J. Michael Edwards is a native of Wake County, North Carolina and grew up on a tobacco farm in the Cary/Apex area. Michael is a graduate of Apex High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of California at Northridge. He received his North Carolina real estate brokerage license in 1986 and has been an active member of the commercial real estate community since then. Michael is the broker in charge and established Edwards Commercial Real Estate (formally known as Edwards & Edwards Real Estate, Inc.) in 1986.

Michael has been involved with the sale and acquisition of over $250,000,000 worth of real property throughout his career and specializes in the acquisition of raw land for later development. He is able to shepherd his clients through successful municipal processes of annexation, rezoning, and site plan approval. Additionally, Michael owns and manages several office and commercial buildings. He has evolved Edwards Commercial Real Estate into a full-service management and leasing company as well. He is actively involved in purchase and management of investment and income-producing properties.

Michael continues to reside in the historic family property in Cary where he remains an active member of his Community. He is a member of the Cary MacGregor Rotary Club and serves as a board member of the Friends of the Page Walker Historical Society and the Capital Area Preservation. Michael is involved with many nonprofits, such as American Lung Cancer Society, Guardian Angel Thrift Shop, and Cary Visual Art. Additionally, Michael is co-owner of J.M. Edwards Fine Jewelry and a Certified Gemologist Appraiser with the American Gem Society. He has two children, Caroline and Carl, and four grandchildren.