Michael Rifai

About Michael Rifai

With over 15 years of experience in the tailoring and fashion industry, I am a passionate and visionary entrepreneur who co-founded Needle and Thread, a bespoke and ready-to-wear clothing brand, and Rifai, a tailoring and alterations company. My mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective, and personalized solutions for customers who value style, fit, and comfort. As the CEO of both companies, I oversee all aspects of business development and operations, from sourcing and securing manufacturers, to establishing and enforcing policies and procedures, to building and leading teams across sales, customer service, and production. I have a proven track record of improving operational efficiency, team productivity, customer satisfaction, and business profitability, while maintaining a strong brand identity and reputation. I also have a keen eye for detail and a deep knowledge of fabrics and suits, which earned me the Tailoring and Alterations Award in 2012. I am fluent in Arabic, Turkish, and English, and have developed partnerships with various stores and clients across the Middle East and Europe.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Rifai

   Jan 2023 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

   Establish and enforce operational policies and procedures- Oversee staff management processes, including hiring talented leadership, developing schedules, conducting trainings, assigning tasks and supervising performance- Communicate a clear direction and expectations to the team to foster understanding and drive. Perform the full range of business development operations, including lead generation, budgeting, resource allocation, documentation and reporting- Source and secure high-quality, cost-effective manufacturers.

Education

• Oakland University

  Health Science in Psychology

• Wayne State University

  Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology, Business Administration and Management, General