Our Story: Where Craftsmanship and Community Meet

Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design began in 1940 simply as “Gorman’s”– a railroad damaged freight reseller in Detroit, founded by Ben Gorman. Originally focused on reselling canned goods from damaged shipments, Gorman’s ventured into in furniture after recognizing the potential in repairing and reselling damaged home furnishings. That shift marked the beginning of a decades-long reputation for quality, value, and forward-thinking design.

At Gorman’s, we believe great homes start with meaningful relationships—and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward, one client at a time.

In 1965, Ben Gorman sold the company to Bernie Moray

A seasoned furniture industry executive. Bernie's leadership helped elevate Gorman’s from a single local store into a trusted name in fine furniture and interior design. With business partners Tom Lias and Jeff Roberts, Bernie expanded the business, opened multiple showrooms across Michigan, and built a brand grounded in superior customer service, relationship-driven retail, and high design standards.

Each partner brought distinct strengths that fostered the strong, community-oriented culture for which Gorman’s is known for today. Collectively, they understood that the success of their business was rooted in the people they serve, and giving back was not just a value, it was a responsibility as business owners.

This leadership team helped cement Gorman’s values

Bernie Moray, a visionary and philanthropist, made Gorman’s a fixture in the community—hosting nonprofit events in the showrooms and championing civic involvement. His wife, Muriel Moray, helped define Gorman’s aesthetic as a buyer, shaping collections with an eye for elegance and timeless design. Jeff Roberts and his wife Shelly played a key role in establishing Gorman’s visual identity, choosing furnishings that reflected refined taste and lasting beauty and building a sense of loyalty among customers. Tom Lias, supported by his wife, Chris, was a forward-thinker that helped strengthen the organization’s operations, a multi-year vision for the company, and a heart for individuals who needed help advocating for themselves. He was especially committed to supporting The Arc of Oakland County.

Following Bernie’s passing in 2021 at age 100, and the retirement of longtime executives Jeff Roberts and Tom Lias in 2023, the next generation of leadership stepped forward.

Jonathan Moray, son of Bernie and Muriel, and former Gorman’s Vice President

Now serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Attending University of Michigan and Michigan State with a background in international relations and economics, Jonathan has been immersed in the business for more than 35 years. Starting in the warehouse, he worked across departments—managing logistics, modernizing IT systems, and leading operational strategy—to help drive Gorman’s continued evolution as a trusted source of fine home furnishings and design expertise.

He is joined by President Duane Petroskey, who oversees day-to-day operations, merchandising, marketing, and purchasing. A Detroit native, Duane began in his family’s own furniture business and brings more than 38 years of industry experience. His leadership ensures Gorman’s continues to deliver top-tier service, style, and innovation.

Today, Gorman’s operates four showrooms in Southfield, Troy, Novi, and the Farmington Hills Clearance Center—each dedicated to helping clients create spaces that reflect their personal style with elevated, lasting design.