MANU AND RIKA SHAH
CO-FOUNDERS
MS INTERNATIONAL
SHAH HAPPINESS FOUNDATION
WHY: Couple in 1975 started granite import business out of their basement in Fort Wayne, Indianna, and grew it to the 13th largest privately owned firm in Orange County with sales around $2.2B. CEO title split between their two sons, Rupesh and Raj.
IN THE NEWS: This year donated undisclosed gift to Providence St. Jude Medical Center, establishing the Shah Happiness Center for Cardiovascular Health. Gift inspired by the care Manu received at St. Jude as a patient after experiencing his first heart attack 25 years ago.
NOTABLE: Began the Shah Happiness Foundation that supports causes such as early childhood education, healthcare and well-being, and employment generation. Has goal to give all of their money away in their lifetime.
QUOTABLE: “I had done what I set out to do—build a business rooted in values, fairness, and opportunity.” — Manu Shah
