Screenmobile Rookie of the Year: Brian McCaffery Built 100% Growth in Richmond, VA

Brian and Cindy McCaffery came to Screenmobile with a practical goal: build a business around the construction work Brian already knew and create something they could grow on their own terms.

“I have been in the construction industry since I could walk,” Brian said. “Carpentry and any home renovation has been my go-to since very young; I grew up in that environment.”

Before launching Screenmobile of Richmond, Virginia, Brian operated as a one-man renovation business, taking on smaller projects independently. But over time, he began thinking about what it would take to scale. “I decided one day that it was time to do something more focused,” he said. “I started doing some research and landed on franchise opportunities.”

With capital set aside, the McCafferys faced a familiar decision of either investing in the market or investing in themselves. That search ultimately led Brian to Screenmobile, the mobile screen repair franchise under the Authority Brands umbrella. And it checked every box.

“When I found Screenmobile, I liked it because it was very focused on a very specific niche,” he said. “What originally drew me to the Screenmobile brand was the branding. It has a custom trailer that is towed with a vehicle — very eye-catching and different. This is one niche that did not exist here before, so that opportunity is what drew me to it.”

Rapid business growth

The McCafferys officially launched their business in Richmond in 2024. What followed exceeded even Brian’s expectations.

Impressive growth is what ultimately earned Brian and Cindy the Screenmobile Rookie of the Year – First Year Performance award. “I didn’t expect it, and it felt great to be appreciated for all the work we’ve put in.”

Interestingly, the McCafferys didn’t initially plan to scale as quickly as they did. Their original vision was much smaller.

“Big picture, when I originally started, I was intending on being a one-man show,” Brian said. “I literally learned a lot about the franchise once I was already signed up and went through training. I learned at that point, during one of the first days, that there is a lot of potential.”

Team and business expansion

That realization shifted everything. “I can do a lot more as an owner, instead of an owner-operator in the business day to day,” he said. “There are five of us on the team now. I have two full-time technicians installing and full-time office support. I basically decided to scale this much faster than I was expecting.”

The McCafferys are already thinking ahead. “My plans are to grow this and make it a sellable business within a few years,” Brian said.

Throughout their journey, one of Screenmobile's most impactful aspects has been its culture.

“Overall, I really felt that good family, small-business-type feel even though it’s a huge business,” McCaffery said. “Because the family is still involved and operating, you feel like you are part of a family and a team. I am much more comfortable in that realm.”

Winning Rookie of the Year – First Year Performance is a milestone, but for the McCafferys, it’s also a signal of what’s ahead.