Rob Lancit: Guiding the Road Ahead
At the center of this growth is Rob Lancit, EVP of Franchise Development. With over 30 years in the franchise industry, Rob has worn nearly every hat: franchisor, area developer, franchisee, consultant, and supplier. His hands-on experience across every angle of the franchise world gives him a uniquely balanced perspective.
Today, he leads Stratus’ Master Franchise expansion, helping entrepreneurs across North America build thriving businesses. Ranked as the #1 Fastest growing franchise by entrepreneur for 3 consecutive years, Stratus is surging forward under his guidance.
Rob’s reputation as a straight shooter is well-earned. He understands the realities of franchising from the boardroom to the front lines. That’s why he’s a trusted advisor not just for Stratus franchisees, but for the broader franchise industry.
As a contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur, Rob writes about franchising trends, technology, and growth strategies. His Gen X wit and no-nonsense honesty make him a respected—and relatable—voice in the industry.
At his core, Rob believes franchising is about people and partnerships. His mission is simple: help entrepreneurs find the right opportunity, scale smartly, and build businesses that last.
In the world of franchising, few companies have carved out a path to scale, sustainability, and impact quite like Stratus Building Solutions. Founded in 2005 and franchising since 2006, Stratus has grown into one of North America’s leading commercial cleaning franchise systems. Today, it boasts more than 93 Master Franchise territories and over 5,000 Unit Franchisees. Now, with eyes firmly set on the milestone of 100 Master Franchisees, the brand is embracing a bold theme for its next chapter: “On the Road to 100.”
At the heart of Stratus’ growth is a unique and powerful business model: the Master Franchise system. Instead of building the company one location at a time, Stratus empowers high-level entrepreneurs to run entire regions. These Master Franchisees don’t clean buildings themselves—they build businesses. They recruit, train, and support Unit Franchisees, secure commercial cleaning contracts, manage operations, and help others succeed under the Stratus umbrella.
Think of each Master Franchisee as the CEO of a regional enterprise. They generate income through franchise fees, royalties, and recurring cleaning contracts. It’s a system built for scale—one that encourages leadership, accountability, and community involvement.
More Than Cleaning — A Platform for Opportunity
Yes, Stratus delivers a full range of commercial cleaning services—from routine janitorial work to eco-friendly disinfection. But what Stratus truly offers is opportunity.
The system empowers people from all walks of life to become business owners. Many Unit Franchisees start with little more than ambition, but with Stratus’ training, support, and contracts, they grow businesses that provide financial independence and stability for their families.
In a post-pandemic world, the demand for professional, reliable cleaning services has only intensified. Businesses now view cleanliness and hygiene as mission-critical. Stratus answers this demand with green cleaning products, consistent service, and a business model that ensures quality at every level.
What Sets Stratus Apart?
What makes Stratus different isn’t just its services — it’s the dual-layered franchise model. Master Franchisees aren’t just salespeople or operators; they’re empire builders. By nurturing a network of Unit Franchisees, they develop regional organizations that scale efficiently and serve local markets with precision and care.
This structure ensures a high level of accountability and support, something that traditional cleaning companies — or even single-level franchise systems — often struggle to match. For business-minded individuals looking to invest in a scalable, executive style business model with recurring revenue and community impact, Stratus offers a compelling alternative.
The Ideal Fit
Stratus isn’t for everyone—and that’s intentional. The brand seeks business builders, not just business owners. The ideal Master Franchisee is someone with leadership ability, sales or management experience, and the drive to create something lasting.
Currently, Stratus is targeting growth in secondary and tertiary markets—cities often overlooked by other franchisors. These regional hubs provide:
- Lower competition
- Stronger community relationships
- Faster brand recognition
- A quicker path to profitability
For entrepreneurs eager to dominate an entire region, this makes Stratus especially compelling.
Unmatched Support and Training
Stratus knows that success doesn’t come from signing a contract—it comes from support. That’s why the company invests heavily in its franchisees.
Every new Master Franchisee receives an intensive onboarding program covering operations, customer acquisition, franchisee management, and business development. Beyond that, Stratus provides:
- Dedicated operational support teams
- National marketing and lead generation
- Advanced technology platforms for CRM, quoting, and reporting
- Peer-to-peer mentoring and mastermind calls
- Annual conferences for recognition and learning
This culture of hands-on support ensures Master Franchisees—and their Unit Franchisees—are equipped to succeed long term.
Motivation Through Metrics and Momentum
Accountability and recognition are baked into Stratus’ DNA. Franchisees participate in weekly check-ins, real-time performance dashboards, and structured business reviews.
Those who hit milestones or innovate in their markets are celebrated system-wide, whether at the annual convention, on leaderboards, or in peer groups. This culture of recognition builds momentum while reinforcing a shared mission.
Stratus also invests continuously in technology and process improvement, helping franchisees run more efficiently. The result: more time to focus on scaling instead of getting bogged down in administration.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Smart
With 93 Master Franchisees and counting, Stratus is on the cusp of its next big chapter. While growth across North America remains the priority, international markets are also being explored. Over the next five years, the company aims to cement its position as the leading Master Franchise cleaning brand worldwide.
But growth isn’t just about numbers. Stratus is equally focused on evolving its technology, refining processes, and ensuring its franchisees remain ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.
Words of Wisdom for Franchise Seekers
Rob Lancit, EVP of Franchise Development and one of franchising’s most seasoned experts, offers clear advice for anyone exploring franchise ownership:
“Don’t just fall in love with the product—study the model. Make sure it aligns with your skills, capital, and goals. Talk to real franchisees. Validate. Dig into the data. Ask hard questions. This is a long-term relationship, not a transaction. Look for transparency, scalability, and cultural fit.”
Stratus isn’t just building a cleaning company—it’s building a movement. One that champions entrepreneurship, empowers people, and delivers vital services that keep businesses running.
With a clear path to 100 Master Franchisees—and a vision for even greater heights—the future of Stratus looks bright, clean, and full of opportunity.
Stratus Building Solutions is more than a commercial cleaning brand—it’s a platform for entrepreneurship, opportunity, and community impact. With strong leadership, a proven model, and a relentless drive toward 100 Master Franchisees, Stratus is not just on the road to growth. It’s paving the way.
And with Rob Lancit in the driver’s seat, the destination looks brighter than ever.