When Larry and Libby Weathers took a winter trip to the beach, they had no idea it would change the direction of their lives. Eight years later they have a successful business and a storefront on Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina.

Larry said they went to a restaurant on a cold day and he was amazed at how comfortable the screened outdoor proch was where they ate. “I went home and did some research and found Screenmobile,” he said.

Screenmobile provides an on-site mobile screen service and drop-off repair service.

After retiring as an engineer, Larry was interested in finding something different to do and the franchise Screenmobile seemed to be just what he was looking for.

Larry started working from his home in 2002 and his wife Libby was working as an accountant elsewhere. “My office was the front seat of my truck,” Larry said. His dog went with him and Larry traveled the Triangle area building and installing screens.

It didn’t take long for the business to expand and by the third year, Larry had a second mobile trailer and Libby had quit her job to run the office for Screenmobile.

By the fall of 2008, business had increased so much, it was necessary for the company to move to a bigger space.

“When we saw that this space (on Broad Street) was available, we knew it was perfect,” Larry said.

The company took first place in sales for 2003-2008 in the Screenmobile franchise. “When things slowed down (with the economy) we had enough of a customer base that we could hold our own,” Larry said.

Their customers include builders and contractors as well as home owners. Screenmobile provides screen porch panels, weatherization porch panels, custom solar screens, slidding, swinging and retractable doors, new window screens and pet screen products. All of their work is custom made either on site or at their workshop. “We make it as convenient as we can for the customer,” Larry said.

People bring screens for repair to the shop, and if they can’t bring them, A Screenmobile unit will pick them up. They offer a two-year warranty on all products, including labor.

The Screenmobile showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.