"I have immensely enjoyed my career in the rug, carpet and flooring industry," Saul said. "I would like to thank all our employees, vendors and especially all the customers for all their support of our company."

Saul has been with Shaw since 1998 when the Dalton, Ga.-based carpet maker purchased his family's mill, Queen Carpet. The mill began as a family rug business, Queen Tufting, in 1963. Under the leadership of Saul and his father Harry (now deceased), the company grew into a prominent carpet mill. Queen Carpet swelled in size throughout the '70s and '80s, and acquired carpet makers including Patcraft, Cumberland, Fanfare and Tuftex during the '90s before merging with Shaw.

Robert E. Shaw, CEO, noted, "Our industry has benefited greatly through the years from all that the Saul family has contributed. Julian has been a tremendous part of our success here at Shaw since joining forces with us in 1998. He is a true friend to the industry and to the greater community of Northwest Georgia."