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Spotlight on a Franchisee

Peng Hlel Thang

Stratus Building Solutions
Master Franchise – Ann Arbor, MI

I’ve always known I wanted to own my own business and have the freedom to pursue my ambitions. Early in my career, I realized I didn’t want to get stuck in a job that didn’t inspire me. Without a mentor to guide me, I looked toward franchising because I knew many of the lessons had already been learned, and a lot of the challenges of running a business were already solved. Franchising gave me the confidence to step forward knowing there was a proven path to follow.

What was the deciding factor in choosing Stratus over other opportunities?

After exploring several business models and speaking with different companies, Stratus really stood out. From my first meeting with Rob, I immediately felt the culture of sharing and the closeness among people within the system. It gave me confidence that Stratus was a place where I could truly belong and thrive. The combination of strong leadership, community, and collaboration made the decision an easy one.

What’s a standout success or milestone you’ve achieved since becoming an owner?

Even though we’ve only been in business for about half a year, there have already been many moments I’m proud of. One that stands out most is seeing my team grow quickly and watching the unit franchisees we’ve developed transform into true business owners — some now billing more than $10,000 a month. Seeing their growth and success reminds me daily why I chose this path.

How has Stratus shaped your professional growth or personal outlook?

Stratus has taught me how to become a better leader. In the past, I was focused on doing everything myself, but now I’ve learned to step back, trust the systems, and invest in people. It’s helped me grow from being hands-on in every task to becoming someone who builds and empowers a team. It’s also given me a clear vision of where I want to go and the roadmap to get there.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned on this journey that you wish you knew earlier?

One important lesson I’ve learned is that while Stratus provides incredible systems and support, it’s just as important to proactively connect with other Masters early on. They’re running their businesses every day and have a wealth of experience to share. The answers and advice you need are often already there — you just have to reach out and ask. Building those relationships early can make a huge difference.

In your opinion, what makes Stratus different from other franchise systems?

The support is genuine. Many systems talk about support, but Stratus truly delivers. They care deeply about the success of everyone in the network — from Master Franchisees to unit franchisees to clients. That sense of shared purpose and mutual success is what sets Stratus apart and creates such a strong foundation for growth.

What qualities do you look for when bringing new franchisees into your team?

The systems and processes are already in place, but success depends on the person. I look for individuals who are motivated, persistent, and willing to follow the system while putting in consistent effort every single day. Those who combine hard work with discipline and a desire to learn are the ones who thrive.

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration in your business journey?

As an immigrant in this country, I never imagined I’d one day own a business and live the American dream. But today, it’s no longer just a dream — it’s reality. My past struggles continue to inspire me to grow and to help others do the same. Watching my unit franchisees build their own success motivates me to push harder so that, together, we can achieve our goals and make that dream attainable for everyone.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about becoming a Master Franchisee?

If you’re already considering becoming a Master Franchisee, it means you’re ambitious and ready to take control of your future. Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and know that success is absolutely possible. Stratus will give you the system, tools, and support — all you need to do is take the first step and commit to the journey. It’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your future.

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