Mahmud Jafri, CEO of Dover Rug & Home has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in New England by India New England. Among the list of influential people are entrepreneurs, executives, investors, community leaders, researchers, activists, artists, students, philanthropists or anyone else whose work, effort or influence helps shape the South Asian community in New England. The honorees were chosen based on community nominations and input from the editorial staff. 

Since 2000, India New England has been a source of business and community news for South Asians in New England. It provides information that professionals need to develop and grow their business, and news that keeps the community connected with events and happenings in their neighborhood.

In addition to consistently being recognized for the impressive growth of his business, Dover Rug & Home, Jafri has also received accolades for his commitment to community development and educating and promoting a better understanding of his culture and heritage. Events such as his recent hosting of a book signing and presentation by Qais Akbar Omar, author of the internationally acclaimed memoir, "A Fort of Nine Towers," which shared a very important and misunderstood region in the world; from his educational outreach program to local school children on the art of rug making, which focuses on the craft and helps build a better understanding of the Muslim culture; to spear-heading an effort to bring the Pakistani Junior Squash Team to the United States to train at his Dover Squash & Fitness facility adjacent to Dover Rug & Home, is testament to his commitment.

“Since immigrating to America from Pakistan, I have been truly blessed with an abundance of opportunity and acceptance. Because of this, I have committed to reaching out to the community to share culture, heritage and social acceptance in hopes to give back to those who have given so much to me. I applaud all those who take the time to look into another culture and open their eyes to the world around them,” said Jafri

Jafri is also the recent recipient of the 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, an annual awards program sponsored by the Immigrant Learning Center (ILC) and has been appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to his Advisory Council on Immigrants and Refugees. Jafri is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Furnishing and Design Association (IFDA), and World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). Dover Rug & Home is the recipient of the 2011“Best of” Boston Home  award, as well as the CNC Reader’s Choice award for “Best Carpet Store” 11 years in a row. The company has been recognized for its philanthropy, as it supports over 50 charitable organizations regularly.