For 50 years, LaPorte has been built on craftsmanship, perseverance, and a passion for creating products that help people enjoy life outdoors. The history of LaPorte begins with a small upholstery sh0p and a commitment to doing things the right way the first time.
Through decades of change, growth, and innovation, that philosophy has remained the guiding force behind everything the company creates.
At its heart, the LaPorte story is one of family, ingenuity, and a dedication to craftsmanship that continues to shape the company today.
The History of LaPorte Begins: From Patriot to Entrepreneur
In 1976, after retiring from the United States Air Force, Maynard LaPorte (MJ) started a furniture upholstery business from the garage of his home. What began as a small backyard hobby quickly grew into something more.
By 1980, MJ had moved the operation into a commercial building and expanded the business to include furniture and automotive upholstery. Around this time, his sons Clayton and Darren joined the business, learning the craft firsthand.
A 1991 industry newspaper article described the company as a family affair, noting the pride the LaPorte family took in delivering quality craftsmanship to customers throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
Discovering the Marine Industry
In 1989, Darren began leading the company’s boat upholstery division, marking the beginning of LaPorte’s deep connection with the marine industry.
Working alongside his father, Darren developed a passion for marine upholstery and began building relationships with boat owners and marinas throughout the region. Over time, the marine side of the business continued to grow.
Innovation on the Water
In 1998, that experience led to a breakthrough.
Recognizing that many boats with T-tops lacked a practical way to fully protect the boat while in storage, LaPorte developed the T-Top Boat Cover. This innovation would eventually become the company’s most recognized product.
At the time, every cover was crafted using traditional patterning methods. Large sheets of plastic were carefully laid across boats to trace and cut each individual panel by hand. Every boat pattern was built piece by piece, requiring patience, precision, and years of experience.
Those early methods helped build the foundation of the pattern library that LaPorte continues to expand today.
A New Generation Takes the Helm
In 1999, MJ retired and Darren and Camille LaPorte took over the business. The company shifted its focus to custom marine upholstery, operating out of a local marine. Just two years later, the marine industry faced an unexpected challenge.
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the marine industry slowed dramatically. Instead of waiting for business to return, Darren and the team focused their efforts on building more boat patterns, preparing the company for the future.
That decision would prove to be a turning point.
Bringing Boat Covers Online
In 2003, LaPorte launched the original T-Top Boat Covers website, allowing boat owners to purchase covers online. At a time when e-commerce in the marine industry was still in its early stages, the website allowed LaPorte to reach customers far beyond the local marina. The growth that followed eventually allowed for the company to purchase a permanent facility.
In 2007, LaPorte moved into the building in North Charleston’s Industrial park, where the company still operates today.
New Products Inspired
In 2009, two new products were introduced:
The idea for the Boat Shade Kit started with a simple experiment. Wanting more shade while on the water, the team attached a sheet from the T-Top to two broomsticks in the rod holders to create a temporary shade extension. From that simple concept, the modern Boat Shade Kit was born. Today those products help thousands of boaters stay comfortable and protected on the water.
Growing the Company
As the company continued to grow, so did its online presence.
In 2015, LaPorte launched a new and improved e-commerce website, making it easier for customers nationwide to find and purchase their products.
By 2017, increased demand led to the company’s first building expansion, allowing more space for production and product development.
Becoming LaPorte Products
In 2019, the company officially rebranded from LaPorte Upholstery to LaPorte Products, reflecting the broader range of products the company had developed over the years.
That same year, Darren began working on another new idea. After repeatedly replacing cheaply made outdoor umbrellas, he decided there had to be a better solution. That frustration sparked the early development of what would eventually become the Palmetto Umbrella.
Continuing to Evolve
Innovation continued in the years that followed.
In 2020, the newly rebranded laporteproducts.com website launched, further strengthening the company’s digital presence.
In 2021, LaPorte completed its second building expansion, supporting continued growth in manufacturing and product development.
Expanding Beyond the Water
As LaPorte looked towards the future, the company began expanding into outdoor living products inspired by its marine heritage.
In 2024, construction began on a new furnishings building dedicated to outdoor furniture development.
By 2025, construction was complete. During that same year the Palmetto Umbrella and Serenity Furniture continued to evolve and develop.
These products reflect the same design philosophy LaPorte has always followed: durable materials, thoughtful engineering, and comfort built for outdoor environments.
The Next Chapter
In 2026, LaPorte launched laportefurnishings.com, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the company.
Today LaPorte continues to blend decades of craftsmanship with modern innovation. While the company’s roots are in hands-on upholstery and custom fabrication, today’s production incorporates advanced design tools and digital patterning that help ensure consistent precision and fit. This evolution allows LaPorte to continue refining its products while staying true to the craftsmanship that has defined the company for nearly five decades.
A Simple Philosophy
More than three decades ago MJ LaPorte described the company’s approach in a way that still defines LaPorte today:
“We have a versatile, cross-trained crew. Each of us can work wherever we’re needed. Our policy is to do it right the first time.”
-MJ LaPorte, 1991
That philosophy shaped the foundation of the company. From the earliest days of building custom upholstery to developing innovative marine products and outdoor furnishings, LaPorte has remained committed to careful craftsmanship and thoughtful design. While tools and technology have evolved over the years, the focus has never changed: building reliable products that customers can trust.
From a garage upholstery shop in 1976 to a company celebrating 50 years of craftsmanship and innovation, LaPorte continues to honor the values MJ built the business on – while always looking ahead to what comes next.
Built on Craftsmanship. Driven by Innovation
Over the past five decades, LaPorte has evolved into a manufacturer of marine and outdoor products but the story has always been about more than what we build.
It’s about the people behind them.
For 50 years, LaPorte has remained committed to the same principles MJ built the company on:
– Craftsmanship
– Innovation
– Hard work
– Family
And while the company celebrates its past, the team remains focused on what comes next. Because at LaPorte, the mission has always been simple: Help people spend more time enjoying life outdoors.
Honoring the People Who Built the Foundation
As LaPorte Celebrates 50 years, it’s important to remember that every chapter of the story was made possible by the people who came before.
The foundation of LaPorte was built by Maynard (MJ) and Margie LaPorte whose dedication, work ethic and belief in doing things the right way helped shape the company from the very beginning.
That foundation was carried forward by Darren and Camille LaPorte, whose leadership helped guide the company through new innovations, challenges, and growth within the marine industry.
The LaPorte story is not about products or milestones – it’s about a family committed to craftsmanship, perseverance, and the belief that every generation builds upon the work of the one before it.
As LaPorte looks toward the future, the company remains grateful for the people who built the path forward and committed to carrying that legacy ahead for generations to come.
Relax, you’re covered by LaPorte.
