Neighborhood business: Mahmud Jafri (Pakistan) of Dover Rug & Home, Natick.

Business growth: Rafael Guzman (Dominican Republic) of RM Technologies, Inc., Lawrence.

Science/technology business: Dr. Chiang Li (China) of Boston Biomedical, Inc., Cambridge.

See profiles and videos below.

The nominees in attendance received citations from their respective legislators, and the three winners received trophies and citations from Massachusetts Treasurer and Receiver General Steven Grossman and Master of Ceremonies Richard A. Davey, Jr., secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and ILC board trustee. All were impressive examples of entrepreneurial spirit.

In welcoming guests, The ILC Founder, President and CEO Diane Portnoy said, “As entrepreneurs, immigrants revitalize depressed neighborhoods, create jobs, pay taxes and help form the backbone of this country… This is not a new story in American history. Since the founding of this country, immigrants have come here with hope, drive and ingenuity and have become entrepreneurs. This evening’s awardees and nominees are part of a long and proud tradition.”

Guest Speaker Steven Grossman shared his personal relationship to immigrant entrepreneurship from his experience leading the company founded by his immigrant grandfather, Grossman Communications, to his interactions with immigrant small business owners participating in the Commonwealth’s Small Business Banking Partnership.

Here’s a glimpse of this year’s 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award winners.

 

Outstanding Neighborhood Business

Mahmud Jafri, founder of Dover Rug & Home

Country of origin: Pakistan  

Dover Rug & Home began in Jafri’s house in 1989. He stored the rugs in the garage and used the living room as a showroom. Twenty-three years later, Dover Rug & Home occupies a 36,000-square-foot space on Route 9 in Natick.

Jafri is also committed to community development, which is evident in the school programs, interfaith initiatives and charitable organizations he supports. Born out of his love of the sport, he also built the Dover Squash and Fitness facility for area enthusiasts to play and use as a platform for cross-cultural understanding.

Jafri said, “When I immigrated in 1974, I, like many of you, was apprehensive about what it would be like to start a new chapter of my life in an entirely new country. But I knew that this great nation offered endless opportunities and welcomed people of all races and creeds from every corner of the world with open arms. The acceptance and camaraderie I experienced along the way taught me how fortunate I am to live in a country that offers the resources and guidance to anyone who has the drive and ambition to succeed regardless of where you are from, the color of your skin or what higher power you believe in.”

 

Outstanding Business Growth

Rafael Guzman, founder of RM Technologies, Inc.

Country of origin: Dominican Republic

When Guzman bought RM Technologies, Inc. in 1997, the small demolition and environmental remediation firm had only three office staff and was making $800,000 a year. He turned it into an expanded business employing more than 200 people with 45 percent revenue growth over the last three years.

In his remarks, Guzman stressed the importance of education. He has a master’s in manufacturing engineering, and he thanked the American people for the assistance he received to make this education possible. He framed his company’s explosive growth as a way of giving back saying, “My company last year paid over $3 million in salaries and wages to 172 employees. I’m happy to report that this year we project to pay over $5 million to over 250 people, mostly immigrants from the city of Lawrence, the poorest city in the Commonwealth. The American dream is alive and kicking very much. It’s here for most of us to reach in this great nation.”

In addition to job creation, Guzman gives back to his community by sponsoring Lawrence film festivals, book fairs and baseball teams, and he established a scholarship for underprivileged children like himself who want to study engineering.

 

Outstanding Science/Technology Business

Dr. Chiang Li, founder of Boston Biomedical, Inc.

Country of origin: China

Li is a prolific inventor, successful businessman and doctor committed to helping others. He has pioneered research into treatments of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He has founded five companies and is the named inventor on 230 patents.

In 2006, when 30 scientists working under him were about to be laid off, Li resigned, started a new company and re-hired all 30 scientists. That company was Boston Biomedical, Inc. The company has developed an innovative clinical-stage product pipeline that targets cancer stem cells. It was acquired in 2012 for up to $2.63 billion. Li serves as president, CEO and chief medical officer.

Li shared his success with many others including the Massachusetts’ business environment. “Here, in Massachusetts I think we have all three elements [talent, capital and a supportive political system]. That’s why there is no better place on Earth, I feel, to grow science/technology/innovation business than here in Massachusetts… There is an unparalleled [supply of] science/technology [talent]. A large percentage is immigrants. The combination is so powerful. There is no country in the world that is even close to a country like America to grow innovative business.”

For more videos, see our Immigrant Entrepreneur Interview Series.