Ed & Mary Grinnell

We had owned a few businesses in the past and started exploring franchise opportunities—and that's when we discovered Stratus. Ed is a Navy veteran who served as a naval aviator and is currently a captain with United Airlines. Mary has a background as both a teacher and a real estate broker. Together, our experiences have taught us the importance of leadership, relationship building, education, and hard work. Franchising gave us the opportunity to try something new without having to reinvent a business from scratch. We also love the Northern Virginia area where our business is located, and we wanted to build something meaningful right here in our community.

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

We were immediately drawn to the unique two-tier model and the strength of the Stratus national brand. It offered a level of structure, scalability, and support that we didn’t see elsewhere. We were excited about the opportunity to leverage our professional and life experiences to not only build our own business, but also to help others grow their cleaning businesses through mentorship and leadership.

Starting a cleaning business might sound simple, but without the structure, proven processes, and ongoing support that Stratus provides, building and scaling a successful operation can be extremely challenging. Stratus gives you the roadmap, the training, and the team behind you to make it achievable.

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

We set a goal to sell at least ten unit franchises within our first year—and we achieved that milestone within just nine months. Hitting that goal early gave us the momentum and confidence to keep raising the bar.

How has Stratus shaped your professional growth or personal outlook?

Stratus has reinforced our belief in the power of relationships and community engagement. The brand emphasizes building strong connections and networking locally, which is exactly how we like to do business. Our goal is to create clients for life and to build a referral-based business that benefits not only our team but also our community.

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

There are two lessons that stand out.

1. Be authentic, but follow the process and proven strategies for Stratus success. Every region is different, but the systems can be adapted to work nationwide.
2. Just because someone says they know how to clean doesn’t mean they actually know how to clean! Setting clear expectations and providing proper training are key to long-term success.

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

The people. Stratus and the Master Franchise network are filled with smart, professional, and experienced individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed. The collaboration and shared wisdom across the system create an environment where everyone benefits from one another’s experience.

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

We look for people we can trust to follow the process and be patient with the journey. Success in this business has been proven time and again, but it doesn’t happen overnight. We value individuals who are committed to doing things the right way, open to learning, and willing to grow personally and professionally along the way.

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

Having a business coach and mentor has made a huge difference for us. Starting a business can be overwhelming, and having someone to provide perspective, encouragement, and accountability keeps us grounded and focused. With their guidance, we’ve maintained a positive mindset, improved our systems, and continued moving toward our goals.

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

Talk to other Master Franchisees. There’s no better way to understand the opportunity than by hearing directly from those who are living it every day. Their experiences, insights, and success stories will give you a clear and honest picture of what’s possible with Stratus.