltaCon2022 achieved its “All Systems Go” goals – education, networking, business advancement, and fun – and we’re looking forward to the next conference event!