Safavieh's Michael Yaraghi To Be Honored At GMFA Dinner & Dance In November.
Furniture World News Desk on
7/14/2014
Michael Yaraghi
The Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association (GMFA) announced that Michael Yaraghi has been chosen as the recipient of the 2014 Jerry Gans Memorial Award.
Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather for this annual event, a festive kick-off to the holiday season.
Michael Yaraghi is the founder and force behind Safavieh Home Furnishings, the growing retail division of Safavieh, a leading brand in the decorative home industry. Since his launch of a pilot Safavieh furniture and rug store in 1995 in Stamford, Conn., Michael has spearheaded Safavieh Home Furnishings into a chain of 10 total home stores in metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Today, Safavieh Home Furnishings is now the largest luxury home retailer in the tri-state market.
One of five Yaraghi brothers who jointly own and operate Safavieh, Michael is president of the retail division. He was born in Isfahan, Iran in 1960, and was studying at the American College of Switzerland in 1979 when the revolution in Iran forced his father and brothers to close Safavieh and relocate the business to New York City. He joined the family business in 1984 at Safavieh’s original Madison Avenue showroom.
“It’s fitting that Michael will be honored by GMFA this year as Safavieh is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary.” notes Andy Gans, for whose father the Award is named. “Safavieh is an American success story with deep roots in GMFA’s back yard. Michael has earned the respect for his love of quality furnishings and his desire to help Safavieh customers’ share his passion for great design. His leadership is reflected in the way his company is perceived in the industry and by its customers.”
When asked about this year’s event, Patrick Cory, Managing Partner of Cory First Home Delivery and President of the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association noted, “Michael expanded his core area rug business, mixing it with lifestyle furniture brands to create a unique shopping experience. GMFA is proud to honor Michael's commitment to our industry, his accomplishments and his life, in November."
“In 2014 we will also honor Will Schafer of Ashley Furniture Home Stores with the Howard Liveright Award, and Todd Weinstein as our Representative of the year, concludes Cory. These industry giants represent the best of what the furniture industry has to offer in terms of what they do for their customers, suppliers and communities.”
The GMFA (black tie optional) Dinner and Dance presents an opportunity for retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and dancing.
Reservations and Souvenir Journal: To get more information on attending this event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor Michael Yaraghi, please contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.
About GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, and service related industries in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. An affiliate of the representatives’ association IHFRA, GMFA works to foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among members in the home furnishings industry, hosts networking and social events, educational seminars, provides valuable discounts and is a voice for industry interests on national, regional and local levels.
About the Jerry Gans Memorial Award: The Jerry Gans Memorial Award is given in recognition of an individual who has distinguished himself/herself with deeds and service to the industry. This award was established in the name of Jerry Gans who gave honor and dignity to his profession.
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