Great Design at Your Fingertips

Stock & Trade Design Co.

By McKenna Mears | Photography courtesy of Stock & Trade Design Co.

Michael Carey embarked on his construction journey while in high school, balancing house cleaning before and after school hours. Even though he initially pursued a career in law enforcement, his passion was always in construction. After getting his builder’s license, he started building homes in Birmingham and Gulf Shores, Alabama. His affection for the area grew, leading him to renovate and furnish local condominiums. In a short period, this new venture led him into exploring the diverse furniture industry.

In the early 2000s, Carey’s passion for furniture continued to grow. “I got to know a furniture shop owner and began buying pieces for my condos. It was an exciting time—the furniture market was really taking off,” he remembers. Despite the booming market, the 2008 economic downturn presented a significant challenge. However, Carey saw his opportunity to penetrate the furniture industry. “When the chance to lease a building came up, I knew it was now or never for me to expand my furniture business. I didn’t have a formal business plan; I just dove in and launched Encore Home, the parent company of what is now Stock & Trade Design Co.,” he explains.

Michael Carey, founder of Stock & Trade Design Co. and Harlan’s Place Foundation

Carey’s early days with Stock & Trade were a testament to his determination. He began attending antique auctions, often on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, sourcing pieces to paint and distress, aligning with the shabby chic trend of the time. “Family and friends volunteered to help me get started, but I was running the business with no paid employees,” he recalls. Working nights as a police officer, Carey would work from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., then take a nap before diving back into the furniture business. “Some of the guys at work didn’t even know what I was doing on the side. It was a grueling schedule, but I made it work.”

Around 2012, Carey began planning a major expansion for Stock & Trade. He wanted to establish a more prominent presence and sought a strategic location capable of future growth. To gauge the market potential, Carey leased a building on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. His approach was meticulous; he printed out every property tax record from Destin to Panama City and scrutinized land listings. “I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice, so I researched every possible option,” Carey recalls. Initially, he acquired only a few acres, but as he developed a clearer picture of his needs, it became evident that the space was insufficient for his ambitions. “We realized that the initial vision wouldn’t fit with the master plan we had in mind. So, we scrapped the original plan for Stock & Trade and began anew,” Carey says.

Stock & Trade Design Co. in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Today, Stock & Trade Design Co. has grown into a prominent establishment with five galleries across the Southeast. This includes a sizeable 75,000-square-foot showroom in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The expansive showroom features a wide selection of furniture for home, office, and outdoor living and a great selection of lighting, decor, and art pieces. It is located within The District, Carey’s luxury shopping center, which offers several retail stores, a brewery, a salon and fitness studio, and professionally decorated residential apartments.

The showroom also features the European-inspired Stock & Brew Café. Renowned for its excellent coffee, delicious pastry treats, and savory bites, this café is a favorite among local shoppers and visitors. With beautiful décor, it offers a cozy atmosphere, making it an inviting spot for relaxation.

Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to ensure that Harlan can lead an independent life…

Next to The District and Stock & Trade, there is land designated for the future of Harlan’s Place. Carey’s son, Harlan, was born with Down syndrome. “Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to ensure that Harlan can lead an independent life in an environment that offers opportunities not unlike those available to individuals without disabilities. As parents, our dreams for Harlan extend far beyond the boundaries that society sometimes places on those with differing abilities,” Carey shares. “We imagine a place where Harlan and others like him can flourish, make choices, and experience the richness of life in a setting that respects their unique strengths and aspirations.” It was with this intuitive understanding that Harlan’s journey towards independence required thoughtful planning and support, in which Harlan’s Place Foundation was established.

The Carey family

The original plan for an apartment complex on the grounds was changed and transformed into a housing and care facility that exceeds traditional notions of disability care. “Our goal is to create communities where individuals like Harlan can flourish and form meaningful connections.” Stock & Trade has proudly supported events benefiting Harlan’s Place Foundation.

Since its inception, Stock & Trade has grown into a full-service interior design firm, collaborating with over two hundred top vendors to provide design solutions that accommodate any budget or style. According to Carey, Stock & Trade’s in-stock pieces are readily available for immediate purchase directly from the gallery floor, making it an ideal resource for designers and homeowners needing furnishings without the typical long lead times associated with custom orders. The company actively engages in the local community to boost regional awareness, providing special sales programs for realtors and designers. With access to thousands of special-order and custom options, Stock & Trade offers virtually limitless design possibilities.

With clear goals, numerous sacrifices, hard work, and now a highly talented team, Carey has built an empire in the furniture business that goes beyond just selling furniture. It serves as a center of inspiration and creativity, reflecting the passion that has led to its success. It stands as a beacon for those looking to revamp their homes, spaces, and lives, embodying the spirit and artistry of design.

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To learn more about Michael Carey’s many projects, listen to his interview with Lisa Marie Burwell on VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast. To learn more about Stock & Trade Design Co., visit StockandTrade.com and follow @stockandtradedesignco. For more information on Harlan’s Place Foundation, visit HarlansPlace.org.