Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Taranow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any advice regarding quality control and maintaining quality as your brand grows?

1. As your company grew, how did you manage to maintain quality?

As our maggot farming business expanded, maintaining quality remained a top priority. We approached this challenge through several key strategies:

Scaling with Care: We ensured that our expansion was well-planned and gradual, allowing us to adapt our processes and maintain strict quality standards during each phase of growth. This approach helped us avoid overwhelming our resources and compromising on quality.

Investment in Training: We invested in comprehensive training programs for our staff, focusing on proper techniques, hygiene practices, and quality control measures. This empowered our team to consistently produce high-quality maggots and follow established protocols.

Robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): We developed and updated detailed SOPs for every aspect of our maggot farming operations. These SOPs served as a reference point for all employees, ensuring uniformity and consistency in our processes.

Regular Audits and Inspections: We implemented a system of regular audits and inspections to monitor various stages of production. This allowed us to identify potential issues early and take corrective actions promptly.

Continuous Improvement: We encouraged a culture of continuous improvement, where all team members were actively involved in suggesting and implementing process enhancements. This approach led to innovative solutions and helped us maintain quality even as we scaled.

2. What quality controls did you put in place?

To maintain the highest quality standards in our maggot farming business, we established a comprehensive set of quality controls:

Incoming Material Inspection: We rigorously screened the incoming organic materials used for maggot feed to ensure they met our quality criteria and were free from contaminants.

Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols: We implemented strict hygiene and sanitation practices across our facilities to prevent contamination and maintain a clean environment for maggot growth.

Environmental Monitoring: We regularly monitored and controlled factors such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create optimal conditions for maggot growth and prevent any adverse impact on quality.

Regular Sampling and Testing: We conducted regular sampling and testing of maggots at different stages of growth to assess their nutritional content and ensure they met our quality benchmarks.

Traceability and Documentation: We maintained detailed records of each batch of maggots, including their growth parameters, feed sources, and any relevant observations. This traceability helped us quickly identify and address any quality issues.

3. Do you have any stories of why these controls were needed or how they’ve been helpful/effective?

Certainly, there was a notable instance where our quality controls proved crucial. During a routine inspection, we detected a deviation in the temperature control system in one of our maggot production rooms. Thanks to our continuous monitoring and control procedures, we were able to identify the issue promptly and prevent any negative impact on maggot growth.

Additionally, our regular sampling and testing procedures once helped us identify a batch of maggots with lower nutritional content due to a change in feed quality. By catching this early, we adjusted the feeding regimen and prevented any subpar products from reaching the market.

4. Any advice for those concerned about quality control as they grow?

Maintaining quality control during growth is paramount for the success and reputation of any business. Here are some pieces of advice:

Start with Strong Foundations: Build a solid foundation of quality control measures from the beginning. Establish clear standards, procedures, and expectations for quality.

Invest in Training: Provide comprehensive training to your team members to ensure they understand the importance of quality and are equipped with the necessary skills to maintain it.

Regular Audits and Inspections: Implement a regular schedule of audits and inspections to catch potential issues early and make necessary improvements.

Embrace Technology: Utilize technology and data analytics to monitor and control critical parameters. Automation can help reduce human error and ensure consistency.

Feedback Loop: Encourage open communication within your team. Encourage employees to report any quality concerns or suggestions for improvement.

Continuous Improvement Culture: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, where all team members are empowered to contribute ideas and solutions to enhance quality control processes.

Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your quality control measures as your business grows. What worked for a small-scale operation might need adjustments to accommodate larger volumes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After getting my Master’s degree in forensic DNA, I wanted to pursue an area in the forensic field outside of the lab – I was looking for a specialty that combined my love of ecology with my interest in forensics. That pretty much only leads to forensic entomology, the ability to determine a Post Mortem Interval (time of someone’s death) by analyzing the life stage and makeup of the insect community that inhabits and consumes bodies after death. My studies in this field introduced me to black soldier fly larvae. However, once I learned of the multitude of applications and potential for black soldier fly to consume waste, and be a nutritious food source, I wanted to build a business around the species, with a focus on supplying pets with the most nutritious, freshest feeder insects on the market, as well as educating the community about the benefits and uses of black soldier fly larvae. Since then, my company, Symton Inc, has been operating for over five years in Texas, producing millions of black soldier fly larvae for the purpose of reptile / bird food, as well as a compost additive to consume waste. I have created a custom insect food for my larvae to consume, which increases their overall calcium, protein, and fat content, making them an ideal food for the specific nutritional needs of reptiles and other exotic pets.
I dedicate myself to running a business with almost no waste, and giving back to my community. Any leftover larvae remaining at the end of each week are packaged and sent out to nonprofit reptile/exotic animal rescue organizations. We donate weekly to a group of about forty nonprofit organizations. In the past few years, we have donated over 200 million larvae to reptiles in need.
My company runs with virtually no waste, because the insect waste product, known as ‘frass,’ is collected and donated to local farmers to be used as compost for gardening. In the past five years, we have donated over 100 TONS of frass to local farms. Symton even won the Green Business Award in the Brazos Valley for our commitment to reducing waste.
I believe that future of food and protein (for humans) is larvae, and I know my black soldier fly larvae can change the world! My business was featured in the Washington Post, and in it I shared my ideas to utilize larvae as a protein source for humans and how black soldier fly larvae can save the environment by reducing the need for massive cattle and chicken farms which pollute the surrounding areas. As I continue to sell wonderful food products to reptile owners, I also continue to educate the public about the idea and acceptance of insects as food, and the positive environmental impacts it will lead to. I know that once the facts are laid out to anyone, acceptance of black soldier fly larvae into human diet is obviously a wonderful choice, and the only thing standing in my way will be the “ick factor” involved in the thought of consuming insects (easily remedied by putting the larvae into the right products that appeal to people).

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I had the pleasure of meeting my business partner, Spring, in early 2017 during our time in the same laboratory while pursuing our PhDs in entomology, with a specific focus on black soldier flies. Our paths crossed as we delved into the fascinating world of entomology, and from the very beginning, it was evident that we shared a deep passion for our field.

What struck me about Spring was not only his exceptional knowledge and dedication to our research, but also his remarkable interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit. We quickly found that we worked incredibly well together, leveraging our complementary strengths to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of our understanding in the realm of insect studies.

Our camaraderie extended beyond the laboratory, and over time, we began to envision the potential of translating our expertise into a practical venture. As we explored various ideas, it became evident that our shared interest in black soldier flies could lead us to a groundbreaking opportunity in the emerging field of maggot farming.

Despite Spring’s relocation to China, our partnership has not only endured but thrived. Thanks to modern technology and our unwavering commitment to maintaining open and effective communication, we have managed to bridge the geographical gap. Our mutual respect and shared values regarding the operation of our business have served as a strong foundation, allowing us to navigate challenges and make decisions in alignment with our shared vision.

While the physical distance between us has posed its share of logistical complexities, it has also reinforced the importance of clear communication, trust, and a shared mindset. Our regular virtual meetings and discussions have become invaluable touchpoints for strategic planning, problem-solving, and celebrating our milestones.

In essence, Spring’s and my journey from the laboratory to the boardroom is a testament to the power of a genuine connection and a shared passion. Our ability to harmonize our perspectives, leverage our strengths, and embrace modern communication tools has not only sustained our working relationship but has also contributed to the strength and growth of our business. Our story underscores the significance of finding the right partner, regardless of geographical barriers, and underscores the notion that a strong partnership can transcend borders and yield remarkable results.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In managing a cohesive team and upholding high morale within my maggot farming business, I strike a balance between fostering a friendly and lighthearted atmosphere while maintaining necessary discipline. Open lines of communication play a pivotal role, ensuring that my team feels heard and valued. Empowerment is a key principle, as I entrust my team members with autonomy and decision-making authority, encouraging them to take ownership of their tasks. Recognizing and celebrating achievements is paramount, bolstering a sense of accomplishment and motivation among the team. Regular team-building activities strengthen bonds and nurture unity. I am committed to providing flexibility, enabling work-life balance and adaptable arrangements. Skill development is a priority, offering opportunities for learning and professional growth. When it comes to adding new members to the team, I emphasize compatibility and collaborative potential. I set clear goals that align with the overarching business objectives, fostering a collective sense of purpose. Embracing innovation, creativity is encouraged, with a willingness to reward novel ideas and embrace experimentation. Constructive feedback and mentorship further support individual progress. Lastly, I champion diversity, welcoming and celebrating unique backgrounds and perspectives, which enriches our collective dynamic. Through these measures, I have cultivated a positive environment that thrives on teamwork, growth, and enjoyment of all things insects and reptiles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.symtonbsf.com
• Instagram: @symtonbsf / @taranowsaurus
• Facebook: @symtonbsf
• Linkedin: @symtonbsf
• Twitter: @symtonbsf
• Youtube: @symtonbsf
• TikTok: @symtonbsf / @thebugdealer