Interior Designer – Michael “Jody” Crow

Michael “Jody” Crow starts Homerama 2011 with fourteen show houses under his belt. He honestly looks forward to being part of each and every TBA event that showcases spectacular homes and the people that create them. Since he can remember new construction design has been his passion. It’s no wonder since he was born and raised in the home building industry right here in Tidewater. “It seems like one in three families when I was growing up was somehow involved in construction”

After graduating with a Business & Marketing degree from Old Dominion University he began his career in Real Estate, specializing in New Construction Sales & Marketing. That job really put him on the path to interior design for commercial property in Chester. After becoming part of one of the most successful real estate teams he ended up designing the models, helping clients with their new home selections and staging. Once Jody had built his first home he realized his true calling was design even though he had enjoyed his job in real estate marketing he decided to go back to school and get his degree in Interior Design. He continued his work in real estate until graduation and then took a chance and opened his own design firm with help and support from his family and friends. Because of his experience in marketing he knew he had to decide on the exact type of clientele and the market he would set his eyes on and stick to the plan. After doing his homework He sought out the best builder’s with good reputations and continued his relationship with his former coworkers in Real Estate. Because of that it didn’t seem to take long building up a great clientele. Word of mouth spread and he found himself designing Custom Homes, Retail Shops with a nice Shop Fronts & Restaurants throughout Tidewater. They were also getting ready to refurbish a shopfront, so when they found out how much an aluminium shop front cost, they sought out a guide to find the best deal.

When Sam Cohen from Joey Corporation asked him to join in on his first Homerama Home in 1997 Jody was on board.  He knew it was a perfect fit and they’ve been working together ever since. Sam and Jody have built new homes and remodeled projects that range from $200,000 to $4 million over the past 14 years, not to mention Town homes, Condominium Complexes, Retail Stores and the list goes on and on. They have won numerous awards from “BEST HOUSE IN SHOW”,” BEST INTERIOR DESIGN”, “BEST CRAFTSMANSHIP” to mention a few. It’s funny because I talked with the both of them and they really don’t seem to like talking about themselves yet they’ll brag on each other. It’s obvious they are a great team and really enjoy what they do. I asked Jody where all his awards were and he opened up a couple drawers in his office… They were packed full. When I asked why he didn’t display them he exclaimed, “I just don’t want my office to look like a brag board. Honestly my housekeeper hates to dust! “However whenever I’m in doubt or need a little motivation I open a drawer. I appreciate each and every one of them and trust me a story comes along with each one.”

Homerama truly changed Jody’s life in 2000. A major lighting & design company in New York City had been photographing/ filming his designs and Sam’s homes since 1998 to showcase their products. His home designs and selections have been in their catalogues and commercials ever since. In 2000 they offered him a job as their Visual Merchandiser and he toke it with an agreement that he could continue his work with Joey Corporation. A deal was made and he truly enjoyed eleven years meeting and working with some of the greatest people in the country. After numerous years of traveling throughout the country designing showrooms, show homes and teaching seminars on merchandising and marketing he decided to make a change after four promotions and titles. Even though he had the pleasure of working with such designers & licensee partners as Martha Stewart, Bob Mackie & Williamsburg Foundation to name a few he just couldn’t continue living like a gypsy. So he decided to take on the new position as Creative Marketing & Development Executive. His new role was managing all staff & activities within the marketing & graphics departments, showroom set up and display, and had to direct the preparation of materials for the design department relating to trends and design forecast.” It was truly a great experience even though it was one of the hardest jobs I ever signed on for. The challenges, failures and accomplishments truly changed my life.” When He originally took the position, he said he would give it a couple of years for the experience… well He lasted eleven years.” It was the best experience and career ever but forty was just around the corner and the economy had changed everything.” I knew I needed to ride out my contract and move on.”

He found himself at the crossroads & realized Home Design was in his blood. He made the decision to return full time and give it 110%, opening a Design Studio in Greenbrier, and becoming a TBA member once again. He said, “I know I made the right choice. I look forward to each and everyday. I can’t wait to get to work. It’s good to be back!”

He is excited about being part of “The Treasure Chest“. “I can’t wait to work with all the designer’s at The Closet Factory and ASID.”