Charles Ray & Assoc

Charles Ray and Associates was founded in 1991 with a mission to provide the interior design trade with a unique and valuable resource: high-quality, affordable custom upholstery furniture. This vision was nurtured over decades, taking root in the heart of Charles Ray himself. His journey began in the world of furniture through his grandfather, Charles Jaynes, who established Jaynes Furniture store in Athens, Ohio in 1949. As a young man, Charles worked alongside his grandfather, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the world of furniture. Later, after moving to Lawrence, Kansas, Charles further honed his skills at Bud Jennings Carpet and Draperies, where he cultivated a keen eye for design and developed a concept for a furniture store that showcased well-designed vignettes, creating a cohesive and inspiring experience for customers.

From Vision to Success

Returning to Athens for college, Charles resumed his role in the family business, Jaynes Furniture Store. He infused the store with new energy and vision, restructuring its layout and expanding its offerings to include carpets, draperies, and those critical, carefully curated vignettes. This transformation made Jaynes Furniture a true "One-Stop Store" for all home furnishings needs. Driven by ambition and armed with an MBA from Harvard, Charles took the next bold step, developing a comprehensive business plan for the furniture industry. This plan was shared with Jack and Ned Gerken at Norwalk Furniture. The experience, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, fueled his desire to launch his own venture. In 1991, Charles Ray and Associates opened its first showroom within the prestigious AmericasMart in Atlanta.

A Legacy of Quality and Innovation

Charles Ray and Associates quickly gained recognition as a significant presence in both the Atlanta and Dallas Market Centers. The company's unique proposition - combining custom upholstery with a diverse selection of case good vendors - offered interior designers a seamless and comprehensive solution for their projects. Charles Ray's reputation as a highly respected professional became synonymous with quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of the needs of the design community. Co-Founder Gloria Ventura, with her business acumen and passion for design, joined Charles in this journey, ensuring the continued success and growth of Charles Ray and Associates.

Services for a Distinct Design Community

Charles Ray and Associates is dedicated to providing superior service and a wide range of furniture solutions to interior designers. The company offers the following services:

• Custom Upholstery: Designers can collaborate with expert craftsmen to create unique furniture pieces tailored to their specific requirements.

• Case Good Selection: Featuring a vast collection of case goods from leading manufacturers, Charles Ray and Associates offers a diverse range of styles and designs to complement any project.
• Product Support: The company provides strong support to designers, assisting with ordering, product inquiries, and any other assistance needed to ensure smooth project execution.
• Trend Awareness: Charles Ray and Associates actively monitors industry trends and introduces new furniture lines and styles, keeping designers informed of the latest design innovations.

Empowering Designers Through Collaboration

Charles Ray and Associates believes in fostering strong relationships with its clientele. The company hosts designer showcases and networking events, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Charles Ray and Associates also actively engages with the design community through social media and online platforms.