Our Story
Founded in 1978 by third generation rug dealer Kasra Massarat, daily operations at Asian Trade Rug Company are led by Kasra’s daughter and CEO Hannah Massarat and his business partner, Tomas Almazan. The team has been fortunate enough to travel internationally several times each year to purchase directly from tribes and traders of the region. These multigenerational relationships ensure their clients have consistent access to the most unique and beautiful pieces at fair prices.
Asian Trade Rug Company is Southern Arizona’s trusted resource for all things rug related. Asian Trade is a full-service rug company including a dazzling showroom with thousands of quality hand-knotted rugs from around the world including modern, vintage and antique treasures. In addition to sales, Asian Trade also boasts a 3,500 square foot cleaning plant and a full time Master Repairman offering cleaning and repairs for both retail and wholesale accounts.
Thanks to Asian Trade’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, transparent business practices, fair prices, and commitment to dealing in only high-quality hand knotted rugs, they have built an extremely loyal following that spans not only all over Southern Arizona, but also to countless out-of-state clients nationwide.
Whether you’re looking for a unique antique, a custom rug, or simply want to take good care of your existing collection, Asian Trade Rug Company is your trusted source for all your rug needs.
Founder/Owner
Kasra immigrated from Iran in the 1970s to attend the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. But after the Iranian hostage crisis made it difficult for international students to find work, he pivoted—choosing to build something of his own.
In 1978, with no formal background in retail but a lifelong familiarity with rugs—thanks to family ties to a multigenerational rug business in Tehran—Kasra opened Asian Trade Rug Company. Tucson didn’t yet have a dedicated handmade rug store, and he saw both a need and an opportunity. What began as a two-man operation grew over the decades into one of Tucson’s most trusted and well-loved businesses, with a team of 15 and a reputation for integrity and quality.
Kasra personally sourced rugs from villages and weaving centers across Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and beyond. His belief in face-to-face relationships, honest work, and treating people right shaped the culture of the business from day one.
Though now semi-retired, Kasra continues to serve as a mentor and advisor. You can find him walking the beaches of Carlsbad, California—and still answering the occasional rug question for his daughter, Hannah, who now leads the business’s daily operations.
CEO
A 4th generation rug dealer, you could say Hannah was quite literally born into her role. Hannah joined Asian Trade Rug Company in 2020 with a background in commercial interior architecture and design and a goal to retire her father, founder Kasra Massarat. She took over as CEO the summer of 2023 and has been working hard to move Asian Trade into the digital age including a new website, digitizing the business, growing wholesale and retail cleaning plant operations, and dreaming big for the future of her family business.
Hannah wears many hats at the company including handling marketing, purchasing, sales, and directing day-to-day operations. Hannah spends her time off in the company of good friends and her son, Adrian Cyrus, who was born in March of 2022. When she’s alone, you will find her at estate sales, antique shops and thrift stores hunting for treasures.
Owner/Partner
A local Tucsonan, Tomas Almazan joined Asian Trade in 1986 working alongside Kasra Massarat to build the business into what it is today. In 2003, Tomas shifted into the role of Operating Partner. Today, Tomas plays an instrumental part in the daily activities of Asian Trade including acting as a resource and mentor to the staff, providing expert rug appraisals, and leading sales with some of our long time designers and retail clients.
Tomas is an avid cyclist and spends most mornings on the “path”, streets and hills around Southern Arizona. When he’s not riding, Tomas enjoys finding quality time with his lovely wife Gloria and relishes time with his two grown children Isabella and Cristian.
Master Repairman
With more than four decades of expertise in the rug industry, Ali Shahinpour stands as a master in the art of repairing and restoring handmade rugs. From treasured antiques to delicate silk marvels, Ali possesses the skill to bring these pieces back to their former glory.
Born in Iran, Ali spent over two decades leading his own Persian rug workshop. His talents as a restoration specialist have taken him across both the European and Los Angeles rug markets, amassing a wealth of experience along the way. Ali’s expertise extends to antique rugs from various corners of the globe, and he possesses the remarkable ability to discern and evaluate museum-quality rugs. His reputation as a trusted authority in the industry has earned him the admiration of the most prominent figures in the handmade rug industry.
Asian Trade Rug Company is proud to have Mr. Ali Shahinpour as a permanent member of our team. When he’s not meticulously restoring handmade rugs, Ali cools off by swimming at The Tucson Racquet Club during his leisure time. He also enjoys traveling with his beloved wife, Leila, and relishing quality moments with his grown children, Sarah and Shahin.
Showroom Manager
Born in Flagstaff, Devin has practically grown up at Asian Trade Rug Company, joining the team in 2013 and working his way through nearly every position—from cleaning rugs in the plant to running the front counter. There’s nothing he hasn’t done and nothing he doesn’t know how to do. Today, as Showroom Manager, he oversees daily operations and sales, manages our delivery team, and keeps the showroom running seamlessly. Acting as a right hand to Hannah, Devin is integral to the day-to-day functioning of the business and brings a strong background in customer service and management to everything he does.
Head of Cleaning & Repair
A Tucson native, Devin joined Asian Trade Rug Company in 2021 and quickly developed a passion for rugs, immersing himself in learning about the many styles and weaving traditions. He’s often found at the front desk, overseeing repair quotes, serving as a liaison between Mr. Ali and our clientele, and assisting clients with cleaning intake and delivery scheduling.
As Head of Cleaning & Repair, Devin ensures every piece is cared for in a timely manner and keeps the lines of communication open with our clients. Devin also enjoys his role as a salesperson, helping clients find the perfect pieces for their homes.
Outside of work, he enjoys bowling in a local league, playing video games, and spending time with his family and girlfriend.
Inventory Specialist & Bookkeeper
Dominique joined Asian Trade in 2022, bringing her Alabama roots and a background in farming—an unexpected foundation that gave her adaptability and a fresh perspective from day one. She quickly stood out for her precision and knack for detail, excelling at audits and inventory management. In 2024, she was promoted to Inventory Specialist and Bookkeeper, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.
She was instrumental in the company’s transition from paper to a fully digital filing system, a change that has allowed the team to organize, photograph, and present thousands of one-of-a-kind rugs on the website with meticulous accuracy—all while juggling the demands of bookkeeping. Her commitment to precision ensures the inventory and client accounts are as well cared for as the rugs themselves.
Manager
Raised in Tucson, Isaac’s journey with Asian Trade began at just 16 years old, giving him a rare, ground-up understanding of the business. Over the years, he’s done every job—from cleaning rugs to running deliveries—building the experience that made him a natural fit when the company needed a manager in 2022.
Innovative and process-minded, Isaac has helped shape the company’s procedures and ensure that operations run smoothly across the board. Today, he bridges communication between the showroom and cleaning plant, coordinates staff schedules, guides sales, and oversees the daily rhythm of the business.
Outside of work, Isaac channels his creativity into designing and tailoring custom clothing and exploring a range of artistic pursuits.
Head Delivery Driver
Born in Flagstaff and raised in Tucson, Jared brings both local roots and a sharp skillset to the team. A proud University of Arizona graduate with an MBA (Bear Down!), Jared came to ATRC with a strong background in technical and accounting knowledge.
As our Head Delivery Driver, he leads by example, combining efficiency and care to ensure every delivery runs smoothly. Customers appreciate his friendly, dependable nature, and the team counts on his upbeat energy day in and day out.
Off the clock, Jared coaches and plays volleyball, and enjoys life at home with his two dogs, Kona and Beau.
Deliveries
Born in Chicago and raised in Tucson, Kevin joined Asian Trade in 2024, and we’re very proud to be his first job ever.
Kevin quickly found his rhythm on the team, bringing a detail-oriented mindset and a genuine care for doing things right. You’ll most often spot Kevin riding shotgun in the Asian Trade delivery van, making sure every rug is carefully placed in its new home.
When he’s not busy sliding rugs under (and out from under) furniture, Kevin enjoys staying active and hitting the gym.
