Carmen Saenz Murray, Owner and President of Rodeo Carpet Mills in Commerce, California was born in El Paso, Texas. One of 10 children, she spent the first years of her life living in an area of Mexico void of electricity and running water. At age six, she often sold her mothers' burritos on the poverty-stricken streets she called home. Yet, Murray's humble beginnings never stifled her dreams; rather they fueled a desire that led her to become one of a few minority women in America to own and operate a successful and respected business, in this case, a prestigious carpet and rug mill.

For Murray the road to Rodeo Carpet Mills began at age 10 when her family moved from Mexico to California. She worked hard to learn English and held several jobs during high school to help her family meet their expenses. In 1982, at age 18 she became a part-time receptionist for a local decorator supply house owned by Lou Sugarman. Sugarman, spent most of his time traveling, searching for unique items to sell in his showroom. Lou purchased interest in a tufting mill that manufactured one of a kind rugs made from leftover yarns. The rugs grew in popularity and this growth eventually led to the purchase of more equipment and the birth of Rodeo Carpet Mills.

The prominent decorator supply house and Rodeo shared an office until 1987 when the two companies separated. Murray, who was now fluent in all facets of both businesses, went to the Rodeo side as assistant manager of customer service. Not boxed in by her title, Murray quickly became involved in production, sales and operations. By 1990, Murray was promoted to General Manager and instituted changes that successfully grew Rodeo's business. Her efforts made such a positive impact on Sugarman that he named her President of the company in 1998 and allowed her to start purchasing stock in the company. The remaining shares of Rodeo were sold to Murray in 2000 when Sugarman decided to retire. Although Murray now holds full ownership of the mill, the mill continues to operate with the same old-fashioned values instituted and held in place for 35 years.

Rodeo continues to pride itself on exceptional customer service, often working directly with residential and commercial designers to ensure the highest level of satisfaction. The company is recognized for its luxurious wool and silk products. Amongst those products, it is especially known for its hand-tufted broad looms, which can be found in numerous high profile projects around the world, including the Amway headquarters in Japan; One post Street in San Francisco, California; and Nike Corporation in Portland, Oregon.

Today, after 20 years of leading the company to its new frontiers, Carmen Murray is looking forward to the coming years with even more excitement than she did when she first joined the mill. The company has continued to grow and is now stronger and better equipped to serve its clients. Thanks to the experience and love for the trade she posses, Rodeo Carpet Mills, has and will continue to flourish on a worldwide scale.