Mr. and Mrs. Gates co-founded Gates Antiques Ltd. in 1961. Currently they are one of the largest “true” antique shops on the east coast, specializing in home and office furnishings, Circa 1650-1890. Gates Antiques Ltd. operates a retail and restorative work shop, with an area of over 19,000 square feet for the full time show rooms and warehouses. In 1997,  John A. Gates Jr. decided to enter the family antique business full time. He assumed the management of the company in 2001 and has led the business ever since. Jay specializes in American and English furniture from 1650-1925 and Chinese and Japanese export. Jay is an active member of the New England Appraisers Association. Gates Antiques Ltd. has been repeatedly voted the one of the Favorite Furniture Repair and Refinishing Shop and Best Antique Store by the Richmond Magazine since 2011. Gates Antiques Ltd. is recognized as a leader in the antique industry in central Virginia. Jay has been featured on television and in various publications as an expert appraiser and favorite antique store and over the years.