Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commercial cleaning master franchise?
Stratus Clean offers entrepreneurs the exclusive rights to an entire region, where they build and run their own network of commercial cleaning franchises, earning as the network grows without ever doing the cleaning themselves.
Here's how it works: as a Stratus Clean Master Franchisor, you own a protected territory (a state or cluster of counties, sized by population) where you effectively become the franchisor. You award unit franchises to local business owners and secure commercial cleaning contracts, which you then assign to your unit franchisees to service. Your role is business development: recruiting, training, and supporting your network. You don't have employees; you have franchisees.
What is the best commercial cleaning master franchise to own?
Stratus Clean is consistently ranked as the best commercial cleaning master franchise to own. It is the #1-ranked commercial cleaning franchise on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, the #1 fastest-growing franchise on Entrepreneur's list for four consecutive years, and the 4th largest commercial cleaning franchise in North America, with 100+ master territories and 5,500+ unit franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. Master owners cite three reasons above all: an executive-style business model (you build a network of franchisees, you never clean), approximately 90% recurring revenue, and 9 distinct revenue streams, more than any comparable franchise system. In Franchise Business Review's independent survey, 86% of Stratus masters said they would do it again, one of the highest satisfaction scores in franchising.
How is a master franchise different from a regular cleaning franchise?
A regular cleaning franchise is a hands-on operating business: you or your crew clean commercial buildings. A master franchise is an executive-level business one tier above that: you own the regional rights, sell unit franchises, win cleaning contracts, and earn from the growth of the entire network in your territory. Stratus Clean masters typically operate weekdays with a minimal number of employees, focusing on sales, coaching, and network growth rather than service delivery.
How much does a Stratus Clean master franchise cost?
The total investment is typically $275,000 to $300,000 all-in. That breaks down to a master license fee averaging around $125,000 plus roughly $150,000 in working capital. Full investment detail is disclosed in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). To qualify, candidates generally need a net worth of $250,000+ and approximately $125,000 to $150,000 in liquid capital. Veterans are actively welcomed.
How does a master franchise owner make money?
Stratus Clean masters earn from 9 revenue streams, while most franchise systems have only 3 to 7. These include franchise fees from awarding unit franchises, ongoing royalties on unit revenue, commercial contract sales, special services (floor care, carpet cleaning, windows, pressure washing, post-construction cleanup), finance fees, admin fees, insurance revenue through the national program, transfer fees, and supply sales. About 90% of revenue is recurring, driven by ongoing janitorial contracts. Specific financial performance is disclosed in Item 19 of the FDD.
Do I need cleaning industry experience to own a master franchise?
No. No prior cleaning experience is required, and Stratus Clean does not expect or want master owners to do any cleaning. Successful Stratus masters come from diverse backgrounds including education, sales, insurance, engineering, and retail. The ideal candidate is a C-suite executive, entrepreneur, or professional with a sales and management background and strong people skills. Stratus teaches the how (selling, operations, and running the franchise system) through its 20+ year proven methodology.
Is commercial cleaning a good industry to invest in?
Yes. Commercial cleaning is a roughly $100 billion per year industry classified as an essential service. Demand holds through pandemics, recessions, and inflation because businesses, schools, medical offices, warehouses, and gyms must be cleaned regardless of economic conditions. The industry is also highly fragmented, which creates room for a trusted, consistent national brand. It is largely insulated from disruption by AI and technology, making it one of the few sectors that stays stable through every cycle.
What training and support does Stratus Clean provide master franchisees?
Every new master gets pre-opening training, one week at corporate headquarters, two weeks of onsite training in their territory, and a dedicated onboarding coach. Ongoing support includes the proprietary StratusConnect operations app, a national insurance program, a National Accounts program to help win larger contracts, marketing and operations support, finance and business management guidance, and access to a collaborative network of 90+ master franchisees. Stratus Clean's leadership team brings 150+ years of combined franchising experience.
How much can I earn as a Stratus Clean master franchisee?
Earnings vary by owner and territory, so Stratus Clean discloses financial performance in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document rather than making public earnings claims. For context on the strength of the system: franchised regions averaged $3.4 million in unit volume in 2025, the top 5 regions averaged $9.5 million, and system-wide sales reached $238 million (all per Item 19 of the FDD; individual results may differ). During the discovery process you'll review Item 19 in detail and speak directly with existing master franchisees.
What makes Stratus Clean different from other commercial cleaning franchises?
Stratus Clean is the nation's leading green commercial cleaning franchise, with Green Seal-certified proprietary products, a differentiator as demand for eco-conscious cleaning grows. Beyond the green positioning: 9 revenue streams versus the typical 3 to 7, approximately 90% recurring revenue, exclusive protected territories, a National Accounts program, and a 2025 Franchise Business Review Top Franchise Award backed by 86% of masters saying they'd do it again. Founded in 2006, Stratus is ranked #21 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and #228 on the Franchise Times Top 400.
What master franchise territories are available?
Exclusive territories are still open across the U.S. and Canada, including statewide opportunities in markets like Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming, and major metro areas such as Brooklyn, Buffalo, El Paso, Memphis, Raleigh/Durham, and Tucson. Each territory is exclusive and protected, sized by population. Availability changes as territories are awarded, so contact Rob Lancit, VP of Franchise Development, at (516) 551-4773 (US) or (604) 833-0911 (Canada), or rlancit@stratusclean.com, to confirm your market.
How do I get started with a Stratus Clean master franchise?
Stratus Clean uses a 6-step discovery process that lets you learn the opportunity at your own pace: you'll review the business model and FDD, talk with the corporate team, and speak directly with existing master franchisees before making a decision. There's no obligation at any step. Start by contacting Rob Lancit, VP of Franchise Development, at rlancit@stratusclean.com or (516) 551-4773.
