This week on JobMakers, Host Denzil Mohammed talks with Mahmud Jafri, who built on a legacy started by his grandfather and began importing hand-knitted rugs from his native Pakistan, creating opportunities especially for women who traditionally couldn’t work outside the home. Today, he has three Dover Rug & Home stores across Massachusetts, including the Back Bay, which have experienced an uptick in sales during the pandemic’s “renovation revolution.” Jafri discusses why he made the journey to the U.S., and challenges he encountered, such as the “concrete ceiling” in the corporate world for foreigners at that time. He also shares thoughts on how to ensure the United States remains a welcoming country, and what can be done to more effectively integrate all immigrants for the benefit of everyone.

Guest

Mahmud Jafri is Managing Director at Dover Rug & Home, an interior design business which he founded over 30 years ago, and CEO at Dover Squash & Fitness. Mr. Jafri has received numerous awards, including the 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, and was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to his Advisory Council on Immigrants and Refugees. Mr. Jafri is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, International Furnishing and Design Association, and World Floor Covering Association. Dover Rug & Home has been the recipient of the “Best of” Boston Home award, as well as the CNC Reader’s Choice award. The company is consistently recognized for its philanthropy, as it supports over 50 charitable organizations on a regular basis.

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