by Zach Bass
Stephen and Sarah Dougherty know that great things often start small . In November 2012 , the husband and wife team founded Dougherty Manufacturing in Edgewater . With just four employees , they built aluminum beds for a large truck customs firm in Georgia . Soon , they were taking on any project given to them , learning along the way and gradually enlarging their equipment arsenal and production capabilities .
Today , Dougherty Manufacturing has greatly expanded from its original niche market , producing everything from marine hardware , tornado shelters , and underground safe rooms to unique parts for theme park rides and other attractions . The company employs about 80 workers and expects to have up to 200 within a year as it continues to grow and diversify its product line . What started out five years ago in a small Edgewater garage has become a robust company boasting a facility that stretches over 200,000 square feet on 16 acres .
Dougherty ’ s high-quality aluminum boat stairs are sold to hundreds of dealers across the United States and Canada . The company also manufactures radar arches for Monterey Boats , and one can find its innovative tornado shelters , underground fiberglass safe rooms ( appropriately named “ Life Pods ”), in Home Depot and Menards stores .
Stephen got his start in the marine manufacturing industry over 30 years ago when he began working under his father , Bob , at Boston Whaler in Massachusetts . In Florida , they founded EdgeWater Powerboats and Everglades Boats .
Typically , manufacturers specialize in one or two products or materials and services such as steel and welding . Dougherty Manufacturing , however , has a distinct competitive advantage due to its innovative team of product designers and engineers and the diverse equipment the company has acquired over the years that has allowed it to become a one-stop shop . Dougherty is also an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer , which assures top industry quality . Their business model maximizes efficiency and profits while generating cost savings for clients .
Theme parks and attractions have become key markets for the company . Creating fiberglass shells and frameworks requires expensive equipment , talented engineers , and a keen attention to detail . With any theme park ride , one must tread a fine line between realism and safety . The goal is to make the ride look amazing while ensuring the rider will be protected . Dougherty Manufacturing has completed major projects for Disney , Universal Studios , Six Flags , Daytona International Speedway , and more , with additional projects planned . Millions of riders use the company ’ s products every year .
With all their success , Stephen and Sarah say they are most proud of the impact they have had on the lives of their employees and the surrounding community .
“ Other than ensuring that we always have the best quality products for our customers , the next biggest stress at our firm is not project-related , it ’ s the families and communities we impact . Quality and happy employees go hand in hand ,” said Sarah ,
Other than ensuring that we always have the best quality products for our customers , the next biggest stress at our firm is not project-related , it ’ s the families and communities we impact .
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