In today’s business environment, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in commercial spaces is more important than ever. Stratus Building Solutions, founded in 2004, has established itself as a pioneer in the commercial cleaning industry, known for its commitment to sustainability and its innovative franchise model. With over 2,000 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada, Stratus has become a recognized name, offering eco-friendly cleaning services that prioritize both the well-being of employees and the environment.
This article takes a closer look at Stratus Building Solutions’ innovative approach, its eco-friendly practices, and the franchise opportunities that have driven its growth.
The Founding of Stratus Building Solutions
Stratus Building Solutions was created with a clear vision: to revolutionize the commercial cleaning industry by offering services that are not only highly effective but also environmentally responsible. Founders Dennis Jarrett and Pete Frese wanted to address what they saw as major flaws in the industry—namely, inconsistent quality and the reliance on harmful cleaning chemicals that posed risks to both the environment and human health.
From the outset, Stratus was designed to operate as a green cleaning company, committed to reducing the environmental impact of traditional cleaning methods. By combining sustainability with a high standard of service, Stratus Building Solutions aimed to appeal to a growing market of businesses that are increasingly concerned with environmental issues.
A Commitment to Green Cleaning
One of the standout features of Stratus Building Solutions is its unwavering commitment to eco-friendly cleaning practices. Long before sustainability became a major buzzword, Stratus embraced green cleaning, recognizing that businesses and organizations were starting to look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Stratus uses Green Seal Certified® products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These products are not only safer for the environment but also for the people who work in the buildings that Stratus cleans. With indoor air quality being a significant concern in many industries, Stratus’s green cleaning solutions help to minimize pollutants, providing cleaner, healthier spaces for employees, customers, and visitors.
In addition to using eco-friendly products, Stratus adopts sustainable practices across all aspects of its cleaning operations. This includes the use of microfiber cloths and mops, which can be reused and reduce waste, as well as energy-efficient cleaning equipment that reduces power consumption. Stratus’s focus on sustainability also extends to water conservation, with cleaning methods that require less water than traditional techniques, helping to minimize environmental impact.
Services Tailored to Diverse Industries
Stratus Building Solutions offers a wide range of commercial cleaning services, catering to industries with specific needs, including office buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, retail spaces, and industrial properties. Its services are designed to meet the unique cleaning challenges of each sector while maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety.
1. Office and Business Cleaning
For businesses, maintaining a clean and organized workspace is crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction. Stratus offers customized office cleaning solutions that include daily or weekly cleaning services, restroom sanitation, waste management, and more. With a focus on green cleaning, Stratus ensures that the office environment is free from harmful chemicals, contributing to healthier and more pleasant workspaces.
2. Healthcare Cleaning
Healthcare facilities require specialized cleaning services to meet strict sanitation and hygiene standards. Stratus provides comprehensive healthcare cleaning solutions, including disinfection of surfaces, floor cleaning, and the management of biohazardous materials. The company uses EPA-registered disinfectants and follows industry protocols to ensure that healthcare environments remain safe for both patients and staff.
3. School and Daycare Cleaning
Cleanliness is critical in educational settings to protect the health of students and staff. Stratus offers cleaning services tailored to schools and daycare centers, focusing on sanitizing high-touch areas such as desks, doorknobs, and restroom facilities. The company’s use of non-toxic, green cleaning products is especially important in environments where children spend time, ensuring that cleaning practices are both safe and effective.
4. Post-Construction Cleaning
New construction projects often leave behind a significant amount of dust, debris, and leftover materials. Stratus’s post-construction cleaning services ensure that newly built or renovated spaces are thoroughly cleaned and ready for use. This includes everything from debris removal to deep cleaning of surfaces, floors, and windows, ensuring that buildings are move-in ready.
5. Green Cleaning Programs
Stratus offers businesses the option to adopt customized green cleaning programs, allowing them to minimize their environmental impact without compromising on cleanliness. These programs focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, and improving air quality, all while maintaining a spotless environment.
The Franchise Model: Empowering Entrepreneurs
At the core of Stratus Building Solutions’ success is its franchise model, which has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to build their own businesses within the commercial cleaning industry. Rather than operating as a traditional cleaning company with a centralized workforce, Stratus provides individuals with the tools, training, and support needed to run their own franchises.
Stratus’s franchise program offers several key benefits:
- Comprehensive Training: Franchisees receive thorough training on green cleaning techniques, business management, and customer service. This ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to deliver high-quality services to their clients.
- Support and Resources: Stratus provides ongoing support to franchisees, helping them with marketing, client acquisition, and operational challenges. Franchisees also have access to the company’s eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment, ensuring that they can offer sustainable solutions to their clients.
- Established Brand Recognition: As part of the Stratus network, franchisees benefit from the company’s strong brand recognition. Stratus is a trusted name in the commercial cleaning industry, and franchisees can leverage this reputation to attract new business and build relationships with clients.
With low startup costs and a proven business model, the Stratus franchise program has helped entrepreneurs from all walks of life achieve financial independence and success. Many franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, including military veterans, corporate employees, and individuals with no prior experience in the cleaning industry, all of whom have found success as Stratus franchise owners.
Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the commercial cleaning industry, as businesses across all sectors sought ways to protect employees and customers from the spread of the virus. Stratus Building Solutions quickly adapted its cleaning protocols to meet these new demands, introducing enhanced disinfection services and implementing new technologies to provide more effective cleaning solutions.
One of the key innovations Stratus introduced during the pandemic was electrostatic disinfection technology. This technology allows disinfectants to be applied evenly to surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly sanitized. Electrostatic disinfection became an essential service for businesses seeking to maintain a safe environment during the pandemic, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Stratus also implemented new high-touch surface cleaning protocols, focusing on areas that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons. These enhanced cleaning protocols helped businesses reduce the risk of viral transmission and provided peace of mind to employees and customers alike.
The Future of Stratus Building Solutions
As Stratus Building Solutions continues to grow, the company remains committed to its core values of sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Looking ahead, Stratus plans to expand its franchise network and introduce even more advanced cleaning technologies to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
The demand for green cleaning solutions is expected to continue rising as businesses prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Stratus’s ability to deliver high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning services positions it as a leader in the industry, well-equipped to meet the needs of businesses in a wide range of sectors.
Conclusion
Stratus Building Solutions is more than just a commercial cleaning company—it’s a leader in green cleaning and a champion of entrepreneurship. Through its eco-friendly cleaning products, comprehensive service offerings, and franchise-based business model, Stratus has set a new standard for the commercial cleaning industry.