Co-Founder, The RW Collective · From a 25-year career in law enforcement to a national design visionary, Michael built a multi-brand platform uniting retail, wholesale, and manufacturing under one mission: partnership and purpose.
Before entering the furniture industry, Michael Carey built a 25-year career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, detective, and ultimately as police captain overseeing the patrol division of a 100-officer department. Armed with a degree in psychology, he developed a foundation in leadership, discipline, and problem-solving—skills that would later shape his entrepreneurial philosophy and ability to see large-scale opportunities.
Even during his high school and college years, Michael pursued his home builder’s license and cultivated a passion for construction, architecture, and design. This early interest in creating spaces eventually guided his transition from public service to business ownership, first in retail and then into wholesale and manufacturing.
In 2009, Michael founded Encore Resales Inc., a 12,000-sq-ft showroom south of Birmingham, Alabama. What began with consignment pieces, Craigslist finds, garage-sale treasures, and a $750 personal investment quickly grew into a multi-brand enterprise. By 2012, he launched Stock & Trade Design Co., a retail concept celebrated for clean lines, neutral palettes, and approachable design services.
Recognizing the need for a more efficient supply chain, Michael founded Atelier Home to serve the wholesale and trade market with dependable, design-forward products. By 2019, Atelier Home had expanded into a network of international suppliers—including Rebekah Osborn’s Beyond Borders Imports—operating from a 200,000-sq-ft distribution center in Alabama, combining scale with craft and thoughtful design.
Michael’s partnership with Rebekah began in 2020 with the founding of The RW Collective, uniting retail, wholesale, and logistics under one system. Together, they co-founded Jes & Gray Living in 2022, launched Threads Republic in 2024, and acquired a 200,000-sq-ft U.S. upholstery factory in Saltillo, Mississippi, in 2025 to strengthen domestic production and shorten lead times.
Michael is the visionary force behind these ventures, identifying opportunities, setting ambitious goals, and charting the path for expansion. His philosophy is simple yet enduring: Work hard, honor the craft, take risks, and always do the right thing. Serve the partner—that’s how relationships are built and success happens.
25 years as officer, detective, and captain in Alabama law enforcement.
Launches 12,000-sq-ft retail showroom south of Birmingham, AL.
Retail brand debuts, introducing neutral palettes and approachable design services.
Partners with multiple suppliers; establishes 200,000-sq-ft Alabama distribution hub.
Launches with Rebekah Osborn to centralize logistics and nationwide distribution.
Co-founds lifestyle retail brand emphasizing livable, curated design.
Introduces textile line focused on duvets, inserts, and soft goods.
Acquires Saltillo, MS facility to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and shorten lead times.
Expands Beyond Borders production for RW Collective global operations.
“Work hard, honor the craft, take risks, and always do the right thing. Serve the partner—that’s how relationships are built and success happens.”