My background spans commercial construction, commercial and residential real estate, and business ownership consulting. Throughout my career, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs struggle when starting businesses from scratch without proper support systems. What drew me to franchising was the built-in advantage it offers — when you purchase a franchise, you’re not navigating the challenges alone. You have access to a proven system, comprehensive support from the franchisor, and a network of fellow franchise owners who’ve faced similar obstacles. This collaborative approach significantly increases the odds of success compared to going it alone.
Several factors aligned when I evaluated Stratus against other opportunities. First, the business model itself was compelling — it’s scalable and built on a solid foundation. Second, speaking with existing Master Franchise owners was invaluable; their experiences and success stories demonstrated the real-world potential of the system. I was also drawn to Stratus’s specific industry and service offerings, which I saw as both recession-resistant and in high demand. Finally, the ROI projections were strong and realistic, which gave me confidence that this was not just a good opportunity, but the right one for long-term success.
Since becoming an owner, my son and I have achieved several milestones that I’m incredibly proud of. Together, we now own four offices and have generated over $8 million in Special Service Sales. Perhaps our most significant accomplishment has been building our own Stratus office and training center, which serves as both an operational hub and a valuable commercial real estate asset. Seeing how the franchise system has enabled this level of growth — creating something tangible that will add value for years to come — has been extremely rewarding. But what makes it even more meaningful is being able to change the lives of our Unit Franchise owners. Helping them build successful businesses and achieve financial independence is just as gratifying as our own success.
Stratus has shaped my professional and personal outlook in ways I didn’t anticipate. The financial freedom it has provided is significant, but equally important has been learning the true value of a strong company culture. I’ve come to understand that when you build the right culture, you create opportunities to positively impact lives — from team members to franchise owners to the communities we serve. There’s something deeply satisfying about owning a best-in-class business, but the real reward is using that platform to bless others and help them achieve success.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take more time hiring the right people — patience is absolutely key. Early in my journey, I sometimes rushed to fill positions, but I’ve come to realize that your team is everything. The right people drive your culture, elevate your service, and fuel your growth. It’s always worth waiting for the right fit rather than settling for someone who’s merely available. That patience upfront prevents so many challenges later and sets the foundation for long-term success.
What makes Stratus different really comes down to three things. First, the business model is outstanding — it’s structured to deliver an exceptional ROI that you simply don’t see with many other franchises. Second, the commitment to excellence from our corporate team is genuine and consistent. They’re truly invested in helping franchisees succeed at every level. And third, our Master Franchisees bring that same dedication and expertise to their regions. When you combine a strong business model with people who are genuinely committed to your success, you create something special. That’s what sets Stratus apart.
I look for franchisees who embody six essential qualities: honesty, integrity, hard work, excellence, love, and a positive attitude.
Honesty and integrity build the trust that’s critical in any business relationship. Hard work and a commitment to excellence ensure they’ll deliver outstanding results. Love — genuine care for people — creates the kind of culture that makes a lasting impact. And a positive attitude is what carries you through challenges and inspires those around you. When someone brings these qualities to the table, I’m confident they’ll succeed and add tremendous value to our Stratus family.
God comes first — my faith is the foundation that guides every decision I make. Beyond that, working with my son has been one of the greatest blessings of this journey. Building something meaningful together has made every challenge worthwhile. I also have to give tremendous credit to David Smith and Ed Lease from the Nashville territory. When we were just getting started, they offered incredible support and guidance. Their willingness to help us succeed, without hesitation, exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the Stratus family. We’ll always be grateful for their generosity and the impact they’ve had on our business.
My advice is simple: Just do it.
If you have the capital, the work ethic, and a relationship-driven mindset — and you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on — this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The ROI potential is outstanding, and honestly, I haven’t seen a better business opportunity in the market. What makes Stratus special is that you’re not going into this alone. You have a proven system, dedicated support, and a network of people who genuinely want to see you succeed. If you’re willing to work hard and stay the course, becoming a Master Franchisee could be one of the most rewarding decisions of your professional life.
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