SCMS Marks 50 Years Of Growth And Industry Innovation

SCMS is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of expansion and evolution across the broadcast, AV and wireless industries.

Founded in 1976 by Bob Cauthen and his late wife Gloria, the company has grown from a regional radio equipment supplier into a nationally recognised solutions provider, while maintaining its roots as a family-owned business. Today, the next generation—Matt Cauthen, Vice President, and Ben Cauthen, CFO—are helping lead the company forward.

"Gloria and I started this company with little more than determination and a belief in building relationships," said Bob Cauthen, President of SCMS. "Fifty years later, those same principles still guide everything we do."

SCMS's growth has been shaped by key moments in the industry, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which prompted the company to expand beyond its Southeast U.S. base into a nationwide operation. Strategic milestones followed, including entry into the broadcast and cell tower sector in 1998, the acquisition of the Harris Broadcast Center distribution business in 2007, and the purchase of Bradley Broadcast in 2009—moves that broadened its capabilities in systems integration and technical services.

The company has also built long-standing partnerships with major industry players. It became an exclusive channel partner for GatesAir (formerly Harris Broadcast) in 2010 and was named the sole U.S. distributor for Dielectric products in 2024. SCMS will be active alongside these and other partners at the NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

While radio remains central to its operations, SCMS has diversified significantly. Television now accounts for roughly a quarter of its broadcast business, while newer ventures such as Sole Source AV—launched in 2016—have expanded its reach into professional AV and e-commerce markets. The creation of Sole Source Wireless in 2019 further positioned the company in the growing wireless and broadband connectivity space.

"Diversification has been critical," said Matt Cauthen. "We've taken what we know across technology, relationships and problem-solving, and applied it to new growth markets. At the end of the day customers come to us for solutions, not just products."

Innovation has remained a key focus, including a partnership with GeoBroadcast Solutions to develop MaxxCasting systems. In 2022, SCMS supported the largest multi-node MaxxCasting deployment in the United States in San Francisco and continues to expand internationally, with projects in regions such as Africa and Latin America.

Despite its expansion, the company continues to emphasise its family-driven culture and long-term relationships.

Looking ahead, SCMS is targeting growth in areas including cloud-based broadcast operations, content convergence, wireless data delivery and AV integration, while also expanding its services in system design, installation and managed services.

As the company heads into NAB Show 2026—its 50th year and Bob Cauthen’s 49th appearance at the event—it reflects on a legacy built on adaptability, partnerships and sustained industry commitment.