The tragic events of September 11th rocked the nation and brought the marine upholstery industry to a standstill. To stay afloat, Darren and his team worked hard at expanding their pattern library in order to cover more boats and prepare themselves for an uncertain future. […]
Archives: History Timeline
THE YEAR IS 1999
After over 20 years in the business, the legend MJ LaPorte decided to retire and pass ownership of the company onto Darren and his wife Camille. The success of the T-Top Boat Cover allowed LaPorte’s Upholstery to begin exclusively producing custom marine upholstery at a local marina. […]
THE YEAR IS 1998
After years of dreaming, development, and hard work, The T-Top Boat Cover was born. […]
THE YEAR IS 1989
As the coast called him home, Darren returned to South Carolina and to work for his father. Upon his return, he noticed a need in the market for marine upholstery and brought the idea to MJ. And, just like that, MJ added boat upholstery as a new branch of the company under the leadership and […]
THE YEAR IS 1984
After four years of working for his father, Darren left the company and moved to Virginia. […]
THE YEAR IS 1980
Four years have passed and MJ has acquired a building and transitioned from furniture upholstery to auto upholstery. His two sons, Darren and Clayton, joined him to learn the upholstery business. […]
THE YEAR IS 1976
Upon retiring from the military, Maynard LaPorte “MJ” started his furniture upholstery business from the garage of his home. […]