M.P. & K. D. Horn and Leather Shop, former CE Autry Leather

Talking to Pat Miller is like talking with a living encyclopedia.  You’ll never get bored and you’ll have lots to learn.   She is, without a doubt, one of the most experienced entrepreneurs in the Rodeo Business.

Her father, M.P. Autry made the women purses and others leather accessories to sell in his shop in Fort Worth.  Today the shop is still located in the same location as when it was opened.   M.P. started also selling at stock and rodeo shows throughout the country.   Probably this was the best formula he found to take advantage of his “handcrafting abilities”, go out and look for the clients. 

Pat is very proud of her family’s heritage.  She remembers Gene Autry, her father second cousin, also known as the “Singing Cowboy”, who was the first entertainer to appear at a rodeo, back in 1942 in Houston and 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas.   “But what probably made us remember him are his famous holiday songs: "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Says Pat as her eyes sparkle when she talked about him and his famous horse, Champion.  Maybe as a little cowgirl watching his movies kept her motivated from rodeo to rodeo. 

Intergeneration Family Business

When Pat’s grandfather, CE Autry, passed away in 1962, her father Marvin Paul Autry (MP) and her husband Kenneth Duane Miller (KD) took over the business and changed the name to “M.P. & K.D. Horn and Leather”.

Now fourth generation and great grandson to CE, Duane Miller, Pat’s son, holds the reins and keeps running the business.  Pat and her husband continue to be involved in the operation, but Duane adds his own personal touch to the business.  This intergeneration business family tradition lives on along with a modern twit and the promise to bring top quality, unique western-inspired items to all.  

“We keep our signature products, like our mounted steer horns that we made since my father was in business.   But we also have available our western apparel and accessories.   All our products are proudly made in Texas by local artist”. Pat tells us.

Re-Inventing the Company

The company keeps adapting to the times.  In 2006 they entered the “INTERNET ERA”, with an online store.   But that wasn’t enough.

When we ask her how the rodeo has changed, one of the elements she mentioned is how the Rodeo fashions have evolved.  She knows that they have to redesign their products to keep up with the times. Not just for cowgirls who are becoming less rudimentary and becoming more of a shabby chic, the rodeo appeal have increased the embellished to become more “bling”, with more cowhide, studs and even crystals.  

Not just cowgirls, but cowboys have turn out to be more fashionistas.   

Big expectation for 2010

“Last year the rodeo was not so good.  There were a lot of people that didn’t need to have a belt; they didn’t need to have a purse.   They had to pay their bills, and we noticed that. The booths are expensive.  You have to work hard to get your investment back.” Say Pat. 

But she is very positive about this year.  They have been doing the Rodeo Circuit for several decades, so she knows how a good year looks from the beginning.   

Why do you come to the Houston rodeo?

“I used to come with my dad to what was called the “Downtown Houston Rodeo” when I was a teenager.  Then they moved to different locations, they changed the names…” says Pat.  Every year they made part of the Rodeo Circuit including Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston.   “We still come to Houston because one competitive advantage of Houston Rodeo is the schedule.  Houston is open all day, during the 20 days of the events.  Some other shows just open for a few hours per day, and you can’t get the return of your investment as well as in Houston.”

The 2010 Houston Rodeo is a huge success and it provides tremendous opportunities to the hundreds of exhibitors like Pat Miller to sell and promote their products and services while giving the local economy a considerable boost.

We invite all of you to get a discussion going.  Please submit your comments at the end of this article, Thanks.