Unlike many first-time franchisees, Errol and Amber Stump’s leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t quite a leap into the unknown.

“When it comes to our professional background, I was in accounting, my husband was in construction for a while, and then he was a teacher,” Amber said. “But one of the primary reasons we pursued Screenmobile was my personal background. I grew up with the granddaughter of Screenmobile's creator [Monty Walker], so when we were exploring other franchise opportunities, we already knew about the brand.”

That familiarity gave the couple a rare perspective. “I was able to watch that company grow from a garage to a nationwide franchise over all those years,” Amber said. “So I had a really special insight into the growth.”

That perspective, paired with their complementary skill sets and entrepreneurial mindset, helped move the couple toward acquiring Screenmobile of Knoxville in May 2022. The business they took over already had deep roots in the community.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Timing played a critical role in the Stumps’ journey. “It was really kismet. The previous owner was looking to retire, and we were looking to buy,” Amber said.

The Knoxville location had already been operating for nearly three decades, providing the Stumps with a strong customer base and a reputation built on trust. “The previous owner was here for almost 28 years before we took over, so coming into the business that was already established was wonderful,” she said. “Word-of-mouth is huge out here.”

But rather than simply maintaining the status quo, the Stumps saw an opportunity to evolve the business.

“We dove in headfirst and hit the ground running, added some product offerings that the previous owner didn’t do,” Amber said. “Because my husband was in the construction realm, we could add deck railing, motorized screens, and three-season conversions.”

That kind of service expansion is one reason the Screenmobile model gives owners room to grow. They are not locked into one offering and can respond to local demand as they build the business.

“It is definitely a niche,” Amber said. “When you talk screens, especially in the South, it is a way of life.”

An Established Model 

Screenmobile’s mobile, service-based model — combined with strong consumer demand for outdoor living solutions — creates a platform for both immediate traction and long-term scalability.

For the Stumps, that showed up in the numbers. Within a few years, their operation earned Screenmobile’s Franchisee of the Year award.

“We were surprised about winning the Franchisee of the Year award,” Amber said. “We weren’t even in the top 10, so we were taken aback by winning the prizes this year. Importantly, the recognition wasn’t based solely on revenue but on overall performance and momentum. “It felt great to have that hard work recognized,” she said.

The Power of Community and Support

Beyond the business model itself, one of the biggest differentiators for the Stumps has been the strength of the franchise network.

“I didn’t know going into it how communicative the other franchisees are,” Amber said. “People utilize the network and share their knowledge, and they are open to helping. That is one of the things I love most.”

That collaborative culture is reinforced by access to operational resources. “I also loved that there were vendor connections — that is a welcome fact when you are entering a new industry,” she said.

As part of the broader Authority Brands system, Screenmobile franchisees benefit from shared best practices, marketing support, and operational infrastructure.

At the end of the day, Amber says the journey with Screenmobile carries a deeper meaning. “It’s been nice being able to see the Walker family at the annual conferences, and it’s been neat to watch Screenmobile grow,” she said. “Now I get to be a part of that growth.”

For more information on franchising with Screenmobile, visit https://1851franchise.com/screenmobile.