Muntasir Mostafa

I have been an entrepreneur for over a decade, and I knew franchising was the next chapter for me. The challenge was finding the right industry and franchise — something that became clear once I learned about Stratus. The model, the mission, and the momentum all lined up with what I wanted next in my business journey.

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

The deciding factor was the proven business model and support system Stratus offers. Unlike many other opportunities, Stratus combines a recession-resistant industry with a scalable franchise structure. That gave me the confidence that I could grow while having the full backing of an established, trusted brand.

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

I began my journey earlier this year and was fortunate to have a flying start. Naturally, the pace stabilized after the initial launch, which is part of the process with any new venture. What I consider a standout milestone is realizing that I’m not on this path alone — the continuous support from Stratus corporate and the wider Master Franchise community has been invaluable in setting a strong foundation for long-term success.

How has Stratus shaped your professional growth or personal outlook?

Stratus gave me the structure and resources to take my entrepreneurial experience to a much larger, system-driven platform. It’s taught me the value of balancing independence with collaboration — knowing that while I’m building my own business, I also have the backing of a strong corporate team and a community of fellow Master Franchisees. It’s reminded me that success comes not only from hard work but also from leveraging the collective support and shared vision of the network.

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

One lesson I’ve learned is how critical building the right team is — and how challenging it can be. At first, I thought recruitment would be more straightforward, but I quickly realized it takes time and effort to find the right people who share the same drive and commitment. I wish I had known earlier just how much of a process it is, because having the right team in place makes all the difference in moving the business forward.

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

What makes Stratus stand out is the brand reputation — it already carries weight in the market — and beyond that, the support system ensures you’re never doing it alone. The structure, communication, and collaboration make it feel like you’re part of a unified team, even though you’re running your own business.

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

I look for commitment, dedication, punctuality, and patience. Most importantly, I want franchisees who are willing to follow the system, because at the end of the day, they’re representing the brand and delivering service that reflects our shared standards of professionalism and excellence.

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

A few other Master Franchisees who started just like I did a couple of years ago have been my biggest professional inspiration. They’ve hit milestone after milestone and have supported me since day one. I often tell myself — if they can do it, I can do it too. On a personal level, my wife has been incredibly supportive as well, always standing beside me and keeping me motivated throughout this journey.

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

I’d say don’t overthink it. If you’re serious about building something big, this is one of the best platforms to do it. It’s not always easy, and there’s no magic wand, but you’re never alone — the system, the brand, and the community are there to back you up. If you put in the work, the results will come.