At Stratus, our story isn't just about awards. It's about building a sustainable franchise growth model that creates opportunities for entrepreneurs while delivering exceptional service to customers nationwide.
We're honored to be recognized as #29 on the 2026 Fast & Serious Winners list, a ranking that reflects the power of our unique master franchisee model. Over the past three years, Stratus has experienced remarkable expansion, growing from 2,924 units in 2022 to more than 5,000 locations today. Our sales followed suit, increasing 33.1 percent to reach $213 million by the end of 2024.
Strategic Franchise Growth Through Master Franchisees
CEO Doug Flaig credits our network of 68 master franchisees operating across 92 territories for much of this success. "It's like having a development team of 68 people, and they're all out selling franchises," Flaig explained. This model creates a powerful development engine while empowering local entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses in their communities.
But rapid growth doesn't mean cutting corners. Flaig emphasizes that maintaining service quality during expansion is non-negotiable. "When you're growing quickly, there's a tendency to start to shortcut those processes—can't do that," he said. "That focus on starting up contracts and then the service quality immediately those first few cleanings is critical in retaining customers long term."
Stratus has also invested heavily in technology and operational efficiency, including a recently launched mobile app that promotes paperless operations, streamlines communication between franchisees, and allows customers to easily request quotes and manage invoices.
As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: empowering franchise owners, delivering consistent service quality, and building lasting customer relationships.
Read the full article on Franchise Times.