New Successful Franchise Owner in Athens, Ga. Turns Profit After Just One Month

Scott Clark, Filta’s newest successful franchise owner, has hit the ground running. Having opened his doors for business in June 2021 in Athens, Ga. and the surrounding counties, he ended July, his first month, with a net profit.

“After just one month in business, we were able to turn a profit thanks, in part, to our hard work, along with the marketing, advertising and inside sales support Filta put behind our opening,” said Clark. “I’m already considering adding a second van by the end of the year.”

This isn’t surprising from Clark since he has such a capable and varied background.

He grew up in Charlotte and, after college, he joined the Air Force, flying for nine years out of Charleston. Upon discharge, he pursued another calling and traveled the country speaking about his church’s ministry in South America. He then pivoted again and worked for Toshiba as a director of finance, because, what else does a former military officer do after pouring himself into religion for half a decade armed with two divinity degrees?

After another series of life twists and turns, Clark found himself chasing a job opportunity in 2013 and moving his family to Athens, Ga. where he opened a newly built Lifeway Christian Store. Relocated to the heart of Georgia Bulldog country, Clark pursued an MBA from the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business all while managing the new store full time. Another half decade plus goes by and he lands a new position as head of North American sales for an industrial supply operation. That was February 2020. Then COVID hit, and the 12-person small business quickly shrank to four. And it didn’t include Clark.

“I told my wife the only way to get the job I want is to create the job I want,” he said.

He and his wife, Mary, studied several business opportunities including a convenience store up in the mountains and a pizza place that was for sale. But nothing really resonated until he researched Filta’s mobile cooking oil filtration franchise model which serves thousands of commercial kitchens nationwide. He purchased the Athens and surrounding territory and began work in June.

A close-by franchise owner had been traveling into Athens to service St. Mary’s Hospital and Clark took over that work. As well, he quickly added a few other national accounts and even one part time employee. The future is bright as UGA students head back to class this fall and Clark’s work becomes known around this college town. 

“Scott possesses all the characteristics of a successful franchise owner. He is among our hardest working franchisees and ramped up remarkably quickly,” said Rob Totten, Filta’s chief development officer. “We’re looking forward to seeing great things come out of Bulldog country.”

Filta is currently seeking other qualified franchisees like Scott Clark to help grow the brand in Portland, New York, Hawaii, Tulsa, and Seattle. The company’s franchise system offers an easy-to-follow business model, reliable corporate support, and a fully committed leadership team to ensure the success of local franchise owners. Filta is also one of the best franchises to start with a low investment. The average initial investment is approximately $113,300 – $127,050, including a $39,950 territory fee.

For more information about franchising with Filta, please click here.