We chose franchising as our path because it gave us the opportunity to move to the U.S. with a proven system already in place. Starting fresh in a new country is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. By partnering with an established organization like Stratus, we knew we’d have the support, training, and brand recognition needed to build a successful business from day one. For us, franchising was the best way to combine the dream of living in the U.S. with the confidence that our business would be backed by a strong foundation.
The deciding factor for us was really the combination of three things: the Stratus business model, the strong support network, and the recurring revenue structure. We wanted something sustainable, proven, and scalable — and Stratus checked all of those boxes. Knowing we’d have ongoing support and a system designed around recurring contracts gave us confidence that this was the right opportunity over others.
One standout milestone for us has been growing our client base quickly in the Frederick area and officially welcoming multiple new cleaning accounts within our first year. Each new account represents not just revenue, but also the trust we’ve built within the community and the opportunities we’re creating for our franchisees and team. Reaching that early momentum proved that the model works and reinforced our confidence to keep scaling.
Professionally, Stratus has pushed me to think bigger — not just about running a cleaning business, but about building systems, supporting franchisees, and scaling something sustainable. Personally, it’s given me a tremendous sense of confidence. Moving to a new country and starting fresh isn’t easy, but the structure and support of Stratus showed me what’s possible when you combine hard work with the right model. It’s made me more optimistic about the future and the positive impact we can create for our family, our team, and our community.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how quickly you can burn through cash if you hire the wrong people. Early on, I underestimated the impact of having the right team in place. The wrong fit doesn’t just cost money — it slows growth and adds unnecessary challenges. If I could go back, I’d focus even more on hiring carefully and building a strong, reliable team from the very beginning.
In my opinion, what truly makes Stratus different is the family feeling. From day one, we felt supported not just by corporate, but also by other Master Franchisees who were eager to share their experiences and help us succeed. That strong support network makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger — and it’s rare to find that level of collaboration and willingness to help in other franchise systems.
When we bring new franchisees into our team, we look for people who are reliable, motivated, and willing to follow the proven system. A strong work ethic and commitment to delivering quality service are essential, but just as important is attitude. We want people who view this as a long-term opportunity — individuals who are eager to grow, take ownership, and truly invest in their future.
Our biggest source of inspiration has been our family and the decision to build a new life in the U.S. Every step of this journey has been driven by the desire to create stability, opportunity, and a brighter future for them. That motivation is what fuels us every day to keep pushing forward and building something meaningful.
I’d say that if you’re on the fence, take a step back and really think about what you want long-term. Being a Master Franchisee isn’t just about owning a business — it’s about stepping into a proven system with support, a community of other owners, and a model designed for recurring revenue. For us, it was the fastest and most secure way to build something solid in a new country, knowing we wouldn’t have to do it alone. If you’re serious about entrepreneurship and ready to build a scalable business, Stratus gives you both the roadmap and the backing to succeed.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
