In 2023, founder/president, Pete Shaw, was hired to replace a client's wooden dock rails with aluminum rails. Shaw's other company, Southeast Rails, has been fabricating and installing railings and other similar products across the Southeastern United States for over 20 years. As the new rails were being installed, it was observed that the dock's gangway was in poor condition and needed replacement. Shaw then fabricated and installed a new aluminum gangway, a far more durable product. The owners were so pleased with Shaw's work, that they then commissioned him to enhance the safety and function of the dock by replacing dilapidated boards & hardware, then constructing a dock-bar/mini kitchen, fish cleaning station and swim ladder.

It was at this point that Shaw realized a niche opportunity, as there are no local companies that specialize in the maintenance of docks, thus birthing the concept of Dock Heaven. Shaw then brought his long-time friend, fellow boater and fisherman, Bryan Hughes, on board to be a partner in the fledgling business.

Hughes is a lifelong resident of Hilton Head Island and has been a real estate broker for over 25 years, dealing with numerous waterfront properties. He has seen many beautiful waterfront homes that, unfortunately, have docks that are in poor condition and not in alignment with the quality and grandeur of the rest of the property. With over 500 private docks in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area (with many in need of repair), it quickly became obvious that the services offered by Dock Heaven would be welcomed by dock owners. In May of 2024, Project Manager, Eric Spahr, was brought on board, thus officially establishing Dock Heaven.

Spahr has resided in the Lowcountry for over 35 years and has a diverse background. His construction experience includes framing, remodeling and roofing. His family owned business, Bargains & Treasures, was a locally revered high-end furniture consignment store, in which he was the first point of contact for all of their customers in evaluating the furnishings that they wished to consign, including dock furniture. He has seen his fair share of beautiful homes with ugly docks.

As the majority of dock owners most likely purchased their property because it had a dock, Dock Heaven's mission statement is "Protect and Enhance Your Investment". While Safety, Durability and Function are the primary pillars of Dock Heaven, we further emphasize that a well maintained dock provides significant value to a property.