diff --git a/parent-boot-2/pom.xml b/parent-boot-2/pom.xml
index a91766f772..f0e921bf37 100644
--- a/parent-boot-2/pom.xml
+++ b/parent-boot-2/pom.xml
@@ -43,6 +43,10 @@
                     <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
                     <artifactId>spring-boot-maven-plugin</artifactId>
                     <version>${spring-boot.version}</version>
+                    <configuration>
+                        <mainClass>${start-class}</mainClass>
+                        <!-- this is necessary as we're not using the Boot parent -->
+                    </configuration>
                 </plugin>
             </plugins>
         </pluginManagement>
@@ -56,6 +60,14 @@
                     <plugin>
                         <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
                         <artifactId>spring-boot-maven-plugin</artifactId>
+                        <dependencies>
+                            <!-- The following enables the "thin jar" deployment option. -->
+                            <dependency>
+                                <groupId>org.springframework.boot.experimental</groupId>
+                                <artifactId>spring-boot-thin-layout</artifactId>
+                                <version>${thin.version}</version>
+                            </dependency>
+                        </dependencies>
                     </plugin>
                 </plugins>
             </build>