Industry veterans Raja Gulati and Larry Hedrick have launched Lifestyles USA, an upscale rug importer targeting specialty retailers, furniture stores and mass merchandisers alike. Located in Secaucus, N.J., the company is offering distinctive hand-crafted products as well as bath mats, loomed and flat-woven rugs.

"We are extremely excited to launch this new company together," said Hedrick. His experience includes positions with Alans Oriental Rugs, Smith and Noble Rug Studio, Rugs of the World and Oriental Weavers of America. His partner Gulati was most recently the national sales manager for Masterlooms. For more information on Lifestyles USA, call (201) 674-8767.