Canada

Poutine, maple syrup, hockey, Niagara Falls, and Stratus Building Solutions. That’s right! When you sing O Canada and think about all of its majesty and wonder, be sure to add Stratus Building Solutions to your list.

All embellishment aside, we may not be as delicious as poutine, breathtaking as Niagara falls, or action packed as ice hockey—although cleaning can be its own sport—but we make up for all that by delivering reliable cleaning services to businesses in Canada.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance. If Stephen Doell, a Stratus Building Solutions owner in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has learned anything lately, it’s that you’ll never know what might happen, simply by putting yourself out there. Hard work helps. Ambition. But even a simple phone call, an email, or even a reference from your sister-in-law can change your life.

In Doell’s case, it was a classified ad.

But more on that in a moment.

It’s scary running your own business, but there’s something romantic about it, too. The late nights. The rush of adrenaline as you race the clock to nail down a deal and keep the cash flowing. Wondering if you’re going to be a big success or someday be full of regrets.